Terms and Conditions of Equipment Rental and Liability

1. Damage, Loss, and Overdue Policy
1. 1 damage criteria

The following criteria will be used to assess damage to rented equipment:

  • Normal Wear and Tear (No Charge):
    Depth < 0.1mm. Normal friction marks from the snow surface or hairline scratches; no fee will be charged. 
  • Repairable Damage (Fee Applies): Depth 0.1mm - 1.0mm. Damage that has not reached the core; can be repaired via P-tex filling, polishing, or parts replacement. 
  • Irreparable/Scrapped (Full Compensation): Depth > 1.0mm,
    damage to the wood core (Core Shot), deformation of the steel edges, or compromised safety (e.g., helmets).

1.2 Compensation Calculation
If equipment is damaged beyond repair, stolen, or lost, compensation shall be equivalent to the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the item, as defined by its “Original Value of the Current Season.”

1.3 Overdue Deemed as Loss
If equipment is not returned within 7 days of the due date, it will be deemed lost. The Company will process the settlement directly in accordance with Article 1.2 (charging the original MSRP), and the lessee shall bear full liability for compensation.

2. Additional Terms for Gentemstick Powder Boards 

2.1 Repair Threshold: For depths exceeding 0.1mm, an additional mirror polishing fee of 5,000 JPY will be charged. 

2.2 Scrapping Threshold: For depths exceeding 0.5mm or if the base material is visible. Since the mirror finish cannot be partially restored, full compensation at the original price is required.

3. Refunds, Changes, and Cancellations (Including 5% Handling Fee) 

3.1 Refund Handling Fee: All refund applications submitted due to personal reasons (including booking cancellations or shortening the rental period) will be subject to a 5% administrative and processing fee deducted from the total amount. 

3.2 More than 48 hours notice: Cancellations are eligible for a refund (minus the 5% handling fee). 

3.3 Within 48 hours notice : No refunds will be issued; only FFAO store credits valid for the current season will be provided. 

3.4 Special Full Refund Circumstances

Refunds may be granted after review if the following conditions are met and supporting documentation is provided (the 5% handling fee still applies):

  • Complete closure of the ski resort lifts.
  • Inability to ski due to injury or illness: A medical diagnostic certificate must be provided.
  • Flight or transportation cancellations due to weather: Flight certification or ticket records must be presented.

4. Pickup, Return, and Payment Methods

4.1 Payment: Full rental payment must be completed at the time of booking (In Japanese Yen, including 10% consumption tax).
4.2 Equipment Return: Lessees may pick up equipment starting from 15:00 the day before the start date returns must be made before 10:00 the day after the end date. Overdue returns will incur an additional one-day rental fee.
4.3 Damage Settlement: Upon return, if equipment is determined to have damage exceeding normal wear and tear, lost parts, or is overdue, the lessee must settle the relevant repair or compensation fees on-site.

5. Statement of Safety, Responsibility, and Obligations (Commitment and Authorization)
By accepting the rental equipment, the lessee (and any party they are renting for) agrees to the following terms:

5.1 Acceptance of Terms: You understand and accept all the Terms and Conditions (Items 1-4) listed above.
5.2 Accuracy of Information: You have provided accurate height, weight, and skill level information to facilitate the safe adjustment of binding release values.
5.3 Release and Risk: You understand that binding and boot systems may not release as expected and cannot guarantee the total prevention of injury, skiing and outdoor activities involve inherent risks to personal safety and property.
5.4 Full Liability: You assume full responsibility for your own injuries, damages, losses, or any personal or property damage caused to third parties.
5.5 Backcountry Risks: You understand that backcountry skiing and out-of-bounds activities involve additional risks; the Company strongly recommends carrying and being familiar with avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe).