【乗鞍高原】スノーシューハイクの服装と持ち物ガイド【ガイドツアー・レンタル】-長野県松本市

Snowshoe hiking is a winter activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. No special skills are required to enjoy hiking in the soft snow-covered plateau. Norikura Kogen is a great location for snowshoeing, and there are several routes suitable for hiking. I want to experience it! If you feel like it, it is possible to rent snowshoes and clothing for snow hiking in the plateau, but it is best to know what you need beforehand.
This time, we will guide beginners to snowshoe hiking, introducing the necessary clothing and items to bring, as well as things to keep in mind for enjoying the experience.

Even beginners can enjoy snowshoeing at Norikura Kogen with peace of mind! This comprehensive guide covers what to wear, what to bring, and safety tips to enjoy snowshoeing comfortably. Includes guided tour and rental information.

❶ Clothing and equipment for snowshoe hiking in Norikura Kogen

Snowshoes are a Western version of snow shoes, and because they have a wide contact area with the ground, you can walk around on soft snow without sinking. To avoid the cold ruining your snowshoe hike, make sure you understand the basics of what to wear.

The illustration is an example.
Gear appropriate for the season, weather, and purpose of the hike.

❶ Winter hat	Please bring a knit hat that covers your ears to keep you warm.
❷ Backpack	Small, about 20 to 30 liters in size.
❸ Outer jacket and pants	Waterproof, breathable clothing that can be easily removed is ideal. Ski and snowboard wear is also fine. (Rentals are available.) If you have three-season rainwear, you can wear a winter fleece underneath it.
❹ Middle wear (intermediate layer)	It is best to wear something that is warm and quick-drying, such as a fleece or a thin down jacket for protection from the cold. We recommend something that is easy to put on and take off while you are out and about.
❺ Innerwear	Underwear that comes into direct contact with the skin and innerwear (long-sleeved shirts and tights) Please bring warm synthetic or wool materials. Undershirts and tights made of cool summer materials are not suitable.
❻ Pants	They don't need to be thick for winter mountain climbing; as long as your tights and outerwear have good insulation, three-season hiking pants will be fine.
❼ Socks	Thick hiking socks are recommended. Wool socks are especially recommended for their warmth. It's a good idea to have a spare pair.
❽ Neck warmer	The neck is one of the parts of the body that loses heat easily, so having one will be very helpful in keeping you warm. You can use something you normally wear.
9. Gaiters	Gaiters (spats) worn over shoes are essential to prevent snow from getting in.
❿ Snow boots	Please bring waterproof and warm snow boots as you will be walking in the snow. Snowboard boots are also OK. If you don't have winter shoes, high-top, waterproof trekking shoes will work as long as you wear thick socks and gaiters to keep you warm.
⓫ Snowshoes	Please prepare something that matches your weight capacity. (Rentals are available.)
⓬ Trekking poles	Please bring a pair of snowboards with snow baskets for both hands (rentals are available).
⓭ Gloves	The gloves are waterproof, like those used for skiing and snowboarding. It is also a good idea to have thin gloves so that you can eat or tie your shoelaces without having to go bare-handed.
⓮ Goggles or sunglasses	It is useful when the reflection from the snow surface is dazzling on a sunny day or during a blizzard.

❷ What to bring on a snowshoe hike to Norikura Kogen

❶ Backpack cover	Use a waterproof bag. You can also use a plastic bag.
❷ Water bottle	Something to keep drinks in while you're out and about. You'll sweat a lot, so bring about 1 liter per person. It's a good idea to bring an insulated water bottle (about 500ml capacity) so you can keep hot drinks in it. Bottled water can freeze in the cold.
❸ Lunch and snacks	Rice balls and other foods may freeze, so be sure to bring bread, low-calorie foods, and snacks.
❹ Map and compass	This is necessary to check your location and route.
❺ Plastic bags	It's useful to have several large and small bags to use as garbage bags and as waterproof packs for things that don't want to get wet.
❻ Portable toilet	It's a good idea to bring some with you just in case. There is a vending machine at the tourist center.
❼ Sunscreen, tissues, towels, etc.	Please bring tissues for use in the restroom. Toilet paper is also useful. A towel to wipe away sweat and lip balm are also recommended.
❽ Health insurance card	Please bring it with you just in case.
9. Mobile phones and watches	A watch that can withstand getting wet or dirty is recommended. A cell phone is useful in emergencies.
❿ Disposable hand warmers	If you are sensitive to the cold, please bring a stick-on type.
⓫ First Aid	Keep some regular medications such as headache medicine and stomach medicine on hand in case your health changes. Bring medicine for chronic illnesses and bandages for wounds.
⓬ Headlight	It is essential if you are going on a night snowshoeing trip (we recommend joining a tour), and there are facilities where you can rent it.
⓭ Cash	For toilet tips etc.

❸ To ensure a safe and enjoyable snowshoe hike

Snowshoe hiking is a winter activity that anyone can easily do, requiring no special skills.

However, if you don't pay attention to the following points, you may end up in unexpected trouble. Also, when trekking into backcountry areas without a guide, just like climbing a snowy mountain, keep in mind that there is a risk of getting lost. Please follow the precautions below to enjoy a safe snowshoe hike.

① Warm-up exercise

Snowshoes are designed to be lightweight, but each shoe weighs around 900g, so they're not exactly light. Even though they're firmly secured, depending on the compatibility with your boots, the bindings can loosen and lead to unexpected sprains. We recommend doing some warm-up exercises, such as stretching your ankles, before heading out.

②How to walk

Especially for those who are not used to snowshoes, stepping on the snowshoe on the other foot can lead to a fall. Make sure to walk with your feet shoulder-width apart. Also, if you raise your feet more than necessary, the weight will drain your energy. Walk as if dragging your heels. It is a good idea to adjust the length of your trekking poles so that your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle.

3) Reasonable planning (route selection)

If you get too far away from your starting point and lose track of your current location, it could lead to getting lost and having a major accident.
Always be aware of your current location and avoid dangerous areas where you may slip and fall.

④Check the location of the toilet

There are almost no toilets along the course, so be sure to use the toilets at the locations shown on the map beforehand. It's a good idea to bring a portable toilet just in case. There is a portable toilet vending machine at the tourist center.

⑤Sudden changes in weather

Snow hiking in Norikura Highlands during the harsh winter months means you'll be constantly exposed to low temperatures, so don't forget that without adequate equipment, you run the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Even if you feel hot on a clear, sunny day, if the weather changes to snow or wind, the perceived temperature will drop dramatically. If a whiteout occurs due to a blizzard, there is a risk of getting lost. Be sure to predict changes in the weather based on the weather forecast.

⑥Do not walk on waterlogged or frozen areas.

If you come across any suspicious areas where water is seeping onto the snow, avoid them at all costs and walk carefully. Also, snowshoe crampons are not sharp enough to pierce frozen areas. (Crampons are necessary for frozen areas.) If you happen to come across a frozen area, do not push yourself and take a detour.

⑦Don't let your smartphone get cold

When the temperature is low, your smartphone battery will quickly run down. To keep it warm and dry, it's a good idea to put it in your chest pocket. It's also a good idea to have a spare battery.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the necessary equipment and important points to keep in mind when snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is a fascinating and easy challenge, but it also comes with its own set of risks. For beginners, we recommend joining a guided tour led by a local guide who knows the Norikura Plateau inside and out in winter. Beautiful scenery and a special experience that can only be experienced at Norikura Plateau await you!