When hiking becomes climbing

Ascending Mt Fuji in winter is a climb, and whilst the approach may be hiking the higher parts certainly are not. Above the tree line Mt Fuji fast becomes a serious alpine ascent, requiring the gear and techniques of mountaineering.

We regularly climb Mt Fuji in winter with people who have summited peaks like Kilimanjaro, Denali, Baker and Himalayan peaks, and no one comes away thinking it was anything less than alpine climbing.

Whilst it’s true that Mt Fuji outside winter – December, January, February and March – can be like hiking, during the winter months it requires the same stuff it takes for any big climb.

Hiking boots and clothes will get most people to where the trees end, but beyond that needs crampons and ice axes which by default means a helmet as well. Crampons only go on boots made to take them, and we are explicit in what that is.

Likewise, hiking has a different mindset to climbing in winter, so the strategy we use and the way we approach may seem overly serious to those expecting a hike. Unlike a walking trail, Mt Fuji in winter has all the usual climbing hazards, that includes avalanches, rockfall, exposure and extreme cold.

We are always happy to help people graduate to climbing, and Mt Fuji in winter is a perfect place for this. Climbers must be aware though that the gulf between the two is not small, and to go from hiker to climber is literally a steep learning curve.