December 30, 2024: Traverse from Shimakareyama to Chausuyama

I've already visited several times, including Kitayokodake, but Shimakareyama and Chausuyama are still the most enjoyable for me.
Known as an introductory area for snow-covered mountains with a cable car, the difficulty level is not particularly high, but at an altitude of 2,403 meters, you can enjoy the experience of high-altitude snow-covered mountains.
The scenery is also wonderful when the weather is nice.
We were blessed with good weather this time, and we had a great time.

Mountain highlights

Summit

The summit of Shimakareyama.
The weather was fine that day, and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.
You wouldn't guess it from the photos, but the wind was incredibly strong and cold, so we couldn't stay long.

The view is completely filled with frost-covered trees.
The contrast with the blue sky is wonderful.

You can see as far as the distant mountains.

On the other hand, the summit of Mt. Chausu offers no views.
Instead, there's an observation deck.

The wind here was also incredibly strong, making it difficult to even breathe.

landscape

The frozen trees form unique shapes.
This is a landscape unique to the high mountains in winter.

The trees are covered in snow, bending and sagging.

The trail left by hikers remains.

Striped dieback phenomenon.
They are dying in groups due to the harsh environment.
Because the leaves wither in a striped pattern, they appear as stripes from a distance.

Points to note

This is an introductory course, but it is a high-altitude, snow-covered mountain. Snow gear is essential.

The cold wind is very strong, so be sure to take proper precautions to keep your face warm.