Many climbers lose their lives on Mount Fuji in winter.
And those who become stranded or fall on Mount Fuji in winter are not beginners, but advanced climbers.
Beginner climbers, in the first place, are generally unable to even approach a winter ascent of Mount Fuji. (Details will follow later.)
Even highly experienced climbers with full winter gear can become stranded or fall on Mount Fuji in winter.
In this blog post, I have summarized three reasons why Mount Fuji in winter is dangerous.
To get straight to the point, winter climbing on Mount Fuji is dangerous for the following three reasons:
① The slopes are frozen, making crampons and ice axes less effective
② Once you slip, it is extremely difficult to stop
③ Strong winds due to it being a standalone mountain
I will explain these three reasons in detail below.
Reasons Why Climbing Mount Fuji in Winter Is Dangerous
The Slopes Are Frozen, Making Crampons and Ice Axes Less Effective
The slopes of Mount Fuji in winter are like being coated with hard, solid ice.
The higher the altitude, the harder the snow-covered slopes become.
Even crampons attached to mountaineering boots to prevent slipping, and ice axes that are supposed to act as a brake in case of a fall, become less effective.
On a typical snowy mountain, crampons and ice axes bite firmly into the snow, but on hard frozen snow (ice), even their blades struggle to gain proper traction.
Reason ② Why Mount Fuji in Winter Is Dangerous
Once You Slip, It Is Extremely Difficult to Stop
On slopes of hard snow and ice where even crampons and ice axes are less effective,
once you begin to slide, it is almost impossible to stop by your own will.
The slopes of Mount Fuji in winter are like a steeply angled ice skating rink.
Although climbers carry ice axes to stop themselves when they fall on snowy mountains, even these tools become nearly useless on hard frozen slopes.
Reason ③ Why Mount Fuji in Winter Is Dangerous
Strong Winds Due to It Being a Standalone Mountain
Mount Fuji is not part of a mountain range but a standalone peak.
There are no surrounding mountains to block the wind, leaving Mount Fuji fully exposed.
Because it is an isolated peak, there are times when even in summer the wind is strong enough to lift your body off the ground—this is no exaggeration.
In winter, the winds are even stronger, easily causing climbers to lose their balance.
Imagine standing on an icy slope where crampons and ice axes are ineffective, while strong winds are blowing.
Once you lose your balance and begin to slide down the icy slope, it is nearly impossible to stop.
On these slopes, there are often exposed rocks and cliffs along the way.
Sliding down at speeds approaching 100 km/h…
If your body collides with rocks…
Examples of Accidents Involving Inexperienced Climbers (Lack of Experience or Equipment)
On October 28, 2019, there was a fatal accident in which a person climbing Mount Fuji while live streaming on Nico Nico Live fell to their death.
Based on the live stream, it is believed that the streamer reached the summit and then slipped on a snowy or icy trail and fell.
It is also said that the streamer was not carrying crampons or an ice axe.
The streamer had reportedly done many live streams of climbing Mount Fuji in summer and likely had sufficient experience with summer ascents.
However, late October on Mount Fuji is essentially the winter climbing season.
While the streamer may have had sufficient experience in summer climbing, they likely had no experience in winter (snow) mountaineering.
Depending on the year, snowfall may be light, and it might be possible to reach the summit even in late October without full winter gear such as crampons and ice axes.
Just like the unfortunate streamer.
Even with insufficient equipment and experience, one might be able to proceed along winter trails by luck.
But once that luck runs out, it can cost you your life.
Mount Fuji is officially closed in early September (for the Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi side).
Even experienced climbers with full winter gear can become stranded on Mount Fuji in winter.
A closed, winter Mount Fuji is not a mountain that inexperienced or poorly equipped climbers can handle.
Mountains are unforgiving and can take lives without mercy.
While the dangers of lightly equipped beginners are often highlighted in summer climbs, such beginners cannot even access Mount Fuji in midwinter.
Even reaching the 5th Station—the usual starting point in summer—requires full winter gear such as crampons, ice axes, and snowshoes.
Therefore, beginners cannot even reach the 5th Station in midwinter.
※ Some may reach it by luck, but returning safely also requires luck. Without proper equipment and extensive winter mountaineering experience, you should never attempt to climb Mount Fuji in winter. The risk of losing your life is extremely high.
Is It Okay to Climb Mount Fuji in Winter?
Climbing Mount Fuji in winter is generally prohibited.
However, historically, it has been climbed for winter mountaineering training.
As mentioned earlier, such climbs are typically undertaken by advanced climbers as training or as a serious challenge.
In my personal view, winter climbing on Mount Fuji falls into a gray area.
That said, if you intend to climb, you must carefully check whether the route you plan to take is legally permitted.
You climb at your own responsibility after confirming all conditions yourself.
Winter climbing on Mount Fuji is entirely at your own risk (although, fundamentally, all mountaineering is).
Additionally, if you become stranded and require rescue, there is a risk of causing secondary accidents (such as rescuers themselves getting into danger).
You must seriously consider the people who risk their lives to rescue you.
Avoid climbing in expected bad weather or attempting reckless climbs beyond your ability.
In recent years, there has been an increase in accidents involving foreign climbers, not just on Mount Fuji.
It is clearly necessary to provide multilingual information about these risks and the dangers of winter climbing on Mount Fuji.
I believe this is something that local governments and national authorities should take the lead in addressing.
By the way, the official climbing season for Mount Fuji typically runs from early July to early September (this applies to the Yoshida Route, which is the most popular among climbers).
The best time for climbing is generally said to be from late July to late August.
Outside of this period, temperatures are lower and there may be snow, making the climb especially dangerous for beginners.
In addition, outside the official climbing season, the trails are, in principle, closed to hikers.
Summary: Even Advanced Climbers Face Serious Risks on Mount Fuji in Winter
In this post, I have explained why climbing Mount Fuji in winter is extremely difficult and dangerous.
① Icy slopes where crampons and ice axes are less effective
② Once you slip, it is extremely difficult to stop
③ Strong winds due to it being a standalone peak
I hope you now understand why winter climbing on Mount Fuji is considered among the most challenging in the world.
In addition to these factors, there are general winter mountain risks such as avalanches, rockfalls, extreme cold, and whiteouts (poor visibility caused by snowstorms and blowing snow).
As the highest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji can experience large-scale avalanches as well.
Even highly experienced climbers with full winter gear are at constant risk of accidents on Mount Fuji in winter.
Thank you very much for reading to the end.
See you again in the next mountain talk!
“I’ve published a blog post here titled ‘Mt. Fuji Goods Feature: A Curated Selection of Recommended Artworks, Crafts, and Interior Decor.’”
I’ve written a blog post here titled “How Can We Prevent Reckless Mount Fuji Climbing by Foreign Visitors?”