SKI AND SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Reality Check: This can be the most tedious (if not painful) part of any ski vacation, especially with young children trying to get used to the feel and weight of ski boots. It is best to give yourself an hour or so to organize your equipment rental and to expect that some of your group may end up trying on three or even four pair of ski boots before finding one that suits.

Concierge Tip: Remember - if equipment is not right, take it back later to change for something that suits better. Also, ask the rental shop to deliver your kit directly to the Suiboku ski room (tell them your loft number).

WARNING: We strongly recommend that all skiers and boarders should wear helmets. Whilst this is not a legal requirement, we want to ensure that your holiday is one of uninterrupted enjoyment...with no headaches. Vacations are greatly improved without visits to the emergency room.

Hirafu has several reliable equipment rental outlets, but there are 3 that we recommend, for the discounts they offer Suiboku guests (noted below).

You will want to try on your boots and choose your own skis, so it is not always possible to pre-book what you want, but if you know precisely what equipment (sizes, styles, brands) you want, please let us know and we will try to arrange it in advance of your arrival. Generally speaking, however, you will need to take time on your first day to obtain your gear. The rental outlets we recommend, all within one minute's walk from Suiboku, are as follows:

  • DEMO Immediately across the street from Suiboku. They specialize in K2 skis and Burton boards, and are the booking agent for the NISS ski school (buy your tickets there for the next day). They offer Suiboku guests a 5% discount.
  • RHYTHM & BEATS In the base of the J-Sekka building at the main intersection just below Suiboku, specializing in equipment from Burton, Stepchild, Anon, Von Zipper, Neff, and others. They offer Suiboku guests a 5% discount, a drop-off and pick-up service, as well as delivery to the Suiboku ski room.
  • NISEKO BASE In the Alpen Ridge building just down the laneway from Suiboku (near the Ace Pair slope), also the main station for the Niseko Base ski lessons. They offer Suiboku guests a 5% discount.
CONFIDENTIAL GUIDE
TO RESTAURANTS

Hokkaido is the agricultural heart of Japan and most of its restaurants serve very fresh local produce. So, the good news is that there are very few bad restaurants in Niseko. The bad news is that some of the restaurants are so popular that you will need to book well in advance if you want to get a table, particulary if you have a large group.

This short guide provides our recommendations to some of the better food options in and around Hirafu.

Download Confidential Guide [.pdf]