An IFMGA mountain guide takes you on an amazing adventure: a ski descent from the summit of the highest peak in Japan, Mount Fuji, at 3776 m.
Private
1 Day
Apr - Jun
High
Advanced
Join me for an incredible adventure skiing down Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most famous mountain!
Please note that, due to weather and snow conditions, this ski descent can only be done from mid-April to the beginning of June. In these months, I also lead an offseason climb to the summit.
Lying in Honshu, the main island of the country, Mount Fuji’s conical figure has become a symbol of Japan. With 3776 meters of altitude, it is the highest peak in the country and a great attraction for climbers and also for skiers!
For this trip, I will pick you up from your hotel at Kawaguchi-ko area very early in the morning. This area offers various tourist attractions and accommodation facilities, as well as fantastic views of Mount Fuji.
We will start very early in the morning and drive 45 min. to the 5th stage on the slopes of Mt.Fuji to the nearest trailhead. If we use the toll road, we will meet at 3 am.
However, if you have your own transportation, we can meet at the car parking near our trailhead (I will tell you the exact point).
Reaching the summit will take us between 4 and 6 hours. After that, depending on weather conditions, we will descend on skis through the same route for 1 to 1.30 hours. You will definitely enjoy some fantastic views there!
Finally, we will return to the car parking around 3 or 4 PM and then I’ll take you back to your hotel in Kawaguchi-ko.
Keep in mind that this program is aimed at advanced skiers that are comfortable skiing on a 30-degree mountain slope in any snow conditions and are familiar with the use of crampons and ice axe. You should also be physically fit and able to climb 6h, 1500m (5000 feet) while carrying your own skis.
Please contact me if you want to organize a ski descent from Mt Fuji. I will be happy to take you there!
Another fantastic skiing place in Japan could be Mt. Akadake. Check out this trip!
For this trip, I will pick you up from your hotel at Kawaguchi-ko area very early in the morning. This area offers various tourist attractions and accommodation facilities, as well as fantastic views of Mount Fuji.
We will start very early in the morning and drive 45 min. to the 5th stage on the slopes of Mt.Fuji to the nearest trailhead. If we use the toll road, we will meet at 3 am.
However, if you have your own transportation, we can meet at the car parking near our trailhead (I will tell you the exact point).
Reaching the summit will take us between 4 and 6 hours. After that, depending on weather conditions, we will descend on skis through the same route for 1 to 1.30 hours. You will definitely enjoy some fantastic views there!
Finally, we will return to the car parking around 3 or 4 PM and then I’ll take you back to your hotel in Kawaguchi-ko.
More info
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:
Meeting point
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4.9
(99)
Mountain Guide
I’m an international IFMGA mountain guide; also the first non-Japanese mountain guide certified by the JMGA (Japan Mountain Guide Association); born in Slovenia.
My country is small but well known in the world as strong in sports and mountaineering. I used to compete as Olympic team member and on World Cup competitions as a Cross-country skier. After I left Slovenia and traveled all over the world, I ended up in Japan. I married a beautiful native lady, and have lived here for 30 years. I love Japanese mountains and feel privileged to be able to enjoy these mountains through the entire four seasons.
I’m based at the foot of Japan Alps; convenient place in winter for ski touring from Nagano to Hokkaido, winter mountaineering or ice climbing at Yatsugatake, and of course ascending the symbol of Japan Mt.Fuji.
In summer Japan is a great place for hiking, alpine climbing or popular shower-climbing and some fine sport/free climbing year around.
Since 2013, I’m working on NHK (Japanese national TV) programs, introducing Japan culture and outdoor activities, climbing skiing etc.
It is my absolute pleasure also to take and guide you in my home country, Slovenia. In addition to guide in the mountains, I also enjoy having the opportunity to teach mountain climbing skills to every level of climbers, here in Japan. This is because I wish everybody to be SAFE on the mountains. Please contact me on E&S if you would love to have great experience, as well as a tailor-made plan for other mountains and sport climbing all over SE Asia, EU, South America....in any season!
Languages
Slovenian | Japanese | English
Robert
Cveto was great! He helped us get ready the night before and go over our gear as well as the plan for the next day. He kept us at a good pace and the conversations were great all day.
Tastone
Anna
Absolutely amazing experience. Cveto made the whole trip fun, safe and was very supportive and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.
Lewis
Communication at points was limited but trip and guide were fantastic!
Robert
Cveto was great! He helped us get ready the night before and go over our gear as well as the plan for the next day. He kept us at a good pace and the conversations were great all day.
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