Post Date：2017-11-24 ~2018-03-31 Released by：Shei-pa National Park Headquarters

Shei-Pa National Park Ecological Conservation Areas

Information on the Application for Park Entry Permit during the Snow Season

Ying-Xue-You-Zi No. 1031001925 established on November 24, 2014

First revision Ying-Xue-You-Zi No. 1041001102 dated July 24, 2015

Second revision Ying-Xue-You-Zi No. 1051001431 dated August 31, 2016

Third revision Ying-Xue-You-Zi No. 1061001768 dated November 20, 2017

1.      Snow season: January 3, 2018 to March 31, 2018 (during this period, please check the public announcements, which will be updated based on current weather conditions in the mountains, to see if snow equipment and clothing are needed). 

2.      Application requirements: All members must have appropriate equipment and clothing for climbing in snow, and the group leader must have received training in navigating snowy terrain. (E.g. , a snowfield training certificate, a mountaineering guide certificate, or Prior experience climbing well-known snowy terrain in Taiwan or overseas. (see Attachment 1)

3.      Climbing route applications:

a.       Regular application: Access to open climbing routes within the ecological conservation area of Shei-Pa National Park.

b.      Snowfield training application: Access to East Xue Trail and specific campgrounds for groups applying to train on snowy terrain (see Attachment 2).

c.       Holy Ridge application:

                                                  i.      Applications will be open or closed depending on weather conditions in the mountains.

                                                ii.      The group leader must prepare a climbing plan and risk assessment form for the park administration. Please see Attachments 3 and 4 for the climbing plan (which shall include: 1. Equipment and food prepared; 2. Every group member’s training or experience in climbing snowy terrain; 3. Climbing route/schedule; 4. Autonomous safety management; 5. Conservation guidelines; 6. Support personnel’s duties) and risk assessment plan(see Attachment 3 & 4).

4.      Number of applicants:

a.       Regular application: At least 3 members, with a maximum of 6 members per group (including the group leader).

b.      Snowfield training application: At least 3 members, with a maximum of 10 members per group (including the group leader).

5.      Application deadlines: Both regular and snowfield training applications can be submitted from 7 days to one month prior to park entry.

6.      Please fill out the park entry application form in accordance with Shei-Pa National Park’s online application instructions, and prepare the following documents to upload with scans or photographs during the application.

a.       A checklist of snow equipment and skills for climbing Shei-Pa National Park’s trails during snow season.

The group leader’s qualifications must include the following (simply tick the checkboxes, no need to upload documents):

                                            i.            A snowfield training certificate (issued by a registered institution).

                                          ii.            A mountaineering guide certificate issued in accordance with provisions outlined in the “Mountaineering Guide Qualifications” by the Ministry of Education’s Sport Administration.

                                        iii.            Prior experience climbing well-known snowy terrain in Taiwan or overseas.

b.      Documented proof of the group leader and members’ climbing experiences and ability. These documents will be considered in accordance with the varying difficulty classifications of trails within the ecological conservation area.

c.       Snowfield training plan (regular applications do not need to provide this document): Includes the schedule and activity plan, contents of the training program, the group leader or trainer’s climbing experiences, and a list of the group’s climbing equipment.

7.      For snowfield training applications, please use the “Online Application for Taiwan National Park Permits” website. Select “Online Application” → “Apply for Park Permit” → “Shei-Pa National Park” → Read the application regulations and check the relevant boxes → “I Agree” → “Route Plan” →“Route” → “Primary Route: East Xue Trail” → “Secondary Route: Snowfield Training”. Please also attach your snowfield training plan for review. Groups training for causes related to public welfare (e.g. firefighter units, disaster relief teams) will have priority in cabin/campground reservations.

8.      If snow falls during the regular season, regular season permits will be subject to change based on public announcements of current weather conditions. Groups of at least 3 members will be able to keep their cabin/campground reservations under the original permits, but must submit the other documents required for snow season permits within 3 days of a public weather announcement, and pass the Park’s review before entry. Groups with less than 3 members will have their permits revoked.

9.      Groups are subject to the Park’s inspection of their documents. If the group leader is absent or fails to comply with park regulations, the entire group’s park entry permit will be revoked. If a group member fails to comply with park regulations or follow the instructions of onsite staff, the risks will be borne by that individual or their group.

10.  During the snow season, it is recommended that foreign groups have a Taiwanese group leader or climbing guide.

11.  Matters not covered herein will be handled in accordance with the National Park Law, public notices of prohibited actions, provisions outlined in the park entry permit application, and other relevant regulations.