Make Tracks In The Niseko Ski Marathon

On your marks, go! Get ready for a ski challenge this January with the 2017 Niseko Ski Marathon on again for another season. Entries are now open for the first ski marathon for the season in Hokkaido, with the event held on Sunday, 29th January.

The exciting course is a representation of the Niseko area, boasting beautiful pine forests, oaks and birches; amazing views of the iconic Mt Yotei; and of course Niseko's famous snow. To ensure the course is as 'Niseko' as possible, there are some great climbs and descents to challenge and excite.

There are two courses to choose from in the freestyle cross country ski race: the 30km or the 10km course. The 30km course features a good mix of terrain, starting in Kutchan town ski area and heading along beside the river and railway. From there, you will race through cow paddocks, around the base of Weiss to the Zabolin forest and more with views of spectacular Mount Yotei and hot springs.

One of the big features of this years course is the Sekka Forest which encompasses a winding up and down 10km loop through the stunning Hokkaido forest. In the Sekka Forest there are sometimes deer and woodpeckers to spot and a variety of trees including oaks, wild cherry and maples.

The 10km version of the Niseko Ski Marathon is a much more user friendly course with no huge climb, just a nice gradual slope. This is a great course for all including first time racers.

The Niseko Ski Marathon is a community race event joining the local town of Kutchan with cross country skiers from within Japan and from all around the world.

Friday 27th, January, from 10am - 3pm

Saturday 28th, January, from 10am - 3pm

Location: Kutchan Town Asahigaoka Ski Area

Saturday 28th, January, from 12pm - 4pm

Sunday 29th, January from 8am - 9.30am

To enter the marathon, register now or email [email protected]

For more information on Niseko Ski Marathon, visit the website.