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feature T off-mountain activitiesThere's more to Niseko...Background photo: Glen Claydon.Dog sleddingoff-mountain activities T featureIF it wasn’t for skiing or snowboarding, there is no doubt Niseko would be justanother little town in the middle of rural Hokkaido, little known outside of Japan.The amazing snowfall Niseko receives attracts thousands of international tourists tothe area, but when they arrive, they realise Niseko is so much more than just a skihill. There’s a rich culture, warm hospitality, amazing cuisine, vibrant nightlife andan endless range of unique activities to experience.A majority of visitors to Niseko these days don’t come from snowy climes, so justthe fact that they are in the snow is unique. But with the snow comes a range ofopportunities to try out completely new activities. Where else in the world can youexperience dog sledding? Apart from places like Alaska – and other remote,snowbound outposts where motor vehicles simply won’t cut it – not many. Similarly,many people from around the world will have watched on television peopletraipsing through deep snow with tennis racquets tied to their feet. Until you’vetried walking through deep powder without snowshoes, it’s hard to imagine hownecessary they are as the small surface area of a shoe will generally sink straight tothe hip. A snowshoe tour is an experience a kid from the city won’t forget in a hurry.For the more adventurous, a snowmobiling tour will take you deep in to the Nisekobackcountry allowing you to experience a world few people ever get to see.Other activities on offer in Niseko include ‘regular’ summer activities, albeit in asnowy environment. Niseko is famous for rafting in spring and summer, but forsomething completely different, don a wetsuit and peacefully drift down one of thelocal rivers enjoying the landscape from a completely unique perspective. Rockclimbing is a thrill wherever you are, but ever scaled an icy cliff? Abseiling andbridge swinging should be on any adrenalin junkie's ‘to do’ list when they come toNiseko. For the boys (and maybe some girls), strap on some snowshoes and grab agun and try paintball in the snow.There’s also plenty of cultural activities on offer. The Kutchan Tourist Associationruns cultural tours where guests can partake in traditional green tea ceremonies, trytheir hand at iaido (Japanese swordsmanship), and Japanese taiko drums. For thosewho want to try and recreate the magnificent food they’ve tasted in Niseko forthemselves back at home, there are Japanese cooking classes. And in order tocompletely immerse yourself into Japanese culture, why not take a Japaneselanguage class? We’re even going to go out on a limb here and suggest that karaokeis a modern Japanese tradition that should not be missed – when in Rome!!There’s also plenty of activities for the little ones including snowman making and anynumber of snow activities and adventures.We’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of activities on offer for those days, andnights, when you want to take off the skis or board and experience something elseNiseko has to offer. You won’t be short of options!HANGING OUT... NAC rock climbing instructor Kanomaa-sanIndoor rock climbingNiseko Adventure Centre (NAC), in Izumikyo 1, offers a rocking good time forkids and adults with its unique rock climbing wall and ‘bouldering’. With fourdifferent walls of varying difficulty, and a bouldering rock, the kids’ wall sits at3m, while the adults’ wall towers at 10m. The wall takes up one entire side ofthe centre, offering the unique experience of climbing while diners in theupstairs Jo Jo’s look on.Open every day 8.30am-10pm. No booking required. Climbers must be atleast 1m tall. Costs: ¥800 per climb, per person (safety equipment and staffassistance included). Day climbing pass ¥1050 (safety equipment and staffassistance not included).For more information call NAC on 0136-23-2092.Situated on the golf course at the base of the Niseko Village Hilton, dog sleddingis something that everyone should try once in their life time. Upon arrival, youwill be shown to the course from the office, passing about six out of eleven (on arotation system) excited Alaskan huskies outside their own snow cave home.Firstly, the sledding guides will get you on the back of a snowmobile to show youthe course – a simple loop, somewhat similar to a small racetrack. Once you getyour bearings, you’ll stand on the small, wooden-framed sled and learn to getaround the one tight corner. There’s a small seat at the front of the sled for thelittle ones, to get everyone involved. Before you know it, two friendly, pumped updogs are clipped on and you’re off. Around the 400m track, around the cornersand up and down the mini-hills, the dogs run the last leg with enthusiasm for theprize of vegetable soup waiting at the finish line. Dog sledding runs from 10am-3pm, but Powderlife’s tip is to get the earliest booking you can, when the dogs arefull of energy and the snow is fresh. For ¥3,675 for adults and ¥2,675 for children,dog sledding is a great experience that people of all ages can try. For moreinformation, follow the links at www.niseko-village.com.Activities with a differenceIt sometimes come as a surprise toforeigners that karaoke originated inJapan. Here it’s usually done in privatebooths, which is a great way for thosewho are a little shy to have a go and willfind that it really does give you a greatfeeling. In Hirafu, try karaoke Bar Angel inthe Park Hotel. At Niseko Village there areprivate karaoke booths adjoining the Ezopub. In Annupuri and Moiwa try theKanronomori Hotel and Ikoi No MuraHotels. For a list of karaoke bars inKutchan go to www.powderlife.com/magazine/kutchan/kutchan-karaoke-okey-dokey/Hokkaido Lion Adventure takes visitors onroaring outdoor adventures in Niseko. Theydo 1.5-hour Snowshoe Eco-Trekkingtours from 9am-3pm. Minimum twopersons, and over six years. Costs ¥3200(adult), ¥1600 (6-12). Lion Adventures alsodo winter river cruises on the ShiribeshiRiver. The 1.5-hour tours operate from9am-2pm, minimum two persons, and cost¥4200 (adult), ¥3500 (6-12) and ¥1000 (3-6).For more call 0136-43-2882 or check www.hokkaido.lion-adventure.com.A DOG'S LIFE... two Alaskan huskies take Vanessa for a ride.Niseko Village Pure ActionInside the Niseko Village Hilton they haveimported a huge inflated adventure park.You can jump from a platform onto aninflated landing pad, bounce on atrampoline and launch yourself off a ledgeor joust with your friend on an elevatedcylinder. A great indoor active afternoon forkids and adults. Open every afternoon¥1,350.Jump from a bridge swing with a harness and enjoy the winter scenery of Niseko orenjoy the thrills and adventure of winter abseiling as you drop down some of Niseko’spicturesque and challenging cliffs. Both cost ¥5250. Minimum four people, and minimumage is 13 years. For more information call NOASC on 0136-23-1688, or check www.noasc.com.Shoot your friends and family…with paintballs. Snowshoe Paintball is on theoutskirts of Hirafu. Costs are ¥6300 per person for 150 paintballs. Minimum of six persons toplay. Open from 1.30pm-3.30pm. For more information call 0136-23-2111 or check theirwebsite at www.nisekoresortservice.com.Kutchan’s Loaf Lounge bar and restaurant has a skateboarding bowl, pool and pingpong. There is a ping pong night every second and fourth Wednesday from 7pm (¥500).Experience the delights of Niseko's winter wonderland with a NOASC river cruise. See thewinter colours, snow and ice formations along the river banks while quietly making your waydown the river. Unlike summer, one has the time to take in the sights, pull up alongside theriverbank get out, explore, and sip on a hot cup of tea and enjoy some snacks. The 3.5-hourtour costs ¥7500. Minimum four people. For more info 0136 231688 or www.noasc.com.26 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 27