🔰Newbie Tips：Hokkaido Ski Equipment｜Newbie Skiing Preparation, How to choose a snowboard/pairs of snowboards

🤔 Why it's important to get the right gear for your first ski trip 🎿

One of the biggest questions for newcomers planning to ski in Hokkaido for the first time is: "What exactly do you need for ski gear?"

Many people think they have to buy a whole set of equipment first, and end up lugging a big bag and flying to Japan, which is not only troublesome, but may also cost you a lot of money. In fact, there is no need to be so nervous - ski equipment can be divided into two main categories:

🏂 Rentable category: Available at most ski resorts or rental shops, they are ideal for beginners and there is no need to rush to buy them.
🧤 Must bring your own: Equipment that cannot be rented easily, or is related to hygiene, comfort and safety, it is always recommended to prepare your own.

This time, I've put together a full list of "Skiing Gear Checklist for Beginnersand will share How to choose between a snowboard vs. The main point of this article is to help you avoid the common pitfalls. We hope this will help you avoid the common pitfalls of novice hikers and easily experience the most fantastic powder snow in Hokkaido! ❄️

I. Rentable Equipment 🎿

For first-time skiers, most of the equipment can be rented at the ski resorts, and in particular most of the Hokkaido ski resorts (e.g. Teshima, Kiroro, Rusutsu, Sapporo Kokusai) have a comprehensive rental service.

The following equipment is for novices Renting is enough.::

1. Ski (Double Ski)⛷️ / Snowboard 🏂)
A twin board is more stable and easier to learn to turn and decelerate. If you are a first-time skier, a snowboard is usually a safer choice.
Snowboarding is a little more difficult than doubles boarding at first, but it is very fun once you get good at it. If you want to take cool photos, snowboarding is the first choice for many people.

2. Bindings

The important parts that connect the snowshoes to the snowboard are already installed by the shop staff at the time of rental.
No special selection for newbies is required.

3. Ski poles (double board only)
A must for snowboarders to help maintain balance. Not required for snowboarders.

4. Snowshoes 🥾
have the appearance of snowbootsThey need to be matched with skis (either snowboard or snowboard), and the staff will help to adjust the bindings when renting them. Newbies don't need to buy them as they are big and not convenient to take abroad.

Comfort determines the quality of the day's experience.
The important thing is to "fit the foot": it should not be too loose, nor should it compress the back of the foot.
Rental Tips: Try on your own ski socks and take a few steps to make sure there are no pain points.

5. Skiwear (jacket + pants) 🧥👖
It is recommended to rent a professional ski jacket as it is waterproof, warm and windproof. If you don't have a ski jacket, it is not recommended to replace it with a down jacket, as it is easy to get into the snow and get wet.

Rental TipsSnowsuits: They should not be too tight and should be comfortable. Snow Pants: Can be deepSquat to test the fit.

6. Helmet 🪖
Strongly recommended for novice wearers. Safety first.Safer than just wearing a woolly hatMost ski resorts offer helmet hire (even free at some resorts). Most ski resorts offer helmets for hire at a low cost (some even rent them for free), so make sure you wear one.
Note: Snoway Academy programmes will require students toWearing class.

Rental TipsLike a bike helmet, it should fit your head and the strap should be just enough to fit over your chin. Ski helmets usually have a BOA at the back to fine-tune the size.

7. Goggles

Goggles can be rented (depending on the ski resort) but are prone to scratches, fog or hygiene concerns.
Snow goggles can prevent snow blindness and protect your eyes, so be sure to rent them.
little reminderGoggles are a great first piece of equipment to buy if you plan to ski a lot afterwards.

II. 🎒Necessary equipment (for comfort and hygiene)

Some equipment may be available for hire at the ski resorts, but for "hygiene" reasons, the ski resorts may not be able to rent it, so you have to buy it or prepare it yourself.

1. Moisture Transferring Underwear (Base Layer)

There is a lot of activity on the slopes, more falls for novices, and you're bound to get sweaty.
Cotton clothing absorbs water and results in coldness all over the body.
Recommendation: Choose quick-drying materials such as UNIQLO HEATTECH or sports branded thermal underwear.

2. Mid Layer

Onion style is the most practical: jacket + midlayer + underwear.
The middle layer can be a brushed jumper, down vest, depending on the temperature.
Recommendation: The middle layer is determined by weather conditions and is not required on every day.
You can buy them at UNIQLO or Workman for an affordable price.

3. snow socks

Be sure to wear "long" + "quick-drying" snow socks.
Too thick will squeeze the feet, too thin easy to wear feet.
Thoughtful RemindersDon't wear two layers of socks, as they are more prone to wear out.

4. Waterproof gloves

Don't use woolen gloves, they turn to ice when they get wet.
It's cleaner to bring your own gloves, especially in winter when you tend to sweat.
Thoughtful Reminders: It is recommended to wear inner gloves at the same time to keep warm first.

5. Protectors (especially recommended for newbies)

Anti-fall trousers: A must-have for novice snowboarders, the number of falls reduces hip pain.
Wrist and knee pads: Reduce the chance of injury.
It is often difficult to rent this type of equipment, so it is advisable to prepare your own.
Thoughtful RemindersDon't buy too thick trousers (10mm or more)! This is the reason why many students can't stand up.
It is recommended to buy high quality but thinner ones to maintain comfort.

6. Neck Warmer/Mask (Balaclava)

It is windy in Hokkaido, and the wind speed is even stronger when going downhill.
The neck cover protects against wind, keeps you warm, and prevents cold air from getting into your jacket.
When the temperature is below -10℃, your face will freeze easily.
The mask provides full protection and is a lifesaver for those who are afraid of the cold.

🤔3. single board 🏂 vs double board ⛷️: what to choose?

A lot of people struggle with the question, "Should I go snowboarding or snowboarding?" for the first time.

⛷️ skiThe skiing experience is fast, easy to control, stable and suitable for novice skiers with no experience at all.
🏂 VeneerOne word: cool! However, it is slower to get started than double boarding and requires more time (e.g. 1-2 days to learn the basics). If you have experience in board sports, you will learn faster.

👉 Suggestion: For first time skiers, if you don't have a particular preference, you can start with the ski At first, wait until you are familiar with skiing, then try snowboarding. Be happy, that's the most important thing!

❄️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Do I have to wear a helmet when I ski for the first time? 🪖
👉 Yes, especially for newbies. Your head needs the most protection when you fall down, so it's recommended to wear it. It is recommended to put the cap in your pocket and change it when you take photos, it is more cool!

Q2. Can I ski in jeans? 👖
👉 Not recommended! Jeans get wet and icy in the snow and are very uncomfortable. Always wear waterproof snow pants.

Q3. Do I need to prepare anything for my child? 🧒
👉 Keeping children warm is even more important, so make sure they have a warm bag, a neck gaiter, and make sure their gloves don't come off easily (lanyard or long glove type is recommended).
Remember to prepare children's snow goggles to prevent snow blindness.

Q4：Which Hokkaido snow park is suitable for beginners?
👉 Sapporo Teidan (easy access), Mt. Moriwa (night view of the city), Kiroro (good snow quality), Rusutsu (full of parent-child facilities), Sapporo Kokusai (home of the Japanese).

Extended Reading. 👉 More FAQ 👉 Snoway Academy Tateyama Ski Course

V. Rent vs Buy: 💰Cost Comparison

I have prepared a comparison of rental and purchase fees for your reference. The rental fee will be based on the Teide Ski Resort.
Note: Prices vary from one ski resort to another!

🎿 Sapporo Teide Ski Resort Equipment Rental Prices (Adults, Normal Snow Season)

Equipment items	1 day's rent	Remarks
Ski & Snowboard Set (Snowboard + Shoes + Poles)	¥8,000	Beginner's Gear
Snowboarding set (snowboard + snowshoes)	¥8,000	Beginner's Gear
Snowsuit + Snowpants (Jacket + Pants)	¥6,300	Generally for package rental
snow mirror	Set ¥3,100	建議自備
mitten	Set ¥3,100	建議自備
helmet	¥2,800	Strongly recommended for novice wearers
Total All Rental Prices	¥20,200	Goggles and gloves are required

🛒 Approximate cost of purchasing equipment

Equipment items	Affordable Entry Price	Branded mid-range price
Double or single plate	From ¥40,000	¥70,000~100,000
snowshoes	From ¥20,000	¥40,000~60,000
Snowsuit (jacket + trousers)	From ¥30,000	¥50,000~80,000
snow mirror	From ¥5,000	¥15,000~30,000
mitten	From ¥3,000	¥8,000~15,000
helmet	From ¥8,000	¥15,000~25,000
Total Purchase Price	¥106,000 up	Approx. ¥198,000 - ¥310,000

VI. Recommendations of the Editorial Board of ✍️

First time skiing → Renting a full setIf you are a member of a group of people, you should prepare your own personal clothing (gloves, goggles, underwear, socks).

Skied 2~3 times → Started to buy your own goggles and gloves., to enhance comfort.

Confirmation of love of skiing → reinvestment in snowshoes and snowboardsThe experience can be greatly enhanced with the right equipment for your feet.

VII. 🚀 Conclusion: Hokkaido novice skiers are ready to hit the slopes! 🏔️

Ski equipment may seem complicated, but it's just a matter of distinguishing between "Rent" vs. "Own" It's easy to do.
For first time skiers in Hokkaido, it is advisable to rent and wait until you really love skiing before investing in your own equipment.

If you're planning a ski trip to Hokkaido, look for the Snoway AcademyWe focus on novices and beginners, and provide professional Chinese language instruction so that you can enjoy your first experience on the snow safely and happily!

👉 Book Now Snoway Academy Cantonese Skiing Courses
👉 LINE / WhatsApp Contact us for course details

Join Snoway for your very own Hokkaido ski trip! 🏔️✨