The Snow East Trail has turned into a silver-white wonderland as snow blankets the area. Snow Mountain National Park's "snow season restrictions" begin on the 20th.

▲ The Snow East Trail in Shei-Pa National Park saw snowfall on the 15th. (Photo / Courtesy ofShei-Pa National Park official Facebook page)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

The snow season at Shei-Pa National Park will officially commence on the 20th. According to the park’s management office, due to this year’s warm winter delaying the arrival of snow, from the 20th to March 31st, the park will implement snow season access controls. The public is reminded to prepare adequate cold-weather clothing and snowfield mountaineering gear.

The park management office noted that during the snow season restrictions, the Holy Ridge Trail will be temporarily closed. Teams wishing to enter the park for mountaineering during this period must carry sufficient cold-weather clothing and snowfield mountaineering equipment. The team leader must possess a snowfield training certificate issued by an officially certified institution or have previously climbed a world-famous snow climbing route and provide relevant proof. Upon submitting their park entry application, they must also attach the “Self-Checklist for Snow Climbing Equipment and Technical Readiness on Shei-Pa National Park Trails During the Snow Season” and the “Declaration Form for Climbing Shei-Pa National Park Trails During the Snow Season,” both signed by the team leader and members to indicate responsibility. Only then will entry be approved during the snow season.

▲ The Snow East Trail in Shei-Pa National Park saw snowfall on the 15th. (Photo / Courtesy of Shei-Pa National Park official Facebook page)

The park management office pointed out that high-altitude areas during the snow season are subject to many unpredictable weather conditions, such as low temperatures, strong winds, heavy fog, or snow and ice covering rocks and difficult terrains, making trails slippery — all of which may increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, those engaging in mountaineering activities during the snow season should be well-equipped with snow climbing gear and possess relevant snowfield experience. Essential snow climbing gear includes crampons, ice axes (or trekking poles), helmets, safety harnesses, climbing ropes, along with cold-weather protective clothing and adequate physical training prior to the trip — none of which should be overlooked.

In addition, if continuous heavy snowfall occurs in the mountains, the park will assess snow conditions and may announce the temporary suspension of entry. Entry services will resume once the accumulated snow has melted.