Winter Alpine Climbing in Tokachidake, Hokkaido
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Experience 2-day winter alpine climbing in Tokachidake, in Hokkaido with a knowledgable local certified mountain guide, Takao.
2 Days
Mar, Apr
Description
Join me for a winter mountaineering trip in Tokachidake, in Hokkaido!
Hokkaido has abundant snowy mountains in the winter, thanks to the cold Siberian wind and the moisture the wind picks up from the sea of Okhotsk in the north. This spoils skiers and snowboarders with the famous powder snow but it also provides an ideal playground to mountaineers.
Why not you come with me to explore the less known activity in Hokkaido, perhaps as a refreshing break from backcountry skiing for a few days?
I have selected a relatively climber friendly route for this itinerary, which is the Kamihoro North West Ridge. The ridge stands at 2,000 m but it offers easy access with a short approach path starting at 1,300 m. In particular, from Mt. Kamihorokamettoku (a.k.a. Kamihoro), you can enjoy the magnificent view of the snowy peaks of Tokachi, Furano, and the mountain ranges of the distant Daisetsuzan. This area is a major backcountry skiing destination in earlier winter periods but turns into an accessible alpine climbing area.
Depending on the weather, conditions and your abilities, I can also guide you to another itinerary. Please contact me for more information!
As an alternative, there are also 2-days ice climbing programes that I offer. Have a look if you're interested!
I also offer a 2-day Winter Mountaineering Course in Hokkaido, which is oriented to beginners.
Please also be aware that in case I am busy I will ask my fellow guides to guide you.
Accommodation options in TOKACHI:
– Ryounkaku: Half-board with onsen. JPY 10,000.
– Hakuginso: Self catering. Guide can arrange booking. Amazing onsen outside! JPY 3,000.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokachidake Onsen
From Sapporo, we will drive to town of Tokachidake Onsen (100 km, 2.5 hrs). We will spend 2 hrs training at a frozen dam of height around 10 m, to practice ice climbing techniques and check your abilities on using ice climbing gears. Overnight stay at a traditional onsen ryokan.
Day 2: Kamihoro North West Ridge / Sapporo
Start with a snowshoe approach for 1.5 hrs, before the climb of the Kamihoro North West Ridge (500 m vertical, grade III*, 7 pitches, ascent 3 hrs, descent 2 hrs). A relaxing dip in an onsen before driving back to Sapporo. Estimated time of return is around 6 pm.
*Scottish Winter Grades:
III – Mixed ascents of moderate rock routes; icy gullies; sustained buttresses.
Details
More info
Equipment:
- Crampon compatible Mountaineering boots (e.g. Nepal Evos)
- Technical ice axes
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
- Items such as ice axes, harness, helmet, and crampons can be rented at JPY 2,000 each.
- Other ice climbing gears such as ice screws, quick draws etc. will be provided.
Climate:
I offer this trip for the months of March and April. During this period, the temperatures ranges from -10c to -15c, and at time there could be blizzards with wind speed of around 20m/s (72 km/h).
Required Levels:
Intermediate / Advanced. Previous experience of intermediate winter mountaineering necessary. You need to be fairly proficient in rope works and crampons.
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
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