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Primarily a ski resort, many other winter sports have now taken off in Niseko. Positioned in the north of Japan, the weather flows mainly from Siberia, leading to consistently high levels of snow fall. Sub-arctic winds bring blankets of deep, dry, powdery snow, and the area is growing in popularity at an amazing rate. A positive Winter Wonderland, snow covers the ground for approximately 130 days a year. The average winter snowfall is over 12 metres, one of the highest snowfalls in the country.
Skiing
Other snow-based sports.
A true paradise for snow lovers, Niseko is as much a centre for Snowboarders as it is for skiers. Snow Rafting is also increasingly popular - a snowmobile tows you around a course while you are sitting in a rubber raft. A combination of fast runs and gentle tows mean that this sport is great fun for thrill seekers, non-skiers, or families who like to play together.
For those who love walking, Niseko is a stunning place to spend time Snow Shoeing. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside, many happy hours can be spent exploring the outdoors, and trekking in the peace and tranquillity of the snow-covered forests. Leaving the bustling villages behind, scenic countryside beckons, with quiet backwaters and ice-covered lakes. Although snow shoeing is popular here during the summer, nothing can compare with the heavenly beauty of the landscape when its covered with snow. Its also an excellent way to get close to the native flora and fauna, some of which is unique to Niseko, without disturbing its fragile habitat.
For those who prefer to see the countryside in comfort, Snowmobiling may be just what you are seeking. Plenty of courses are available to help you master the simple controls and then you can spend hours on scenic rides through the forests or adventurous trips through knee deep powdery snow and steep terrain. A more family friendly way to see the countryside is cat skiing. A Cat-Ski carries 6 people, while a Snow Cat can carry up to 17. Organised tours take groups up into the snowfields where you can wander or play to your hearts content, knowing that someone else has the responsibility of driving through the snow. Tree Trekking must be one of the most unusual winter sports that takes place here- this involves clipping yourself onto a wire which circles around the trees for around 300m. The course goes over a variety of bridges, swings and though tree houses. A stunning experience, flying over the winter landscape, for those who love heights. Finally for the animal lovers amongst us, Dog-Sledding is available, as is Horse-Riding - although usually viewed as a summer sport, riding in winter has a thrill of its own, as you trot through enchanting snow-covered trails, past trees weighed down with glistening flakes. .
Summer Sports
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