Is it okay to climb this summer Natsuyama? What are the points to note? July 29, 16:42
Summer, which has the highest number of climbers in the whole country in a year, this year is the summer mountain season. However, what is worrisome is the effect of the new coronavirus. I think there are many questions such as "Is it okay to go to the mountain?" and "Where should I be careful?" The mountain photographer of NHK who interviews in the mountains interviewed the question of what to do in this summer in mountain climbing. (Video Center Mountaineering Team)
Can I climb the mountain in the first place?
Due to the spread of infection in mountains throughout Japan, mountain-related groups called for voluntary refraining from mountain climbing. A series of voices were heard on the Internet, saying, "Why do you refrain from climbing outside without sealing?"
The main reasons for this were that there were places in the mountains that were congested and there was a risk of infection, and in the unlikely event of a disaster, there was a risk that the local medical institution where the mountains were located could become tight.
Since late May, when the emergency declaration was lifted, mountaineering has resumed at some mountains, but the response is divided depending on the mountains.
Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, cannot be climbed because all trails above the 5th station are closed. In the Southern Alps, there are some places where the use of mountain trails is prohibited or people are calling for refraining from mountain climbing, but there are no restrictions and there are different responses.
In addition, there are mountain huts that are closed in some areas, such as the Northern Alps, Central Alps, Yatsugatake and Oze, where there are no restrictions on climbing. A mountain hut is an important base for mountaineers who can stay overnight and have meals and can also be an evacuation site in the unlikely event of a disaster, and if it is closed, the mountaineering plan will be greatly affected.
Even in the same mountain, the correspondence varies depending on the local government and mountain hut, so it is necessary to check the latest information in advance with the local government, tourism association, and mountain hut.
Changed mountain hut
Mountain climbing that has changed significantly due to the spread of infection. The mountain huts, which are important bases for climbers, are changing. In the Northern Alps, which has Mt. Yarigatake, Hodaka Mountain Range, and Tateyama, several months later than usual, we resumed operations in many huts from mid July.
One of these is Tokuzawaen, a mountain hut near Kamikochi in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. We started business from July 18th, thinking about what we can do to prevent infection.
The main pillar of the measure is to avoid crowds of climbers.
▽Restricting the accommodation capacity to a complete reservation system.
▽A reception desk for accommodation is set up outside the mountain hut for the first time to avoid climbers gathering indoors.
▽We will reduce the time required for check-in by posting the necessary documents on our website in advance and having them fill out before entering the mountain.
▽ In addition to this, a partition will be set up for each person on the dining table.
Various measures have been taken.
Mr. Yasuhiro Kamijo, who runs Tokusawaen, is taking all possible measures, while climbers are calling for prevention of infection.
Mr. Kamijo
"I want to collaborate with customers to create new styles so that they can use the mountain hut with peace of mind."
The base that protects lives has changed
It's not just the huts that have changed. The important facilities that protect the health and safety of climbers were also undergoing major changes.
That is the "Natsuyama Clinic" which is opened during the summer season when there are many climbers. Doctors, nurses, and students of the medical school take turns staying in mountain huts, and volunteers provide medical treatment for mountaineers who have been injured or sick.
19 universities nationwide operate at 23 locations including the Northern Alps and Mt. Fuji. According to the Japan Association of Mountaineering Medicine, over 3,400 adults are treated, and the "Natsuyama Clinic" plays an important role in the safety of mountaineering.
However, it turned out that among the 23 Natsuyama Clinics, more than half of them had abandoned the establishment at 13 sites. Even at seven locations, even though they are opened every year, university students who support doctors are not able to participate every year, and the number of doctors and nurses packed in Natsuyama Clinic is reduced, and the opening period is limited, The situation is unavoidable, with the situation getting smaller than usual.
The reason for this is that the trail was closed and could not be opened, doctors and students were worried about the infection, and the virus could be brought to the hospital. Given the medical conditions at the university in preparation for expansion, it was difficult to secure doctors and nurses to dispatch.
What is the "new mountain climbing style"?
Mountain climbing that changed significantly under the influence of the new coronavirus. So how do you climb safely? Mountain guides, who are experienced professional mountaineers who guide the mountains while ensuring the safety of mountaineering passengers, think of a "new mountaineering" with the advice of a doctor and send it in a video.
How far are you from other climbers?
・Carry out while reaching for each other, checking the distance that they can't touch, and securing a social distance.
・When you pass by another climber on a mountain trail, do not consolidate in one place but in a relatively large place while keeping a distance from each other, and keep your greetings modest.
What about disinfection and food?
・Because many climbers touch the chains and ladders, be sure to disinfect them and wash your hands after touching them.
・When you eat in the mountains, choose foods that you can eat without touching them as much as possible, and eat while looking at the same direction rather than facing each other.
How do you wear a mask?
We do not recommend wearing masks during mountaineering as there is a risk of heatstroke.
On the other hand, we recommend that you wear it when you come close to people, such as when traveling to the mountains by public transportation or helping people with sudden illness.
Actions called by experts
Takashi Usuki, an expert on mountain medicine and a representative director of the Japanese Society of Mountaineering Medicine, urges many climbers to think about ways to enjoy the mountains safely.
Usuki-san:
Mountaineers need to be more cautious than usual. If you have 10 powers, you should stop climbing Mt. Don't trust your strength."
Be careful and aware
Mountain climbing, which should be fun, has changed a lot. In order to realize safe and secure mountain climbing, not only facilities such as mountain huts, but also each mountaineering side of us must be careful, aware, and take measures.
Finally, I would like to introduce the "5 Requests for Mountaineers" created by Nagano Prefecture.
1 If you feel unwell, do not enter the mountain.
2 Be sure to confirm the business of the mountain hut and tent area and make advance reservations.
3 Select a mountain with a sufficiently low degree of difficulty.
4 Act according to a mountaineering plan to avoid congestion.
5 Carry out infection prevention goods and take back the trash.
Please be aware of these points and enjoy the nature of the mountains.
Video Center Photographer
Kaoru Okabe
Joined in 2007 He
belonged to the mountain club when he was a university student. Continued mountain coverage at the Muroran station, Nagano station, etc. My
current goal is to climb Mt. Fuji with my son, an elementary school student
Video Center Photographer
Kazuhiro Koyanagi Entered in
2009 During
the coverage of the program that investigates the formation of volcanoes, he also accompanied a professional climber and
had a shooting experience while clinging to a rocky area of about 100 m.