Mount Fuji (3776 m) ski descent

Mt.Fuji is an independent volcano summit and it is very difficult to predict, with hourly changing weather and snow conditions. The mountain receives most of the season heavy snowfall from February till mid-April. In winter is too cold and strong winds are blowing light snow away. Some years skiing is already possible in April, sometimes even in Jun, but the best time is May. Good ski descent is usually 1300 vertical meters. Some tips and often questions: Are there any technical components? How is the snowpack and what sort of descent can one generally expect in terms of difficulty and vertical on skis? Please note, this will be our first ski touring together and I’m very careful regarding safety. If the snow conditions are dangerous, with icy slopes, hard snow, windy, etc., we’ll need to leave the skis behind at some point, then ascend to the summit and descend on foot only. Sometimes, this lasts 300 to 400m; then we ski just partly, near the same route. You will definitely enjoy skiing some fantastic slopes! Usually, we climb on foot, with ski boots and carry skis. To climb with skis on, normally it is not possible as there is no snow at the beginning of the climb. Afterward, the snow is too hard early in the morning to climb with skins or even using ski crampons.

This is an advanced level and serious ski descent that requires previous experience and fitness. You’ll need backcountry ski equipment, warm clothing, as well crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness, which can be rented from the guide, except ski boots, which you’ll need to bring your own.

Usually, the ascent is from the North, because you can reach the highest trailhead point by car. Hike up starts from parking at 2300m (7500 ft.). First we walk on a sandy trail approximately till 3000m, from there we need to put on crampons. If the weather is nasty, with strong wind or icy snow, for safety ascent we rope up and wear harness, crampons, use ice axe, etc. The slope steepness is 30, partly 35 to 40 degrees. Again, in case the weather is not perfect, cloudy or windy, the snow will not soften and will stay hard all day; often this is 400 to 600m around the summit.

There are 3 different trails going up and down Mt.Fuji. Please note that some are longer as the starting point is lower, at 1900m. Equipment: and gear rentals, if you wish to travel light; we can rent crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness at JPY 1000/item. I can also rent BC ski set (with skins) but not ski boots at JPY 7.000 per set, all payable in cash direct to the guide after the trip. Please note we don’t rent ski boots.

Food and drinks: You should take 2L of water; 500ml to1l thermos is recommended.

Insurance: please make sure you are individually insured appropriately with international travel insurance which specifically covers mountaineering and off-piste skiing.

Other: sometimes the trip itinerary may be altered and/or date change can be discussed, case by case, based on the weather forecast. I will try to modify my schedule and we’ll do our best to make our guests happy. I would advise you to make your schedule flexible as well. The guide may choose a different road approach and climbing route, time of the early morning start, etc. In case the weather forecast and conditioners are really bad on scheduled day or day before and after as well; we can offer plan B if possible. Trouble while climbing: often people will get light altitude sickness (dizzy, headache etc.).

Special service:

• I can pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo, around 1:00 am, then it takes 1:30 to 2h to Kawaguchi-ko; for an additional cost of 24.000 JPY per group. Please inquire if you wish this optional service but please note, it is one way only, and you’ll need to return to Tokyo by train or bus, because of heavy traffic jams, usually every afternoon.
• I can offer you to come to our house in Saitama (40 min train ride from Ikebukuro) to stay the night before. Additional price: 4000 JPY per/person.