about speeding down mountains as getting from one valley to another. you can find lots of well looked after tracks in the west of the country in myrkdalen. 0ne five—kilometre loop is lit up so you can even go out after dark. perfect for those short winter days. just remember to wrap up warm. for a less family—friendly trip, a specialist tour operator injapan has created a bucket list adventure. this four—day trip takes you across the back country of hokkaido, traversing dormant volcanoes and the steep, open faces of mount yotei. if the weather is in your favour, you might even get to ride into its crater. it's not cheap, though. five days will set you back about 3,700 us dollars, but that does include a private guide and a hot onsen at the end of each day. and if you're more of a thrill seeker, how about heli—skiing?