Embrace a world of adventure
JAPAN SKI EXPERIENCE
If you love skiing but are bored of France and fondue, then Japan can be a great alternative. There are now over 600 ski resorts in the country, and with annual snowfalls of up to 16m, the skiing is second to none. One of the most popular destinations, says specialist tour operator Japan Ski Experience, is Niseko on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, with four interlinked resorts and the option of going off-piste in some style in the open powder-bowls of Annapuri. A number of Japan Ski Experience’s options also include a trip to see the snow monkeys, who bask in the hot springs at Nagano. And, of course, you can combine your skiing with a trip to one of the country’s incredible cities.
Japan Ski Experience; Stand No: MQ201, www.japanskiexperience.com
ABSOLUTE RUNNING
For those who prefer the power of their own two feet, Absolute Running is a company that organises running holidays for those who want to take part in some of the world’s greatest runs – from 5Ks right up to ultramarathons – and to enjoy the cities where they take place as well. Absolute Running packages include flights and a range of accommodation options to suit the weight of your wallet, and also add in a number of cultural or culinary tours. Among the events Absolute Running are organising this year are the Venice and Florence marathons, the Loch Ness marathon, or the Bilbao night marathon.
Absolute Running, Stand ES113; www.absoluterunning.com
ICE WARRIOR
If you prefer to experience snow and ice at a slower pace, then Ice Warrior Guided Tours might be up your street. The company says that it aims to recreate the era when Arctic expeditions were real feats of endurance, and organises incredible trips to some of the bleakest parts of the world. For example, an Arctic Canada wildlife and photography trip in May – £4,000 for 14 days – or another 10-day hike through the Arctic tundra in Svalbard, north of Norway, in September, where you will hopefully see whales, Arctic foxes and if you are lucky polar bears, at a cost of £1,800.
Ice Warrior, Stand No: OC521; www.ice-warrior.com
LANDYACHTING
If days at the seaside mean sandcastles and buckets to you, then think again. A landyacht might look a little ungainly – it’s a sail attached to a lightweight, three-wheeled base – but it can reach a good old speed on a flat stretch of sand. The world record is a frankly terrifying 126.1mph. Kirawee landyachts are based in Romney Marsh, Kent, perfect for those based in the South East, and beginners can have a three-hour introductory course for just £65. Those with a true taste for speed can get involved in the Iron Man package, where you zoom along the whole 3km length of the beach, and the organisers will clock your speeds. (£95 for a six-hour experience).
Kirrawee Landyachts and Training, Stand No: ES108; www.landyachting.co.uk