Post Date：2025-01-17 ~2025-02-17 Released by：NPS

As the 2025 Lunar New Year approaches, we enter a nine-day holiday of family reunions. If you are planning a hiking trip, please be aware that winter hiking can be quite challenging. The trail grading system places it at the most difficult level, Level 6.

According to the forecast from the Central Weather Administration, cold air masses will continuously sweep through, and the high mountains have already turned into a kingdom of ice and snow. Even at lower elevations, the cold is noticeable, and the mountain conditions will require you to take extra precautions to stay warm. Hypothermia is a dangerous factor that can be life-threatening.

Although we are all familiar with the essential snow gear for hiking, it's important to remember that equipment is not a magic charm that ensures safety just by having it. It's crucial to know how to use and operate it properly. Slippery, icy trails can easily lead to falls, and a painful injury is certainly not a good start to the New Year!

Finally, a reminder that pre-trip training and planning are essential for a safe hiking experience. It's also wise to arrange for a reliable person to stay behind and monitor your progress. If you don't have someone experienced in hiking, you can use third-party tracking platforms for assistance. The Ministry of the Interior's Fire Department currently subsidizes three such platforms: HiKa_Hiker Platform (www.hiker.tw), AiMoSheng Platform (www.emson.tw), and ShanHaiBoWei Platform (www.solosocial.com.tw). You can choose a suitable platform to help ensure your safety while hiking!