Classic Itineraries
Outdoor Education 2.0: Ministry of Education Allocates NT$50 Million Annually to Support Students Stepping Out of the Classroom
Outdoor Education 2.0: Ministry of Education Allocates NT$50 Million Annually to Support Students Stepping Out of the Classroom
A Taiwanese family of three on a self-drive trip in Okinawa crashes head-on; mother dies
According to Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting, a head-on collision occurred on a national highway in Yamada, Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, on the afternoon of September 26, resulting in the death of a Taiwanese tourist who was visiting Okinawa by rental car.
Great job！Zhongzheng’s Rinan Junior High School wins the national mountain bike championship team title
Great job！Zhongzheng’s Rinan Junior High School wins the national mountain bike championship team title
Music festivals and mountain cowboys’ climbing gear: MONCLER’s ski collection for snowy revelry
Moncler Genius unveils its latest creative collection: the new 3 MONCLER GRENOBLE ski line, designed by Italian designer Sandro Mandrino. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock Festival, the collection caters to both festival-goers and mountain cowboys, blending two seemingly unrelated worlds.
State compensation reduced: Eight scenarios no longer covered in mountaineering accidents
The Executive Yuan has passed an amendment to the State Compensation Act. In the future, for natural public facilities in open mountainous and water areas, if the government has already set up warnings and signs but individuals still choose to take risks, the state will not bear liability for compensation. Officials from the Insurance Bureau pointed out that mountaineering insurance is something individual climbers assess and purchase based on their own risk tolerance to mitigate related risks, and it is not directly related to state compensation. However, officials also reminded that there are eight scenarios where mountaineering insurance does not provide coverage.
State compensation reduced: 8 scenarios where mountain climbing risks are not covered
The Executive Yuan has passed an amendment to the State Compensation Act. In the future, for naturally occurring public facilities in open mountainous or water areas, if the government has already posted warnings or signs and individuals still choose to take risks, the state will not bear liability for compensation. Officials from the Insurance Bureau pointed out that mountain climbing insurance is something individual climbers assess and decide to purchase based on their own risk tolerance to spread potential risks, and it is not directly related to state compensation. However, officials also reminded that there are eight scenarios where mountain climbing insurance does not provide coverage.
Taiwan’s King of the Mountain
The 2019 Taiwan KOM Challenge, the Taiwan Cycling Mountain King Challenge, kicks off tomorrow. This year, a total of 730 professional and amateur mountain biking athletes from 42 countries and regions around the world will compete for the summit at Wuling, including the CCC-Liv team, home to the legendary female cyclist Marianne Vos, widely regarded as the greatest of all time, as well as top-tier WorldTour teams Katusha-Alpecin and ASTANA. Domestic stars such as Feng Chun-kai, who just secured his sixth consecutive national road race title at the National Games, will also take part, making this year’s competition even more intense than ever before.
The Executive Yuan passed an amendment to the State Compensation Act: no compensation for reckless behavior
In line with the lifting of mountain and sea restrictions, the Executive Yuan passed an amendment to the State Compensation Act this morning. In the future, for natural public facilities in open mountain and water areas, if the government has already set up warnings and signs but individuals still choose to take risks, the state will not bear liability for compensation. However, if an accident occurs in "man-made facilities" within natural public areas, the state's responsibility may be reduced or exempted depending on the circumstances. Executive Yuan spokesperson Kolas Yotaka also stated that a unified regulation on user-paid search and rescue services will be reviewed by central and local governments by June next year at the earliest.
Five Major New Policies on Mountain Climbing: Rescue Operations to Be User-Paid
Premier Su Tseng-chang announced five major policy directions for mountain climbing yesterday. In the future, apart from reasons such as national defense needs or rugged terrain, mountain areas will be fully open. However, climbers will also need to practice self-management, with the implementation of a "user-pays" principle for mountain rescue operations. Some hikers, however, believe that the user-pays model effectively punishes them indirectly.
Is the death of a Hualien mountain bike driver who fell off a cliff more than just an accident? Prosecutors: Autopsy to be conducted tomorrow to determine cause of death
Homicide or accident!? On the 18th, a 47-year-old male mountain shuttle bus driver surnamed Feng in Hualien was driving along a gravel downhill curve at the 36K mark of the Wanrong Forest Road when, for unknown reasons, his vehicle slid 6 meters down the slope and he was thrown from the vehicle, resulting in his death. Initial investigations by prosecutors and police ruled it an accident, but some hikers posted on Facebook alleging the incident may not be so simple. Police were cautious in their statements during the day, emphasizing that they are acting according to the instructions of the prosecutors. In the evening, Chen Xuhua, the chief prosecutor of the Hualien District Prosecutors Office, confirmed that the body will undergo an autopsy tomorrow to determine the cause of death.
New Mountain Access Policy Unveiled: User-Pays Principle for Rescue Cases
Premier Su Tseng-chang today announced five major new mountain access policies. In the future, apart from cases involving national defense necessity, rugged terrain, danger, indigenous sacred sites, or absolute conservation needs, all areas will be open. Future mountain expeditions will also adopt self-management and enforce the "user-pays" principle for rescue operations. Additionally, Premier Su today delved into the "politics of mountaineering," joking that his lack of experience climbing Yushan (Jade Mountain) explains why he isn’t president, and subtly suggesting that "only those who climb know their own limits—and shouldn’t always be signing up to run for office."
The Forestry Bureau opens up mountains: solo climbers can now apply for mountain huts
The Executive Yuan today held a press conference titled “Salute to the Mountains, A Gift to Mountain Enthusiasts,” announcing an open mountains policy. It emphasized that, except for national security and ecological conservation areas, efforts will be made to actively open up and improve Taiwan’s mountaineering environment.
Typhoon Devastates Mountain Railway, Impacts Japanese Maple Viewing Season in Hakone
The popular Hakone Tozan Railway section between Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station in Japan has been suspended due to severe damage caused by Typhoon Hagibis. Currently, buses are being used as a temporary alternative, and it may be difficult to resume service before the end of the year. This could impact the Hakone area, which is about to welcome an influx of tourists for the upcoming maple viewing season.
Ulay Students Climb Mt. Dabajian on a Journey to Trace Origins
Mt. Dabajian is considered the origin of life in the Atayal tribe’s legend. On the morning of the 17th, 22 teachers and students from Ulay Junior and Senior High School headed to the Guanwu area in Hsinchu to embark on a 4-day, 3-night journey to climb Mt. Dabajian. On the eve of departure, Principal Chen Huang-? personally presented the flag and invited tribal parents to cheer on the students, kicking off an unforgettable journey to trace their roots.
Akanishi Stream in Taichung’s Changhua County? The No. 1 Bajiaoshan Hiking Trail along the stream is set to get signage
Changhua City’s Shipai Mountain area also features a forest trail that closely follows the murmuring stream, stunning many hikers who visit. The Changhua City Government and Legislator Huang Xiufang have been advocating for the planning of the No. 1 Bajiaoshan Hiking Trail in Changhua City. It is expected to be completed within a year of construction, connecting landmarks such as the Four-Faced Buddha Temple and a ranch, creating a highlight for tourism in the eastern part of the city.
Graduate Student Rescued After Getting Trapped While Hiking Alone; Fire Department Successfully Carries Out Rescue
A graduate student surnamed Li from Nantou County’s Lugu Township got trapped on a cliff in a virgin forest while hiking alone. Upon receiving the report, the Lugu Fire Brigade immediately mobilized 15 officers to search the mountain. After nine hours of searching in the primeval forest, they successfully located the student at 2:22 a.m. today, the 16th, and safely escorted him down the mountain. The professional and brave efforts of the firefighters and volunteer rescuers deeply moved the family, who repeatedly expressed their gratitude.
Frequent Reports of Human-Snake Encounters at Keelung Lover’s Lake; Local Authorities Reveal the Truth
Keelung’s popular Lover’s Lake Scenic Area has seen frequent reports of large king cobras in recent years. With a sharp increase in hikers, chances of human-snake encounters have risen. Recently, a king cobra was spotted lurking near a trail, with some hikers even chased by the snake. The scenic area management has put up warning signs at key intersections, urging visitors to stay alert.
Hiker Collapses on Qixing Mountain, Rescued by Helicopter
A hiker collapsed due to exhaustion on the trail between the main peak and East Peak of Qixing Mountain in Yangmingshan, Taipei City, at 12:20 noon today. Emergency services were alerted, and the Taipei City Fire Department requested assistance from the Air Rescue Squadron. When rescuers arrived, the hiker had no breathing or pulse and was airlifted to hospital by helicopter.
Challenge the world's summit — climbers, go for it!
The mainland film "The Climbers" has been released. The protagonist Wu Jing once had a romantic notion about mountaineering. He thought it would be pretty cool to propose to the girl he liked after climbing Mount Everest. However, due to an injury, that wish didn’t come true. When given the opportunity to film a story about climbing Everest, Wu Jing joined the "The Climbers" crew without hesitation. Despite filming while injured, he completed all his scenes. Before wrapping up, he still had some regrets: “I hope we don’t wrap up yet. Once my leg gets a bit better, I might be able to shoot something even better.”
Women's WeChat Hiking Group Ditches Injured Member
Hiking is a recreational activity for some people, but it carries potential risks. Without trustworthy companions in the wilderness, irreversible consequences may occur. Recently, a Chinese-Canadian woman in Vancouver organized a hiking trip via WeChat with four unfamiliar hikers. However, on the way back, she twisted her ankle, and her companions abandoned her in the wild, leaving her alone until a rescue team arrived after dark.