Where to rent ski and snowboard gear in Nozawa Onsen?

Where is the best place to rent skis, snowboards, jackets, pants, and helmets in Nozawa Onsen? We list our favourites below:

In this article, you will learn about our favourite places to rent ski and snowboard gear in Nozawa Onsen, specifically highlighting our recommended rental stores: Olive Rental and Nozawa Sports Thanx. Here are the key points:

1. Convenience: Both stores have locations in the village and on the mountain, making it easy to rent, return, or exchange gear without returning to the village.
2. Olive Rental:
   • Location: One minute from Nozawa Peaks and another at the Hikage gondola.
   • Offers a range of Salomon and Atomic gear, including helmets and apparel.
   • Great for families
   • Reservations recommended for large groups and certain boot sizes.
3. Nozawa Sports Thanx:
   • Location: 5-minute walk from Nozawa Peaks, next to ski resort chairlifts, a second, larger store at the Nagasaka gondola. 
   • A broader selection of ski and snowboard brands, ideal for advanced users.
   • Offers unlimited free exchanges for gear throughout the day.
   • Online reservations recommended for specific gear.
4. Comparison: Olive Rental is more conveniently located for guests at Nozawa Peaks or for first-time skiers with lessons at the Nozawa Onsen ski school, while Nozawa Sports Thanx has a wider range of advanced equipment.

Overall, the article provides insights on where to rent gear, the types of equipment available, and tips for making the most of your rental experience. We continue with more information below:

There are some great ski and snowboard rental options in Nozawa. We recommend rental stores which have a shop in the village AND on the snow at the ski resort. These rental shops allow guests to easily rent and return gear in the village near to accommodation, yet also have the option to easily change equipment up at the ski resort without having to return to the village (eg. a broken ski).

1. Olive rental 

Olive rental is located one minute walk from Nozawa Peaks ("Nakao" branch, 4 minute walk from to the ski lifts).

The friendly staff offer great beginner to advanced Salomon and Atomic ski and snowboard gear. They also rent helmets, jackets, pants etc.

Olive rental have another rental store is located at the Hikage gondola area of the ski resort. This store is convenient if a guest would like to change skis or boards during the day without the need to return to the village. They also have a cafe/restaurant on site with some of the best kid options (Waffles!). This store also suits those who will access the ski resort on the "Yu-road" escalator, Olive rental shop is located at the top of the escalator.

Reservations are only needed for big groups. Small groups can just turn up on the day. If guests require boot US12+, please make reservation as they have limited large sizes. You can leave your rentals at the store, however we recommend bringing the gear back to Nozawa Peaks as we have large ski storage and drying room.

2. Nozawa Sports Thanx 

Sports Thanx "Karasawa" rental store is located within 5 minutes walk from Nozawa Peaks (next to the ski resort chairlifts). We recommend booking online if guests would like to rent specific gear from this conveniently located store (for example, powder skis/board). They will have the gear ready for guests upon arrival. If guests just want entry level / standard rental gear, a reservation is not necessary.

The "Karasawa" location is also convenient if a guest prefers not to walk in ski boots. Guests can change into boots in the rental shop and only need to cross the road to access the ski resort chairlifts.

The rental ski brands are K2, Black Crows, Icelantic Head, DPS, Rossignol, Volkl, Ogasaka and Elan. The snowboard brands are Jones, Libtech, GNU, Moss, Ogasaka, Yes, K2, Nidecker, Allian and Head. They also rent ski jackets and pants.

Nozawa Sports Thanx also have a rental store which is located at the Nagasaka gondola. This location is convenient if a guest would like to change skis or boards during the day (Nozawa Sports Thanx offer unlimited free exchange of items, so you can try different skis or boards depending on snow conditions or mood).

Nozawa Sports Thanx offer online rental reservations. Opening hours: 8am - 4.30pm. We recommend online reservations if a guests picking up premium gear from the Karasawa store.

The main difference between Olive rental and Nozawa Sports thanx is the brands of ski and snowboard they have. Nozawa Sports Thanx have a larger range of brands including a wider range of advanced gear. This will benefit those who are very specific about the kind of equipment they want (for example, experienced skiers and snowboarders). Olive rental is easier for guests from Nozawa Peaks as the store is within 1 minute walk. Their gear often feels brand new. Both stores receive fantastic reviews from our guests.