FAQ – Snow Mountain

Q. Am I fit enough?
A.You need to be reasonably fit with some recent hiking experience.

Q.What does Barking Deer provide?
A. Meals (western-style) on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3, trail snacks, electrolyte (sports) drinks, permits, transport to/from City/Wuling, accident insurance ($1,000,000), cooking gear/utensils, gloves for final scramble, tents/sleeping mats if needed, accommodation at both shelters, emergency first-aid/rations/communications equipment (carried by leader), Barking Deer guide, photo/video record of trip. Various other bits & pieces.

Q. What is not included?
A. Lunch on first day, personal toiletries/medicines

Q. How much does it cost?
A. $3000 NT weekdays ($2000 deposit in advance, $1000 at meet up), $6000 NT weekend. ($2000 deposit, $4000 at meet up.) Application for permits, accommodation and insurance can not be started until we have received the deposit and ARC/passport details (note deadlines – contact us early). Should the trip be cancelled by Barking Deer (due to not winning the permit lottery, typhoons etc) we will refund the deposit. Deposit not refunded should you – the customer, cancel for any reason. Discounts for mid-week/non-holiday ascents.

Q. What do I need to prepare?
A. Most importantly your body, get in shape and do a bit of hiking in your boots. Read about altitude sickness here, anyone can get it, no matter how fit. Diamox is available in Taiwan, ensure in advance it is suitable for you.
Good walking shoes, ideally comfortable broken-in hiking boots. Hat for sun, warm cap/ski mask for cold, light hiking pants, breathable stay-dry inner shirt, at least 2 warm layers (fleece best), outer rain/wind jacket/pants (ideally Gore-tex type), medium size back-pack (50-60 L, should have waist belt), waterproof pack cover, warm sleeping bag, spare socks/underwear, waterproof bags for clothes, flashlight (headlight better), ID, health insurance card such as Taiwan’s NHI’s. If you are having problems securing any of these things contact us, we may be able to lend/rent you it.
Other things you may want are your camera, mp3 player (fully charged of course!), and lip balm.

Q. What else do Barking Deer need to know?
A. In addition to giving us your ARC/passport details/DOB, tell us if you have any particular dietary (vegetarian, food allergies) or medical issues (confidentiality assured). On the trail do not hesitate to tell us if you are (or see others) feeling unwell/blisters developing etc.

Q. Will you carry my stuff?
A. No, not unless it is an emergency. Each hiker is responsible for carrying their own gear (let us have a look at it before leaving the car to ensure you are not carrying unneeded kitchen sinks) and a proportion of the group’s food.

Q. Do you guarantee to get me to the top?
A. No guarantee – anyone who suggested so would be lying and/or irresponsible. We give you a very good chance of doing it (visually impaired, handicapped, 90+ yr olds, and politicians have made it), but sometimes gravity can be cruel…

Q. Do the shelters have a 7-11?
A. Oh no, no, no! Some websites would make you think they did. Everything there has been carried up on porters’ backs. They consist of large, simple - yet clean, dorm rooms. The double level sleeping platforms have a layer of insulation on them. Basic solar-powered lighting, no food, heating, TV, internet etc.

Q. Are bears a problem?
A. No, the Taiwan variety is very unlikely to be a danger to you. We have occasionally spotted them but they do not linger – especially on this well used trail. Neither do you have to worry about snakes and mosquitoes – too high up for them. We will be looking for wildlife not avoiding it – lots to see!

Q. Can I bring my dog along?
A. No, the national park will never allow poor Fido.

Q. Any chance of snow in summer?
A. Sorry, only in the middle of winter.

Q. Will this really be fun?
A. Yes. We’re just getting all this serious info out of the way now.