Today January 13rd, high pressure brought clear weather to Asahidake area,

we could see the summit of Asahidake very clearly.

Throughout the year, there are not many clear days in mountain area,

we could get a rare opportunity to see Asahidake under clear sky. 

We climbed up by ropeway to the Sugatami station which is located altitude 1600m.

After wearing snow shoes, we start to hike up from upper ropeway station to fumarole. Snow depth of this area is about 250~300cm, without snow shoes, It is really hard to walk on snow, especially fumarole area, which has unstable surface,  is even more dangerous.

Blue sky contrasts sharply with white snow.

Sugatami field area is famous as beatiful trails around several ponds,

in the winter, covered with snow it turns to be wide-spread snow fields.

Sunshine create shadows on the snow, make a view of the fantastic landscapes.

In this picture, you will see the light wave pattern created by the cold wind which is called wind ripple, usually wind ripple has image of desert sand but, Asahidake area has wide-spread field with strong wind, you can see the wind ripple on snow during the mid-winter. It effected by wind strength, landscape, geographical features.

Today is really fine weather to take a pictures. but usually, The way to the fumarole is

dangerous and has risk of avalanche and distress. If you’re first trip on Asahidake , please visit Asahidake visitor center and gather information.