‘Night Cross-country Skiing in White Illumination’ began on an illuminated cross-country ski course in Nakajima Park in Chuo-ku, Sapporo on the night of February 5, and city residents could be seen exercising amid the colorful lights on the theme of Hokkaido’s four seasons.

　‘Sapporo Global Sports Commission,’ a non-profit organization that advocates sports events in the city planned the inaugural event in a bid to promote residents’ health and create a nighttime tourist spot. Three courses between 200 and 600 meters long are lit up by 32,000 light emitting diodes (LEDs) that express the colors of spring and summer in Hokkaido in pink, yellow and the like.

　Mr. Iwai, a company employee who was one of the first to ski on the course, was extremely satisfied, saying “It’s very beautiful and makes for a good workout. I want to come again.”

　Admission and ski rentals are free of charge. The courses will be illuminated between 4 and 8 p.m. until the 14th, and can also be used during the daytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until March 7.