The Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters today announced guidelines for hikers seeking to do one-day climbs in Hsuehshan (雪山) to avoid becoming stranded or requiring rescue resources.
A one-day round trip for Hsuehshan takes about 14 hours, covers 22km and has an elevation difference of 3,500m, the agency said, adding that it can be complicated by weather conditions or illness.
Hikers who do not reach Sanlioujiou Cabin (三六九山莊) by 11am are recommended to not continue their climb, return to the trailhead and avoid moving in the dark, it said.
Photo courtesy of Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters
This is not only for their own safety, but also to reduce the use of rescue resources, it said.
There are eight main climbing routes throughout the park, of which the main Hsuehshan route is the most popular.
Statistics from the headquarters show that 31,547 people have been approved to climb Hsuehshan in the past three years, with 3,000 one-day trips each year.
The climb requires physical fitness, the headquarters said, adding that the rapid ascent in altitude can also cause altitude sickness.
The afternoon can also bring thick fog or heavy rain, which makes following the path more difficult, it said.
Steep ascents and descents in a short period of time also use a lot of energy, leading to slower responses to emergency situations, and any delays could result in needing to descend after sunset, the headquarters said.
Management at Sanlioujiou and Cika (七卡山莊) cabins would be asked to remind hikers of the dangers associated with one-day climbs, it said.
Those who attempt one-day hikes must cooperate with inspections and listen to instructions or guidance from cabin management, the headquarters said.
Those who ignore guidance and go on to cause incidents on the mountain that affect the safety of the park or waste rescue resources would be punished according to the National Park Law (國家公園法) and local authorities would be asked to apply self-government ordinances, it added.
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