The Effort, the Cold & the Altitude

Climbing Mt Fuji in winter is not easy and anyone who tells you it is is wrong. It is real mountaineering by any standard, and not every climber gets it done on the first try. Whilst other alpine trips follow a mellow strategy, Mt Fuji in winter can be relentless but exciting

Mt Fuji in winter is hard but doable, but never expect it to be easy. Remember always the goal is getting back to the car, and for many the descent is more taxing than the climb.

Mt Fuji ascents use a lot of energy, probably around 4000 kcals which is more than a marathon. You need to start early and keep moving at a consistent pace, on terrain that gets ever steeper and more exposed.

Mt Fuji in winter is always cold and windy, sapping energy and needing movement to stay warm. You need to wear warm clothes and boots which can be heavy, plus enough food, and the early start means being on the move several hours by the time it gets light.

3800m above sea level is not high, but it is high enough to feel it, on top of the fatigue of a huge day and early start. The effects of altitude are often some breathlessness and the need to rest more, compounded by the exertion of a lot of upward gain.