With mountains 3,000 metres high, Hakuba Village lies at the foot of the Japan Alps and the Mountains of Hakuba. Ice Sledge Hockey Aqua Wing in Nagano City Ice Sledge Hockey is played by athletes who have lower limb disabilities. One end of the stick has picks which players use to propel themselves forward. The other end is used to shoot and pass the puck. Each team is comprised of 12 players, with no more than 6 competitors on the ice at any one time.
Sledge hockey is a fast paced game and as a result requires frequent player changes.
A complete game comprises three 15 minute periods. Ice Sledge Hockey will be played at the Aqua Wing in Nagano Sports Park, Higashiwada, in Nagano City located 11 km from the Paralympic Village. Ice Sledge Speed Racing M-Wave in Nagano City Athletes with lower limb disabilities compete in Ice Sledge Speed Racing. This sport is similar to speed skating but has been adapted for athletes who have lower limb disabilities. Using picks similar to ski poles, athletes propel their sledge forward.