Rhythm Base is taking Niseko ski rental to the next level! Opening in December, our newest flagship store will offer a huge range of rental equipment including powder specific skis. Rent with us at Base so you can travel light, swap your gear to suit the conditions, ride the skis the locals ride, take advantage of our free pick up / drop off service and take our gear on a multi-resort adventure. For now, check out these reviews of our favourite POW skis from our 2019 / 2020 rental range. Don’t forget, if you like them, you can buy them! We’ll even take up to three days of rental off the purchase price for you.
Niseko Staff Favourite: Black Crows Nocta
This ski has been a staff favourite for a few years now thanks to its powder specific construction, making it perfect for Niseko’s conditions. The Nocta fits into the super-wide category due to its 122mm waist , however it’s still playful and easy to manoeuvre. This year the Nocta comes with a super cool new top sheet. We can’t wait to see our customers loving it as much as we do.
The Ski You Can’t Wait to Rent: Volkl Revolt 121
One of the most anticipated skis of the year. Some of our team members were lucky enough to demo this ski last year in Japan and ride it again in the southern hemisphere. So far it has received the tick of approval for both pow and choppy conditions. The Revolt comes with a rocker tip and tail, making it versatile but still solid and reliable.
Niseko’s Perfect Match: Atomic Bent Chetler 120
As far as powder skis go, Chris Benchetler’s pro model could easily be crowned G.O.A.T. Its wide waist makes it super floaty while it can also turn on a dime, so you know it’s fun in the trees and in wide-open fields. A tried and tested favourite for Niseko’s conditions!
Ski That Will Blow Your Mind: K2 Mindbender 116 C and 115 Alliance
K2’s new Mindbender skis have nailed every review since they were previewed last winter. Safe to say they live up to the hype! The Mindbender K2 116 C perfectly merges stability, flotation and manoeuvrability, making it great for skiers who want to charge. On the women’s side, the 115 Alliance comes with a female specific flex pattern and fits nicely into the super wide category. The ideal ski for chicks who want to rip up Niseko on days when it’s neck deep (or deeper).
Perfect Rental Ski for Niseko’s Big Days: Armada ARV 116 JJ and ARW 116 VJJ
The Armada JJ is legendary, especially when it comes to conquering Niseko’s deepest days. For 2020, this iconic ride has had a make over. Now known as the ARV JJ, it comes with a stiffer flex pattern plus Armada’s ‘Smear Tech,’ allowing it to drift perfectly with every turn. It also has a lady counterpart, the ARW VJJ ,which comes with all the same tech. Ideal for popping pillows and tearing up tree lines.
Best for Powder Cruising: Rossignol Soul 7 HD and Soul 7 HD W
The Soul 7 is both forgiving and smooth to ride, hence its reputation for making powder skiing simple. There is no doubting the popularity of this ski. Just look around the lift lines in Niseko for proof it’s well suited to the conditions. The Soul 7 W is newer to the market but is also highly regarded, offering women the chance to go from groomers to powder with ease. This fun and floaty ski finishes up our 2019/20 Niseko ski rental lineup review! For more info, please visit us in store.
Pls note we are unable to reserve specific skis. If you are interested in renting a particular ski, please make a reservation from our Premium range and talk to our staff in store once you arrive in Niseko.
