Snow Mountain 雪山 is Taiwan’s second highest peak (not counting Jade Mountain’s sub-peaks) and is possibly the most beautiful place in the whole of Taiwan. The main peak is 3886m above sea-level making it a very cold place to be in winter but the scenery is second to none.
In the days building up to up to our trip, I was constantly checking the weather. In Taipei we had had none stop drizzle and the temperature was dropping. From the CWB we could see that it had snowed around Hehuanshan and so it seemed inevitable that snow mountain would be fittingly covered in snow. None of us have any experience hiking in snow and it sort of worried us but at the same time, we’d never seen snow in Taiwan and the thought of climbing up a snow-capped peak was very exciting.
Day one
We all finished work around midday and met up to pick up the hire car. As soon as we had the supplies sorted out, we were off and heading through the Xueshan tunnel towards Yilan. The weather seemed to be getting worse as we approached the coast and we were worried that we’d have to hike in the rain on the first day. It’s not good if you get all your gear wet at the off.
As the car climbed up the number 7 towards Wuling farm 武陵農場, there was still no end to the rain but just as we reached the highest point, Siyuan Yakou, the clouds began to lift and we caught a glimpse of the beautiful snow-covered peaks of the Snow Mountain Range.
Before embarking on the trip, we had to apply for permits (more about this at the bottom) and at the trailhead there is an office where rangers inspected our permits. On top of that we were made to watch a hilarious safety video with some very dubious advice.
By the time all that was over, it was already night and we started on the trial with head torches to help us find the way. About 40 minutes later we arrived at the Qika hut and with the sky now clear, we could see countless stars. An amazing sight for anyone who lives in a light polluted city like Taipei.
Day 2
An early start. The alarm went off at 2am and we were all convinced that none of us had slept at all but as we’d all been woken up by each other’s snoring at some point in the night it was clear that we had all slept!
After a quick breakfast, we were off again hiking up in the dark. The aim was to get to a viewing platform by sunrise but we made great time and actually got the east peak of Snow Mountain by 6am.
It was cold, so, so very cold and taking photos was painful on the hands but the view was so absolutely spectacular that we stayed for a good 30 minutes shooting. In front of us we could see the peak of Snow Mountain with a trail of snow being blown of the top and it looked more like Nepal than Taiwan.
We could see the next hut, 369, and headed there to eat an early lunch and take a well deserved rest. By the time we got there the sun a fully up and it was so nice just basking in the warmth though not for a long time as the sun up at this kind of elevation will absolutely fry you.
At the hut we met two volunteer rangers and some other hiking groups. They said we were lucky as there had been blizzards for most of the week and that no-one had made it to the peak. The ranger set off long before us with a warning that there might be over a metre of snow. Undeterred we pushed on and entered into the beautiful black forest.
The forest was exceptionally beautiful with the snow lying on the ground and tree branches. As we got further and further in, the snow got deeper and deeper. There were a few tumbles and falls but nothing serious. At what is normally a source of water, there was a small cliff face that had huge 2-3m long icicles hanging down from it. We went over for a better look when suddenly the snow above began to fall down on us. Thinking the worst, we ran to get away but the altitude kicked in and we only got about 10m before collapsing out of breath!
At the end of the forest, the snow got seriously deep, up to our waists in places and this made the going really tough. We followed the footsteps of the ranger and finally at the bottom of the glacial cirque caught up with him.
Together we climbed onwards taking it in turns to stamp footholds in the snow as we tried to make to the peak. At on point there looked like there was a ridge with a path but as we got to it, it became apparent that there was absolutely no chance of finding any kind of trail and that we’d have to just make one ourselves through the snow.
It was hard, hard work. 100m took about 20 minutes and at about 300m short of the top we had to give up. The wind had blown all the soft snow down into the valley below and there was nothing in front of us but rocks and ice. Our crappy 4-point crampons just weren’t up to it and the safest thing to do was to return to the 369 hut. We were bitterly disappointed but sometimes you have to realise your limits. Besides the mountain isn’t going anywhere and now we’ve got an excuse to go back!
It was a tiring walk down to the hut, we’d been hiking for around 13 hours when we made it back and after eating, we were in bed at 6pm.
Day 3
We got up late, 6am, and watched the sunrise from the inside the hut. Because we’d stayed at the 369 hut instead, we could take our time about going home. It was nice to have the time to chat with some of the rangers and other hikers. Got some ideas for other places to go and got some advice for where to avoid during the winter.
The walk down was pretty easy but our legs and feet were aching from the day before. It was good to see all of the things we’d missed on the way up like the pine forest and the crying slope, so called because it is so steep that it’ll make you cry! It took a little over 3 hours to get down and we were immensely glad to have a car to drive back rather than our usual motorbikes.
More photos – I took well over 400 and could have taken more!
Practicalities
Permits – The bane of a hikers life but very much necessary. To hike snow you need two kinds of permit. One is to enter the national park and that is the first one to apply for – Park Entry Application. This is the one that allows you to book a space in the huts.
After that, if you’re successful, you’ll be sent an email with a broken link that should take you to the National Police Agency. Here you can apply for the second permit to enter the mountainous area. Beware, this only works with internet explorer.
After that, all you need to do it print out 3 copies of each permit and present them to the check point at the start of the trail and the police station in Wuling.
As space is limited, permits are difficult to get at the weekend and we were very lucky. If you can go during the week, it’s much easier to get a permit and the trail and cabins will be quieter too.
Transport – We drove in a hired car and it was fine. Though it’s a good idea to check on road conditions before heading out as the number 7 is prone to landslides and is sometimes closed for repairs.
An alternative to driving would be to take the bus from Taipei. It leaves the main station at 7.20am and arrives in Wuling at 11.30am according to the Wuling website (that sounds very optimistic to me, might actually take longer). At Wuling there’s a shuttle bus you can take to the trailhead.
Itineraries – Our original plan was the one below. However, as we didn’t get over the peak, we had to return to the 369 hut and stay there on day 2. This was always going to be a tough hike and it was made more so by the conditions. The itinerary we actually did was much easier than the one we had planned but getting a space in the 369 hut on a Saturday is not.
Day 1 – Trailhead – Qika Hut
Day 2 – Qika Hut – 369 Hut – Main Peak – Cuichi Hut
Day 3 – Cuichi – Main peak – Tailhead – Return to Taipei
To get an idea of how long the hike will take, it’s best to buy a map of the area. They are available at most hiking stores and usually give estimated times to get from one point to another.
Looks Awesome!!!
Wonderful ! Thank you for this story and the pics 😉
Excellent pics! Looks like a great time!
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Very nice.
Absolutely gorgeous. Loved this post.
Dugg and Tweeted.
[…] Stu takes an absolutely stunning hike up Snow Mountain. […]
Cheers for the comments! We had a great time up there and hopefully we’ll get back to do it again in the spring.
Hi, Stu The scenery looks spectacular up there. It really looks like Nepal or European mountains than Taiwan. It must be hard to take the first picture on this post, since it was looking down. Wonderful post with all the tips to get up there!
Hi Micki
Thanks! The first shot was a scary one to take. Standing up straight wasn’t easy and I don’t think it’s as good as it could have been but at least I didn’t fall off the mountain!
Very stunning! I’ve been to the check point of Snow Mountain. Hope I’ll be able to climb up there one day.
hi..nice trip
do you wear thermal clothes up there?
Not really. Quick drying pants and t-shirt plus a micro fleece and outer gortex shell. That’s all! The daytime wasn’t too bad but night got cold and meant an early one. A down feather sleeping bag is essential for that.
Hi Stu!
Really enjoy reading your Snow mountain adventure. My friends and I are planning to climb it too in 2 weeks time, early March 2010. Based on your post, it looks like you did this climb in Jan 2010??? Do u reckon I’ll still encounter snowy condition for a climb in early March? And, will that require us to have ice axes and crampons ready? Or that’ll over do it?
BTW, do they still run daily bus service from Taipei man station to Wuling farm?
And last but not least, if you’re keen to do some climbing in M’sia or Indonesia, I can help you with useful info and contact persons (guides/porters etc).
Regards,
ariffin
Hi ariffin
You might still encounter snow at that time of year. It’s difficult to say whether you’ll need ice axes or not. It really depends on the conditions on the actual day you go. We didn’t get to the top and on that day only one person who had 12point crampons and an ice axe got there. However the next day when some of the snow had melted 10 people got there with 6 point crampons only. I’d say if you are determined to make it irrespective of the conditions, take ice-axes and 10/12point crampons so that you are prepared for the very worst (you can always dump unneeded gear at the cabin at get it on the way down), otherwise 4/6 points will do if the going is good.
As far as I know the bus still runs. You can also get it from Yilan too. But i’d recommend you hire a car if you can. Saves a lot of time and just makes the whole trip run more smoothly. Hope you enjoy the trip! And i might well take you up on the offer of help hiking in Malaysia/Indonesia. Thanks!
Thanks Stu! That’s very helpful!
My next questions:
1) Any shops/clubs where I can rent crampons / ice axes?
2) There are 9 of us, do you have contact that can provide us land transfer from TPE to wuling farm? i.e. hiring a minibus / or cars with drivers
You’re most welcome to join us for our climbs in malaysia and indonesia.
Are u on FB? Mine is KA Ibrahim, I normally post my climbs via FB.
Regards,
ariffin
No problem. I don’t know of anywhere where you can rent hiking gear. 4 point crampons are very cheap though. As for transport you can definitely rent car and driver. I’ve done it before. Have a look at this company, http://www.haus.com.tw/naut.php The only thing is, they might not speak English!
‘so called because it is so steep that it’ll make you cry! ‘ these are really some awesome photos and great diary! Thanks for sharing!!
OHHHH! that looks so good… any idea on how to meet fellow hikers? cause i think i’m the only one who is into hiking and i’m planning for something at the end of this year. i’m in year 11 and not much experience. but i have been to snow camp 2 times now which i absolutely enjoyed…
Depends where you are Raymond. Are you in Taiwan? Or the UK?
I am in Aus at the moment but I will be back about December this year
Well, let us know when you’re back and we’ll see what we have planned.
Like the snow mountian write up.
I’ve done it twice, Dec 08 & 09. The difference in weather was incredible. The hike with a friend in 08 saw sunny days and hiking in t-shirts. The mountain was so busy and many people were about when we reached the peak.
December last year, it was the opposite – much like the conditions you experienced. Although, a lot of cloud. Our final ascent through the cirque valley was a complete white out, then began snowing. I pressed on to the peak, the visibilty was about 10m. Reaching the summit, I was the only one up there – very erie. I couldn’t go to the mountain and not reach the summit, you have to go again and get that peak – no excuses!!
Yeah, we were really disappointed not to get to the top, but when we got home, we heard the news that someone had fallen and died on Yushan on the same weekend. Really makes you think and we were glad that we hadn’t pushed on. That was our first time to hike in conditions like that and so it was good for some experience anyway. We’ll be trying again soon and will definitely make it next time!
Hi, Stu
Thanks for your sharing.
I always like the part of Black Forest. When I walked in there, especially in summer evening, it let me feel so romantic, quiet and peaceful. It seems my exhausted body, after reaching the summit, was totally washed out by Pythoncidere . However, during the winter, Black Forest must be freezing since the cold air was stuck there. You might think you were in a super refrigerator.
Henry
Yes, the black forest is a particularly beautiful space, especially with all the snow on the ground but very cold and very easy to get lost!
ASTONISHING. will there be that much snow in November?
Possibly but probably not. We went after there had been blizzards for about 4/5 days so the conditions were fairly exceptional but it does happen.
[…] 25, 2010 by Stu I blogged about climbing Snow Mountain during the winter earlier in the year so I won’t write many details of the hike. Last time […]
hi stu..do you have plan on going back to snow mountain?when?thanks..hope for your reply stu.nice blog..great work
I haven’t got any plans at the moment. I should imagine that around Chinese New Year I’ll go and perhaps before that if I can get a weekend permit. Are you interested in climbing Snow Mountain?
yes stu im so interested.chinese new year would be great.coz we got 1 week vacation.but my problem is im lack of equipment…please keep posting so i can prepare well stu..hope i can climb snow mountain…thanks stu for the reply
Hi Stu! It’s me again. So Richard replied and he says that guiding a solo climber will be rather expensive. He offered to arrange my permits instead so that I might climb Snow Mountain alone. Do you think this is prudent? I’m no Marlboro man. The most difficult peak I’ve done is Kinabalu. Or is the trail really so developed and easy that a solo climb is reasonably safe?
Hi Philip,
I think you’ll be fine. There’s no technical climbing involved and the path is well signposted and obvious. It’s a popular hike and so chances are there will be plenty of other people on the mountain too so you could always just tag along with another group.
Good luck and enjoy it!
hi stu,
stu how much it cost if i will climb snow mountain solo too?all expenses?how much it cost you on that last climb you you’ve done?thanks stu.
If you’re thinking of getting a guide to take you up, it would be expensive to do it solo. The last time I organised everything myself and would guess it cost about 4000NT per person.
What equipment is needed?like crampons?do you pitch tent or just at the cabin?you have plans on they hike stu?you know what mountain is nearest to hsinchu?a day hike would be great..and no permit allowed..i really miss climbing.thanks stu for answering all my question.
I haven’t got definite plans as yet, but will go back there this year. For Snow you need to book into the cabin and when you get a permit, you get a space in the cabin too.
Tapung Fort and Wai Niao Zui Shan are two good hikes in Hsinchu that don’t require permits
Hi again Stu,
So Richard is 99-percent sure about my Snow Mountain permits. Yipee! I’ve got a few more questions if you don’t mind: I’ll be commuting to Wuling and back to Taipei. This isn’t so hard but I’m worried about transportation within Wuling. Are there shuttle buses to take me to the trail head? And back to the toll gate? Also, is it safe to leave my backpack at 369 hut for the summit assault?
You’ve been a great help!
Oh sorry. You did say there are shuttle buses. What I meant is would you know their schedule to and from the trail head? What I want to avoid is arriving at the trail head dead tired and finding out there are no shuttle buses to take! Tramping the 9 kilometers to the toll gate would be perdition.
I’m 99% certain there’s a shuttle bus though I’ve never used it myself. If it turns out that i’m wrong, you could always try hitching a lift. Most Taiwanese are more than happy to give a lift to a foreigner!
hi stu,
getting ready to head to wuling in 2 days. couple last questions i am hoping you can help me out with. (1) can you present both permits at the trailhead or do you have to present the police ones to the actual police station in wuling? is that difficult to find (will be traveling by bus so not super mobile) and (2) do you know if there is a reliable water source at 369 hut nowadays? i thought that i had read somewhere that there was but i keep reading conflicting info on that.
thanks again for all of your help and local knowledge!
ginny
[…] website opens to receive applications at 7.00am everyday and for the popular trails like Snow Mountain, all the weekend permits usually go by 7.30am so getting your typing fingers warmed up before […]
hi,
can any one tell me the price of permit for snow mountain, no guides, just a trek up to the summit alone, i live in cambodia and i have a couple of weeks off during xmas, i’ve heard that you have to book about a week before you leave, which seems stupid as you know mountain weather can be very fickle, i would like to wait until i get to taiwan then try and get a permit 2/3 days before i leave, is this possible?? if not please can you tell how to get one without going through a travel company and them charging for the arrangements,
many thanks if you can help,
dave.
If you apply by yourself, it’s free to get the permit. For snow mountain, the earlier you apply, the better as competition for permits can be strong. You’ll need to apply at least 7 days in advance anyway.
The weather in the high mountains can be very different to Taipei so just because it’s sunny or rainy in Taipei doesn’t mean it will be the same at Snow Mountain.
The website for applying for permits is all in Chinese and so you may need help in this respect. Barking deer do DIY packages, they’ll get you the permit, maps, etc.
Stu
thanks for the information stu, i’m aware the weather is different in cities compared to mountains anywhere in the world,
i will get to taipeige and check weather for the area i want to go into,
but you think i wil have no chance of arriving in taipei and trying to get permit for 2 days time?
how much does barking deer charge for that service, do you have a rough idea?
sorry for the million and one Q’s, ive trekked and climbed in the himalaya, patagonia, alps, etc but taiwan seems to be the most difficult for permits yet! although i haven’t been to china or russia.
dave.
Hi Dave,
I think it’s NT$2500 for the permit through barking deer. You’ll definitely need to apply in advance. Absolute minimum is 7 days and even then that’s pushing it. There’s a limit on the number of permits and Snow Mountain is the 2nd highest peak here so it’s a very popular climb, especially as the highest peak has been temporarily closed.
Stu
thanks stu, i have a friend of a friend who lives in taipei, would it be possible for him to get me the permit? if so what details would he need? i don’t want to pay barking deer $85 for getting me a free permit (i’m english but i work in cambodia and get paid in $) they must think i’m barking mad!
if this is not possible, what mountain treks that are not in any national parks would you recommend i could do, 1/2/ or 3 day treks, wild camps are fine.
once again thanks for all the help,
dave.
If your friend reads Chinese, it’ll be no problem or he/she could ask a Taiwanese friend to help out. Just needs your name, passport number, emergency contact, address
When are looking to hike it?
possibly on the 29th dec or the 30th, looking more likely to be the 30th,
if no chance what mountains are good to trek without permits, any good ridge walks that require abit of scrambling would be good.
possibly be in taipei for the 28th and 29th if you are around, i think i owe you a beer for all advice.
dave.
Nenggao is a good hike. You still need a permit but you can apply for it on the spot. Will you have transport when you get here? Here’s a list of Taipei hikes
hi stu,
no i won’t have any transport, if i do get a permit for snow peak can i get a bus to wuling farm? if not whats the best and cheapest other way of getting there? also is there a bus to the other places you have mentioned? is nenggao a 1 day trek or longer?
Nengao is 2/3 day hike, no transport. There’s a bus to Wuling. Takes the best part of a day, but if you’re going you’ll need to apply for the permit tomorrow otherwise it’ll be too late.
hi stu,
the tourism board sent me an email link to apply online which is in english, only problem is you have to sign it????? so i sent it off y’day with all the details, i wait to see what happens on that one…….
shame no transport to nengoa, how far from taipei is it, can you ride a motorbike there (how much for bike)?
It’s a long way from Taipei by motorbike, you’d be better off getting a bus to Puli and then renting a scooter from there. Hitchhiking is another option. Here’s the link
ps, i could not find any details on your site for nengoa? have you done that one?
thanks stu,
do you have an address in taipei where i can go get mountain permits, maps etc, you can’t get anything living in cambodia.
You can get maps from Metroasis. The permit for Nenggao, you’ll need to apply for at the last police station on the way there. Have you got winter gear? It’ll be pretty cold up, probably below zero this weekend.
also is it safe to leave belongings in the last hostel/hotel of items not needed to trek laptop, trainers etc?
There’s nowhere at the trailhead to leave stuff like that. The cabins are usually ok, but you don’t want to be carrying any unneeded weight up a mountain.
i meant in the last civilised place like puli etc
Sorry! Yeah, should be ok. If you book somewhere, it might be a good idea to ask them first to be sure. Make sure you take a driver’s licence with you. Some scooter rental places can be a bit difficult about renting to foreigners and other places don’t care what you have.
i have all gear for mountain conditions, below freezing is not a problem, i’ve been in some mountain ranges where it -20, just below freezing is still t’shirt weather :o),
an address for camping gas etc would be very useful please, any you would recommend?
would like to chat with you one day about teaching in taiwan, i teach in cambodia.
By Taipei Main Station there are loads of camping shops. Look for the corner of Zhongxiao East Road and Civic Boulevard. There are shops north and south of there, all a minutes walk away. I’ll send you an email with my phone number, if you need anything when you get here, give me a call.
thanks stu,
i’ve replied to your email, hopefully see you in taipei?
sure, just let me know when
ps, i looked on the link you sent regarding maps ‘metroasis’ it was all in chinese, can i get maps from where i will get camping gas?
Yeah definitely.
[…] to Snow Mountain this weekend in the hope of seeing some snow. There wasn’t as much as last year, but the trail through the black forest and up the cirque to the peak had a fair amount as well as […]
Hi stu,
Hope you can help us out on this. My friend and I intend to climb snow mountain by ourselves from 7 Jun – 9 Jun but we have some questions regarding the park entry permit application form which we wish to seek your advise on:
1) For the Emergency Contactor and Phone Number, must it be from Taiwan? We are from Singapore and do not have any friends in Taiwan which can help us out with this.
2) Must the address also be from Taiwan? We are just backpacking Taiwan and would not have a permanent address at all.
3) What is this Radio Frequency about? Can’t we use our mobile phones up in the mountain? At which area will we lose reception?
Apologies if I have asked some stupid question, because this is our first time climbing an overseas mountain.
Thanks alot!
Jia Wei
[…] in my guidebook, Snow Mountain is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful hikes – and Stuart has winter photos to prove […]
hello there! I just got to taiwan and am interested in hiking, especially the snow mountain! would you be conducting trips? or bringing people to other hiking trips as i am rather unfamiliar with all these!
Hi! I’ve sent you an email.
Stu
Where is it?i will visit Taiwan in January and really want to visit the snowy mountain over there…..because there is no snow in Taipei so i need to know whether there’s a place that i can find the snowy land.
You could try Hehuanshan. You can drive there from Taipei (4-5 hours).
Great job! wanna be there soon…^ ^
Hi, may I use some of these pics on my FB page? It is for personal sharing with friends on FB only, so that they know how beautful the island is, not for commercial or business purposes.
Thank you!
That’s fine
Absolutely stunning pictures and amazing journal. Thanks so much! It is indeed an inspiration to us to make this hike next Winter.
Hi Stu,
By any chance, do you have a group climb on April 7-8, 2012?
Thanks once again.
adventureh.wordpress.com
We don’t I’m afraid, but we can organise a private hike if you’re interested.
Stu
Thanks for your quick reply Stu. We are only 3.
Can you please email me some details (inclusions and exclusions)
> adventureh2@gmail.com
xie xie
how is the snow during April at snow mountain? which month is best to climb snow mountain for the adventure and scenery…assuming you are a trained climber
Hi,
April is the tail end of the snow season and so it can be very hit and miss for snow. There could be a couple of feet if a front came in at the right time and there could be none too.
Are you coming from abroad to climb Snow Mountain? If so then it’s best to avoid June to September as that’s when we have typhoons and you wouldn’t want one of those cancelling your climb.
Otherwise Snow Mountain is a really good climb all year round. If you live here and your climb is cancelled, you can always just reapply later.
Stu
yes, I am coming from abroad…am I correct to assume that its best to climb snow mountain when the snow is thickest or at least there enough?
alternative is Jade mountain…is it also best to climb this mountain when there is snow?
I am open to join a group climbing there with some of my co clubmates ( 1 or 2) or maybe alone…
Marichu
There’s never really that much snow there. It’s just when the odd front comes in a deposits a lot that it thickens up, but then after a few days of sun, most of it will melt. It’s a relatively safe climb.
Jade Mountain is kind of closed at the moment. The main cabin is shut and so the only alternative is to do it as a very tough day trip.
We organise group hikes to Snow Mountain through our facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/groups/TaiwanAdventures/ We typically go to Snow once a month and so you could try signing up for one. There’ll be a trip from the 25-27 of May and one from the 22-24 of June. Or alternatively we also run commissioned hikes for smaller, individual groups; info@taiwan-adventures.com
Thanks
Stu
Hi Stu,
Awesome pics and trip records you have here. Really enjoy reading them all. 🙂
I’m planning a short trip with 3 frens to Taipei.
Hope to have a try at Snow Mountain about 22-24 May.
So I’ll just have to apply the permit online, get a map/gas from the camping stores you recommend & follow the signposts religiously, right?
Is water available for cooking near the few camping areas?
Thanks
Rgds
Simon
Hi
There are no camping areas. When you apply for the permit, you’ll book into cabins where you have to stay. Both of the cabins have water supplies.
The trail is pretty obvious and well sign posted. The only place where you need to take care is in the black forest, especially in low light.
Stu
Thanks Stu
Great narrative, Stu. I and a small group from Manila will climb Snow Mt. (Apr. 28 to May 1). Are you or any hiking group you know planning anything that involves hiking/trekking/climbing after May 1? If you are, would it be possible for me to join? My group will have returned to Taipei on May 1. I was thinking about extending my stay in the country to explore other areas. I’m open to all suggestions. Our expedition itself will take us to the Wulai waterfalls, and we’ll climb via Wuling.
Marcus
Hi Stu,
I and a small group from Manila will be climbing Snow Mt. (Apr. 28 – May 1). I was thinking about extending my stay after May 1 so was wondering whether you or a group you know would be doing any hiking/climbing after May 1, and if you are, whether it would be possible to join you guys. If not, what hiking destinations are there near Taipei? Open to all suggestions.
Marcus
wanderlust100 at yahoo.com
Hi, sorry we don’t have anything planned for then. We will have a group up Snow Mountain on the same date though!
[…] be loads of info out there in English by now (check out Stu Dawson’s accounts on his blog, Hiking Taiwan, for instance), but to document my latest unsuccessful attempt, here’s my five-cents worth […]
Stu,
Thanks for the reply. Please allow me to bother you with more questions again. Coming from Snow mountain, which is the nearest (or logistically easiest) place to go for white water rafting and/or river tracing. I’ve just seen all your videos from the Formosa Adventures page. That looks incredibly fun.
And is Xiaozishan in Pingxi near Taipei?
Can I do Snow Mt > Taipei > Pingxi > white water rafting? Is this the right order that would eliminate any doubling back?
Is Xiaozishan a technical climb or is it just plain rock scrambling/climbing?
Thanks in advance for your attention and answers, Stu. I’ve read almost all your entire blog now…
Marcus
Hi
The white water rafting is in Ruisui in the East Rift Valley. You’d need to get a train from Luodong on the way back from Snow Mountain.
Xiaozishan is just scramblnig, no need for harnesses or ropes. You can get there by bus from Muzha MRT.
Stu
Hi Stu,
Would you know the elevation of the ranger station (trail head) to Xue Shan?
I and a mountaineering group from the Philippines climbed Snow Mountain late April. We had torrential rain from Chika to 369. The skies cleared when we arrived in 369 so our guides decided that we should continue on to the summit. Out of the 4 guys and 4 girls, all but two summitted that day (sadly, I was one of those two). My systems konked out at kilometer 9. Altitude sickness. Went back alone to 369. Interestingly, I felt perfectly fine the next morning but it was time for our descent. Had I summitted that morning, I would’ve made it.
I’m planning on going back to do a Snow-Jade Mountain 1-2 climb. Another question: are the cabins closed because of the rainy season? I read about your one-day climb to Jade from your FB page but you’re probably closed for any more participants, aren’t you? Following your blog and Neil Wade’s closely. You guys should come down to the Philippines. We have some pretty cool mountains down here (most of which are dormant/active volcanoes) plus all the tropical islands you could wish for!
Marcus
Hi
The cabins don’t close unless there’s a problem with the trail or a typhoon is on its way.
The main cabin for Jade is still shut unfortunately. Hopefully it’ll open soon!
Stu
hi! when would be the best month to climb snow mountain. we have experience in climbing mountains but not alpine type, would it be difficult for first timers? thanks!
If you’re a beginner to high mountain hiking, it would be best to climb Snow Mountain between April and December to avoid the snow season. There’s nothing technical about an ascent of Snow so it should be OK for first timers. If you’re interested in a guided hike. you can contact us through Taiwan Adventures. We run customized trips as well as group trips with fixed dates. Thanks
Hi I would like to hike snow mountain via holy ridge trail from 20-24th may 2013 . In your opinion is end may a good period to hike? Also for this trail are there huts to stay along the way or we need to bring our own tent?
Many thanks! Angella
Snow Mountain is always a good hike no matter what time of year. May is the flower season too. There are huts. You’re not allowed to camp on the trail. When you apply for the permit, you’ll also book your space in the hut.
Hi Stu,
Thank you so much!!! Flower season!!!! I’m so looking forward to hiking there in May!!!
Hi Stu, just wondering whether your group will be doing any Snow Mountain climb for the week: 30 Nov 12 to 2 Dec 12. Two of us are from Singapore.
BC
Hi
Sorry for the late reply. We don’t have a trip planned to Snow Mountain for that time.
Stu
Hi Stu,
I am on 5 day trip to Taiwan. I planned to hike on october 24,25th (wed & thu) on snow mountain. I need permit and a guided in for two days. I tried Mailing and calling Richard but he is not available. Can you help me by referring any other person? I can’t make any other advancement in my tour plan without being sure of snow mountain. Thank you
Hi
I’m afraid I don’t anyone who could make that date. Would you be interested in us helping you to get a permit and then you do the hike on your own? Send us an email to info@taiwan-adventures.com
Thanks,
Stu
Hi Stu,
I have sent the mail. Can I get the permit for sure? Coz I need to plan accordingly. its hardly 8 days left. please reply to the mail about the cost and how its has to be done. Thanks
Hi, Stu. I always enjoy following your posts. I’d like to hike Snow Mountain over New Years, firstly, any comments/advice on this? Secondly, the permits require maps and details of hike, could you give some info on this. Thanks kindly.
Hi
By New Years do you mean Chinese New Year or the western one? Either way there will likely be snow up there, but how much will depend on the weather at the time.
For the map and details, you need to include your itinerary, a gear list and a very basic outline map of the intended route. It’s a total waste of time, but a requirement of the police permit.
Stu
nice one.. im going to climb this Mountain early next month.. so nervous >.<
Hi Stu,
Snow mountain looks amazing. I am thinking travelling there during CNY by myself or doing the O Holy Ridge trail.
How easy is the path to follow during winter time?
I will travelling from Hong Kong so is it also easy to get the permit at that time?
I assume the crampon and ice axe are mandatory at that time, right?
Thank in advance for the information you can give me.
Cheers
Olivier
Hi,
The Holy Ridge isn’t open anymore during the winter.
Hi Stu, May i ask, if your memory serves you well, do they inspect the equipment needed to climb? ( Crampons, hiking poles, gps, etc) I had gotten a permit to climb in January as well but I dont think I will be climbing to the Main Peak, my goal is to only reach the East Peaks and thats fine with me 🙂
You’ll need crampons, helmets and an ice axe (for the leader, poles are OK for the others). They aren’t very strict at all, but you never know. It would be a shame to be turned back without the right gear.
I am trying to apply for the permit but I always assigned with the Qika cabin not the 369. Do you know why? What is the best way to get from Ximen at Taipei to the trailhead?
Transport info here http://www2.wuling-farm.com.tw/en/location/index.php
Not sure about the permit. Best to call the national park.
Hi Stu,
Were planning to hike snow mountain by Feb next year. Is the mountain permit also required if we’ll be hiking east and main peaks only? is a guide required for those peaks?
Yes, you’ll need a permit. You don’t need a guide but your leader will need to have a snow training certification. I’ve heard that for people coming from abroad that showing evidence that you’ve climbed in winter conditions before can be enough to get the permit. Best thing to do is to email the national park directly.
Very nice pictures and very informative Stu.
I plan to climb Feb 2017 too, but quite scared because this is going to be my 1st time winter climb experience. It would be great to experience winter climb with our neighboring country ( I am from Philippines ).
Any suggestions for trusted agency that caters solo travelers? I hope February is a good time to experience this?
Recent climbs is Mt Rinjani.
Thank You,
Emily
Hi
Shoot us an email at info@taiwan-adventures.com
Stu
Hi, emily you doing it in Feb? I am a lone traveller too, hoping to do it mid feb. Not sure if this needs crampons and ice axes. Recent climb also rinjani.
Drop me a whatsapp and see if we can do sth. 🙂 +852 6891 0079
Emily (too)
Hey Emily!! Yup planning to do it while there’s still snow although i don’t plan on doing it with very thick snow coz im not so used with the cold and probably die! Haha will be my first snow experience in case. But they said they’ll have schedules though for until April. Are you set for Feb? Don’t have whatsapp but you can find me on fb as Emily Marie Antipala. Lets discuss our Emily snow mountain plan 🙂
Thanks Stu for your explanation. are you a hiking tour guide? I would love to do this snow mountain in feb. Hopefully theres most snow n its least dangerous. Need ice axe and crampon for this hike?
Yes, I lead trips into the mountain here. You’ll need crampons (8 points minimum) and an ice axe and helmet too.
Hi Stu!
I’m planning on hiking here as a solo hiker this coming October. What would the weather be like there by that time? Will I need snow gear? I’m from the
Philippines so we don’t experience snow so i’m not too sure what to expect.
Thanks!
Robin
Won’t be any snow then, but it might be very cold in the evenings
Hi everyone, i just came back from Snow Mountain trekking from 3 to 7 Feb 2018 and this is my 2nd attempt, but once again me and my team didnt make it to the peak and make a u turn as advised by our guide, due to sudden drop of temperature and thicker snow as we were approaching the black forest exit.
This time the weather in Taiwan is bad and first time ever snowy all over at Wuiling Farm. Trekking all the way to 369 cabin was tougher with temperature from 0 to -8 that make us bit hard to breath and move much2 slower.
Oh! we felt a 5.+ tremor when we were sleeping at 369 around 1030pm on Sunday night.
No more Snow Mountain for us…unpredictable weather and 1st best experience.