↘ Makkimo Route

[Makkimo Route / Mt Yotei] South-east flank. ~1,566 m of vertical, with an upper cone reaching about 57° at its steepest. Treat the whole line as avalanche terrain.

[~319 m — parking / start] Start from the large parking area. The lower mountain is gentle larch and birch forest; gain height by following the terrain. The grade is easy here but the climb to the summit is continuous from this point on.

[~700–900 m — upper forest] You pass the "Crampons may be required" point in this band. Wind-scoured and firm surfaces appear and skins can lose purchase. Above the "Powder line (often icy beyond here)" waypoint the snow tends to harden noticeably — carry crampons/ski crampons as a matter of course.

[~1,000–1,400 m — treeline to mid-flank] Above the trees you reach exposed, wind-affected slopes where visibility, wind and snow quality change sharply. Being a SE–E aspect, it takes both sun and wind, so wind slab, breakable crust and ice are commonly mixed. The angle steepens and a fall itself becomes a serious hazard.

[~1,650–1,867 m — upper cone / most descend from here] Toward the crater rim the slope stands up further; the track tops out near 1,867 m. Many parties do not push for the true high point and begin their descent from around here (roughly 1,850 m). As the ~57° max slope figure implies, the upper cone is steep, firm and persistently windy.

[summit / crater — ~1,885 m] The true summit and crater rim lie just above. Only if conditions and visibility allow. Watch for cornices, wind-loading and cracks around the rim.

[Descent — critical caution] Yotei is a clean, isolated cone and the upper flank is a featureless, uniform slope. In flat light (cloud or fog) it is easy to drop onto a different aspect than the SE flank you climbed. The various route bases are widely separated at the foot of the mountain, so descending the wrong aspect can mean a long re-ascent or worse. Always confirm your descent bearing with compass/GPS, and do not ski blind in poor visibility. This is avalanche terrain — judgement is your own responsibility.

[Trailhead / parking] The Makkimo route climbs the south-east side of Mt Yotei, approached from the Kyogoku side. It starts at a large parking area at about 319 m.

[Getting there] South-east foot of Mt Yotei in the Shiribeshi region. Access is normally by road from the Kyogoku / Kimobetsu direction. In winter, snow-clearing and ice may prevent driving all the way to the parking area, so always check current road and plowing conditions. Public transport is limited; a private vehicle is the practical option.

[Descent point] Many parties do not tag the true high point and begin their descent from roughly 1,850 m (the track tops out near 1,867 m).

[After] The towns around the foot of Yotei (Kyogoku, Kimobetsu, Kutchan, Niseko area) have scattered onsen and eateries; Kyogoku is also known for its spring water. Check opening hours and winter closures yourself.