"I want to go snowboarding, but I wonder how much it costs to rent equipment?"
What do I need to bring for snowboarding?
For those people, this article will explain the following:
- Snowboard rental prices and what's included
- The pros and cons of ski resort-operated rental shops, external rental shops, and home delivery rentals
- Rental items and belongings list
Specifically, we explain what cannot be rented due to COVID-19 countermeasures, and how many times you need to snowboard before it becomes cheaper to purchase equipment.
First of all, please read this as it will help you decide whether or not you should rent now.
Snowboard rental prices and what's included
The average rental fee for snowboards and what is and is not included in the package are listed below.
- Snowboard rental fee (board, clothing, boots)
- Accessories not included in the rental (gloves, goggles, etc.)
Each detail is explained below.
Snowboard rental fee (board, clothing, boots)
The average price for renting snowboard equipment varies depending on the region, ski resort, and rental shop, but the general average prices are as follows:
The basic rental items are a board set (board and boots) and clothing.
The average price is 4,000 to 5,000 yen for a board set and 3,000 to 4,000 yen for clothing.
However, prices vary depending on the ski resort. For example, at Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, a board set costs 5,500 yen and ski wear costs 4,000 yen.
To keep rental fees low, you may be able to get a discount if you rent the entire set.
Alternatively, you can often get discounts on rentals by joining a tour. At Karuizawa Snow Park, a board set costs 1,200 to 2,100 yen, and a board set and clothing set costs 2,700 to 4,000 yen.
Rental fees may be included in the tour price, and special perks such as lift tickets and lunch discount coupons may also be included.
In addition, rentals at ski resorts mainly consist of board sets and clothing, but if necessary, you can also rent just the board, clothing, or boots.
However, the cost may be higher than the set price, so be sure to check in advance.
Accessories not included in the rental (gloves, goggles, etc.)
As a measure against COVID-19, many ski resorts have stopped renting accessories such as gloves and goggles, so it is recommended that you purchase your own.
Some people don't buy gloves or goggles, but gloves protect your hands from the cold and injury, and goggles protect your eyes from injury and UV rays, making them important for comfortable skating even in a snowstorm.
These accessories are relatively inexpensive compared to boards, clothing, and boots, so they are easy to purchase.
You can find modern designs at great prices at mass retailers and online shopping.
However, if you plan to rent a board, clothing, and boots, when purchasing gloves and goggles, it is a good idea to choose colors that will easily match with all of your equipment.
The benefits of snowboard rental shops, online reservations, and home delivery rentals
There are a variety of snowboard rental shops to choose from, including ski resort directly managed shops, shops in accommodation facilities, and general rental shops.
At these stores, you can choose and rent the equipment and clothing you need for the day, but they can get crowded on weekends and the items you want may be sold out.
On the other hand, online advance reservations allow you to apply for rental in advance via the website, avoiding congestion on the day and allowing for smooth collection.
The reservation process is simple. Once you select the desired item, specify the date and time, and make the payment, a QR code will be generated. On the day of your visit, you can scan the code with the barcode reader at the ski resort and receive a receipt.
Present this at the rental counter and you will be able to receive your item after the size is confirmed.
However, please note that some ski resorts may not be able to accept reservations, so please check beforehand.
There is also a delivery rental service available, where you can reserve in advance online and have the item delivered directly to your home or accommodation .
This home delivery rental service offers the convenience of being able to go to the ski resort empty-handed, but you should keep in mind that the renter is responsible for maintenance and that round-trip shipping costs will apply.
We'll also introduce tips for renting cheaply! A comparison of various snowboard rental methods
We will compare various snowboard rental methods and introduce ways to rent them cheaply.
- The pros and cons of ski resort-run rental shops, external rental shops, and home delivery rentals
- Advance booking discount
Each detail is explained below.
The pros and cons of ski resort-operated rental shops, external rental shops, and home delivery rentals
Below we have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of rentals directly operated by the ski resort, external rental shops, and delivery rentals. 
As mentioned above, ski resort-run rental shops offer high quality equipment and a wide variety of rental items, making them convenient for unexpected visitors, beginners, and those who don't snowboard frequently.
However, the prices are higher, there are waiting times, and it can get crowded on weekends and at some ski resorts, so there is a risk that the item you want will be sold out.
On the other hand, external rental shops are cheaper and you can avoid waiting times by making advance reservations online, but you should be aware that the quality may be inferior.
With the home delivery rental service, there is no need to clean or dry the clothing after use, and it can be returned dirty, saving users time and effort.
Furthermore, if you select the rental insurance service, you will not be charged for damage that occurs during normal use, allowing you to use the rental with peace of mind.
However, with home delivery rentals, you may be required to pay for maintenance during the rental period and shipping fees when returning the item.
Online advance reservation discount
The online advance reservation discount allows you to make a reservation and pre-pay by 4:00 PM the day before your visit and receive a discount on a three-piece snowboard set (board, bindings, boots) or a top and bottom wear set.
The discount amount varies depending on the number of days of use, with a discount of approximately 300 yen for one day, 400 yen for two days, and 500 yen for three days.
However, individual items are not eligible for discounts.
Additionally, even during peak seasons, your desired size is guaranteed, so you don't have to worry about running out of stock.
However, only a limited number of ski resorts offer discounts for advance reservations, so it's important to do your research beforehand.
When it comes to snowboarding, is it better to rent or buy?
If you're going snowboarding, we'll introduce the following to help you decide whether it's more economical to rent or buy equipment.
- Rental items and checklist of what to bring
- Long-term cost comparison of renting vs. buying
Each detail is explained below.
Rental items and belongings list
The following items can be rented for snowboarding:
Items available for rental
- board
- binding
- boots
- Wear
The above items can be rented at most ski resorts, so beginners may want to hold off on purchasing them for now.
Bindings and leashes are also included in the rental and are essential for securing your boots and board and ensuring your safety.
Boots can be rented, but if they don't fit properly they can cause pain, so if you plan to snowboard frequently we recommend considering purchasing a pair.
You can rent clothing, but it is recommended that you buy clothing that is warm and breathable, so if you plan to go multiple times, it is recommended that you purchase your own.
Below is a list of what to pack for snowboarding:
Packing list
- UV-cut goggles
- Waterproof gloves
- Long socks for extra warmth
- Breathable and quick-drying innerwear
- Hats and neck warmers to protect against the cold
- Identification card
- Health insurance card
The above items are necessary for increased comfort and safety while snowboarding.
Also, please bring your ID card to verify your identity when renting, and your health insurance card in case of an accident.
Please note that ski resorts are dry, so we recommend that women take precautions against dryness such as lip balm and hand cream, as well as sunscreen to protect against UV rays.
In addition, having a lift ticket holder, coin purse, and pocket tissues will make your snowboarding experience even more comfortable.
Long-term cost comparison of renting vs. buying
Purchasing a complete set of snowboarding equipment will cost between 50,000 and 150,000 yen if you choose a low to mid-range model.
Rental costs about 8,000 yen, so if you use it 7 to 19 times, it will be more economical to buy it.
The rental fee for snowboard wear is around 4,000 yen, and the average price to purchase is 10,000 to 30,000 yen, so it is more cost-effective to purchase it if you plan to use it more than 3 to 8 times.
If you are a beginner or only go snowboarding a few times a year, renting is recommended, but if you plan to enjoy snowboarding at least two or three times a year for several years, it is more economical to buy equipment.
It's a good idea to try it out as a rental first, and if you find it enjoyable, consider buying it.
Of course, owning your own snowboarding gear will also increase your motivation.
Snowboard equipment rental procedures and necessary documents for the day
When renting snowboard equipment at a ski resort, you will need to show identification, such as a driver's license, student ID, insurance card, or passport.
If multiple people are applying, only the representative's ID is required.
Next, fill out the application form with necessary information such as height, weight, waist size, and shoe size, and submit it to the reception desk.
Based on this application form, staff will help you select the appropriate board, boots, clothing, etc.
The size of the boots is especially important, as you can try them on and change them if they don't fit.
If your toes feel tight inside the boots, we recommend going up one size.
If you wear thick socks, it may be more comfortable to go a little larger than your usual shoe size.
Tips for avoiding rental troubles and increasing satisfaction
Below are some points to keep in mind to avoid problems when renting snowboard equipment and tips to increase your satisfaction.
- If a breakdown or malfunction occurs in the rental item
- Renting children's equipment
- If rental items are lost, stolen, or damaged
- Preventing mix-ups of rental items
Each detail is explained below.
If a breakdown or malfunction occurs in the rental item
You can contact the ski resort rental center to have it replaced or repaired.
However, if the damage or loss is due to your own negligence, you may be charged the actual cost.
Renting children's equipment
When renting items for small children, choosing bright colors will help prevent them from getting lost.
Snowboarding also involves the risk of falling or colliding, and children in particular have immature balance skills, so it is essential to protect their heads with a helmet.
If rental items are lost, stolen, or damaged
You can use the property damage exemption compensation system to cover loss, theft, or damage to rental items.
If you sign up for this insurance, you will be exempt from any self-payment costs in the event of damage, so you can use rental items with peace of mind.
However, this compensation is limited to rental items and does not apply to personal injury accidents, so please be careful to ensure safety when skiing.
Preventing mix-ups of rental items
Rental items have a control number written on them, so by remembering the number of the equipment you rented, you can avoid mixing it up with someone else's rental items.
It's also important to remember where you put your equipment so you can find it easily after your break.
If you can't find it, look around the area, and if you still can't find it, ask the information center or rental corner.
Summary of snowboard rentals
Due to the impact of COVID-19, rental of small items such as gloves and goggles has been suspended in many cases, and most snowboard rentals only include the board, bindings, boots, and clothing.
Therefore, we recommend purchasing accessories such as gloves and goggles in advance.
Also, if you plan to use a complete set of snowboarding equipment 7 to 19 times, buying tends to be more cost-effective than renting.
However, there is a wide range of rental options available, and you can try out the latest equipment, so try renting according to your needs.