Central Snowsports

Rental FAQs

Planning your ski or snowboard holiday should be simple. Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions we’re asked most often about equipment hire, online bookings, our complimentary Guest Shuttle, and what to expect when renting with Central Snowsports.

If you can't find the information you're looking for, our friendly team is always happy to help.

With three convenient locations across the Hakuba Valley and our complimentary Guest Shuttle, getting fitted for your equipment couldn't be easier. All of our stores also offer customer parking.

You can view maps and opening hours on our Google listings or visit our Locations page.

  • Happo Store – Just 100 metres from the Happo-One Gondola
  • Wadano Store – Opposite the Sakka Lifts in the Sakka Area
  • Echoland Store – Located on Echoland Main Street

Our complimentary Guest Shuttle is available to all customers, whether you've booked online or are hiring as a walk-in guest.

When you're ready to be fitted, simply call us on 0261 85 0506 (or +81 261 85 0506 from overseas) and we'll arrange to collect you from your accommodation. Please be waiting at the front of your hotel or lodge so we can keep our pickups running smoothly.

With seven dedicated shuttle vehicles, we offer one of the fastest rental services in Hakuba.

After you've been fitted, we can:

  • Take you and your equipment back to your accommodation, or
  • Drop you at the ski resort and return your walking shoes to your hotel for you.

Absolutely!

If you've booked your equipment online, simply call or WhatsApp us when you arrive at the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal or Hakuba Station and we'll pick you up, fit your equipment in-store, then take you, your luggage and your gear directly to your accommodation.

To minimise waiting time, we recommend calling us when you board the final leg of your journey so we can coordinate your pickup. Please contact us directly rather than through a third party.

No, you're welcome to hire your equipment as a walk-in guest, subject to availability.

However, booking online is highly recommended. It speeds up the fitting process, gives you priority service, and helps us prepare for customers with specific sizing requirements.

During the online booking process you'll complete the same information we would normally collect in-store using a simple form. There's also a comments section where you can let us know about any special requests or additional information that may help us prepare your equipment. While we don't reply individually to these comments, our team reviews them before your arrival.

Online bookings are securely prepaid in Japanese Yen using Stripe, and we accept most major credit cards.

Premium Equipment

Our Premium range features high-quality retail equipment designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

We'll match your equipment to your ability, preferred terrain and the current snow conditions. Premium rentals also include unlimited equipment swaps during your stay, so you can easily try different skis or boards as conditions change.

Standard Equipment

Our Standard range is ideal for beginners through to lower intermediate riders. The equipment is designed to be forgiving, easy to control and confidence inspiring while you're learning.

If your skills improve during your holiday, you can always upgrade to our Premium package.

Yes!

Premium equipment includes unlimited swaps throughout your rental period. Whether it's a powder day, a park day, or you simply want to try a different length or style of ski or snowboard, just visit one of our stores and we'll be happy to help.

Standard equipment can also be swapped between skis and snowboards at no extra charge.

All equipment swaps are subject to availability.

Normal wear and tear, along with accidental damage during regular use, is covered as part of your rental.

If equipment is lost, stolen or damaged beyond normal use, replacement costs may apply at the discretion of our Rental Manager. These costs are typically covered by most travel insurance policies, and we'll provide you with a tax invoice to assist with your claim.

For full details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Your comfort and safety are important to us.

If your boots don't fit comfortably or you have any concerns with your equipment, please contact us or visit one of our stores as soon as possible. Our experienced team will happily make any adjustments needed so you can get back on the mountain enjoying your day.

Yes. All of our ski bindings are fully GripWalk compatible.

Your rental includes cover for normal wear and tear as well as certain types of accidental damage that may occur during normal use.

For complete details of what's covered, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.