Karamatsudake is a 2,695-meter-high mountain straddling Nagano and Toyama prefectures in the Back Tateyama mountain range of the Northern Alps. The mountain is one of the easiest to climb in the North Alps because a lift is available and there are no difficult sections along the way. The view from the summit attracts many climbers as it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Tateyama, Kashima-Yarigatake, Goryu-dake, Tsurugidake, and other famous peaks of the North Alps!
Climbing Route Introduction
▼ Date of climb
Late April 2021
▼ Climbing level
★★★☆☆☆
For intermediate and above (beginners can also use the gondola, as long as they do not aim for the summit)
▼Schedule
Climbing time Approximately 6 hours
07:50 Gondola
The time required is about 40 minutes.
The time required is about 40 minutes.
Adam→Alpine quad lift→Glatt quad lift→Happoike Villa
Gondola fare: Adult 3,200 yen round trip, 1.800 yen one way
Hakuba Village Gondola Station Happo Gondola Lift
08:50 Start climbing Happoike Sanso
09:30 Mt.
12:15 Karamatsu 2,696m
〜Lunch
14:30 Happoike Villa
15:15 Descend
・During the snowy mountain season, it is recommended to arrive at the parking lot at 5:00 a.m. as there are many winter sports visitors.
・You can also make a day trip! But be careful if you like taking pictures, because there is a gondola time on the way back!
Mountain Climbing Experience
We chose “Karamatsu-dake” for our first attempt at a snowy mountain in the Northern Alps! Karamatsudake, which can be reached by gondola up to 1,830m at a stretch, so it is easy to climb for beginners in snowy mountains in the Northern Alps! That’s why we chose it! As soon as we got off the last lift, the view was spectacular and the scenery was already impressive! I could go home happy (lol). From there to the summit, there are no major difficulties and the view is open all the way, so it is very enjoyable to climb. I took so many pictures that I ran out of time for the gondola on the way back, so you really have to be careful with your pace. You can also enjoy the descent more if you bring a sled or something!
View from the trailhead to the summit
As soon as you go up by the gondola, you will be greeted with……a spectacular view!
After all, the snow-capped mountains of the Northern Alps are exceptional!
Well..! We will climb toward the summit!
Looking back, you can see a panoramic view of Hakuba!
Eh! That’s when the white grouse appeared!
We managed to summit Karamatsu-dake 2,696m in a blizzard!
Extremely cold! And I couldn’t see anything! I will definitely try again!
Mt.Karamatsu and you are sure to have a great time!
You can enjoy both summer and winter!
Northern Alps Recommended Mountains
There are many other mountains in the Northern Alps that we recommend, so please check them out here!
Mountaineering Preparation and Equipment
Before you begin climbing a mountain, it is important to select and prepare the proper equipment. Here is a checklist of essential items and how to choose climbing equipment such as climbing shoes and backpacks. We will also inform you about important but often forgotten items.
⛰ Clothing ⛰
Shoes
Climbing shoes
Climbing shoes with good foot support and non-slip soles are required. Proper size and fit are important for a comfortable climbing experience.
Climbing clothes
T-shirt, shorts (or long tights if you don't want to get hit by grass), outdoor jacket, heavy socks
Hat, spare T-shirt *Adjust according to the season.
Mountaineering backpack:.
You will need a backpack large enough to hold the necessary equipment, food and drink, and warm clothing. Be sure to pay attention to the comfort and adjustability of the backpack.
Protective equipment
Head and limb protection such as helmets, gloves, and sunglasses are important to ensure your safety while climbing.
Warm clothing
In mountainous areas, temperatures can change rapidly, so it is important to have warm clothing. A fleece, down jacket, windproof and waterproof shell jacket, etc. are necessary.
Trekking poles
Trekking poles are useful to support balance on slopes and unstable terrain.
Mountaineering map application "YAMAP
Download a map of the mountain you will be climbing with the mountaineering map application "YAMAP" in advance. You can check your location with GPS even when you are offline.
⛰ Recommended items⛰.
First aid kit
Headlamp
Drink (This is important! You will need a liter! You need at least 1 liter.
Food - Onigiri rice balls and waders to eat on the way
Snacks
Money (It's better to have cash since it's not electronic!)
Insect repellent (you don't have to bring any)
Towel
Sunscreen
Tissues, wet wipes
Charger
Folding umbrella or umbrella
Grouse live in the alpine zone throughout the year, a little lower during the harsh winter months. They change their plumage color between summer and winter! To avoid detection by natural enemies, they turn brown in summer to blend in with rocky surfaces, and white in winter to blend in with snowy landscapes.