It may be summer in Japan, but we’re gearing up for Niseko’s 2019-20 season! And because we’re so excited to hit the slopes, The Luxe Nomad has done the leg work, and we’ve got your go-to guide to the early bird deals on Niseko rentals and lessons you need to know.
Car Rentals
Maybe you’d like to stay outside of Hirafu Town during your next trip, or perhaps you’re looking to enjoy a gourmet culinary experience or to spend a few days away from the slopes. Whatever you’re planning, The Luxe Nomad has joined forces with Nippon Rent-A-Car to get you the best deal on a car rental.
The deal: Guests of The Luxe Nomad can enjoy discounts ranging from 15% to 25% depending on the type of car and rental duration. The rates are good for all bookings made via The Luxe Nomad’s concierge team on or before 31 July 2019 for travel dates between 23 November 2019 and 28 February 2020*.
Read also: Beyond the Slopes: 7 things to do in Niseko even if you’re not skiing
Equipment
Lugging snow gear around the world is not an easy feat. If you’re travelling to the mountains without the skis, boards, and boots that you want, three Niseko rental companies have you covered with big early bird discounts.
Yama Sport
With three locations in Skye Niseko, Landmark View and Yama Shizen, YamaSport is a new and highly rated rental company. The three sites grant easy access for those who would like to ski from both the Gondola and Family bases. As a new entrant to the rental market, YamaSport’s gear was brand new for the 2018-19 ski season, so the equipment is in top condition!
The deal: YamaSport is offering an early bird promotion of 25% off rack rates for the 2019-20 season if you book before 31 July 2019*.
Rhythm Rentals
Rhythm Rentals is the largest rental shop in the Hirafu Region and located near the Family Lift. The company has also recently opened their second location, which is twice the size of their first and located within 150 metres of the Hirafu Gondola and the Ace Quad Chair. Rhythm also allows for multi-resort bookings so that you can use the same equipment in both Niseko and Hakuba.
The deal: Rhythm Rentals is offering an early bird deal for the 2019-20 season of 15% off gear if you book before 31 July 2019*.
Niseko Sports
Niseko Sports has three locations, offers free overnight storage, and can arrange for equipment transfer from Grand Hirafu to Hanazono if you’re taking lessons in Hanazono with the Niseko International Sports School.
The deal: Niseko Sports is offering 15% off gear if you book before 30 September 2019 and ski between 1 December 2019 and 5 April 2020*.
Read also: The first-timers Niseko guide: 10 things to know when planning your ski trip
Snowsport Lessons
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your technique, a day or two (or more) at ski school will do your snow skills a world of good. Three of the mountain’s schools are offering reduced early bird prices on lessons.
GoSnow
GoSnow is the only international ski school in Niseko that provides their students with Priority Lift Lane access, meaning you get more time on the slopes and less time in queue. The school also has private learning areas with on-mountain rest and lunch facilities for kids and three magic carpets for beginners.
For teens, the school is introducing a Teen Ski Programme this year with dedicated lessons for those skiers aged 13-17 years. There are also programs for children, snowboarders and adults. For the 2019-20 season, they’ve launched their Super Pack program – a single/multi-day package that includes full-day group lessons, ski passes and rental equipment.
The deal: GoSnow is offering discounts of 10% on 2019-20 season bookings if you book before 31 July 2019*
Niseko International Sports School
If you prefer the Hanazono Resort side of the mountain, which is one of the smaller resorts in Niseko but has some of the best snow, the Niseko International Sports School (NISS) is an excellent ski lesson provider. NISS is a family-focused lesson provider that caters to international guests. Although most lessons are conducted in English, they also have Japanese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Dutch language options (subject to availability).
As a bonus, Hanazono Resort has announced two new developments for the 2019-2020 ski season. The first is a new two-story slopeside ski centre, boasting a new restaurant, cafe and bar. And for kids, when they’re not on the trails, they will now have access to the Galaxy of Kids activity centre. The centre will feature ten climbing walls, a floating adventure trail and netball pit. Children participating in NISS’ Tic Tac Galaxy and Yuki Galaxy Group Ski Lessons will have access to the Galaxy of Kidz during their lessons.
The deal: NISS is offering discounts of up to 15% on their 2019-20 group lessons if you book before 30 September 2019*.
Both Equipment & Lessons
Niseko Base Snowsports
An all-in-one snowsport school, kids club, rental and retail centre, Niseko Base Snowsports (NBS) offers a variety of services. When it comes to their rentals, NBS provides overnight storage for skis and snowboards plus unlimited equipment changes when booking Deluxe equipment.
The deal: The school is offering 15% off rental equipment, group lessons and 2hr private lessons at 1.30pm (outside of peak dates) provided it is booked and paid in full by the 1st of August 2019*.
*T&Cs apply.