This report was from May 15th, 2021, and was submitted by reader Robert Duncan
At 12,388-feet (3776m), Mt. Fuji is the highest peak in Japan, offering incredible views reaching as far as Tokyo on a clear day.
Climbing Mt. Fuji in the off-season is not as common, and the season is short (mid-April to June). The hike up from station 5 is about 4,921-feet (1500m) that requires crampons and an ice axe for most of the climb.
We were fortunate enough to catch it on a rare bluebird day, and the hike only took about seven hours to reach the summit, where we stood alone and could take in views of the crater along with the surrounding prefectures and the five lakes below.
Our descent was about 3,937-feet (1200m) of the most remarkable views I’ve ever experienced on skis.
Never in my life did I think I would ski above the clouds.
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