Snow shoe hike Kirigamine

Snow shoe trip at Kirigamine, Nagano-ken.

This snow shoe hike is designed to enjoy relatively flat and open hill in area of Kirigamine Hiland. Kirigamine-Hiland (around 1500m high from sea level) is located near Shirakaba-lake and 5km north-west of Tateshina-yama
which is a northern part of Yatugadake. In winter this area is an ideal space for cross-country ski and snow shoe walk. The walking route is not very difficult, probably for beginners to those who are getting used to walk using snow shoe for a couple of times.

First day(11th) : After getting hut in Kirigamine, we walk directly from hut to open hill of Kirigamine. The destination is Kuruma-yama which is the highest peak in this area. Probably, it takes less than 2 hours to get the summit. We could have a marvellous view from the top over Yatsugatake to Mt Fuji if the weather is our side.

Second day: We will walk to Yashima-marshland where is completely covered with snow in middle of winter. And we are heading to the east side of Kirigamine nearby Kurumayama ski area. I suppose we spend 4~5 hours for
walk including lunch time.

http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~hutte-k/noldikwalking.html

What you need for this walk:

• Well insulated, warm clothing, including good socks and gloves. (As this area is open space, it would be very cold if it is windy….)
• Fully-water-proof outer layer. This means everything except your hat. You must have water proof gloves and water proof boots. Sneakers and hiking shoes are not acceptable, you need high-ankled, water proof,well-insulated
  winter hiking boots. You must have gaiters. It is also recommended that your jacket be wind proof.
• Sun glasses or ski goggles (It is essential on snow….).
• Suncream (up to your skin condition…..).
• A water proof hiking pack. Ideally, it will have a rain cover.
• Lunch. Tea, coffee and miso soup in a thermos would help you to keep yourself warm from inside…

You do not need to bring your own snow shoes or poles for this hike, unless you already have some. We will hire snow shoes for those who don't have their own.

Accommodation: Kirigamine-hutte http://www7.ocn.ne.jp/~hutte-k/index.html

Cost: Hut ~\8500(2meals) + rental snowshoe(2days)\2000 + transportation (train+bus)~\14000 + lunch, snack and drink…\2000? = ~\27500 (at most, \30,000).