How to Read Course Time and Elevation Gain | The Basics of Trip Planning

Once you've decided which mountain to climb, the next step is to estimate "what kind of day it will be for you." The numbers for that are course time, distance and cumulative elevation gain. Here we lay out what each one means and how to put it to use in your plan.

The course times on this site are "measured values"

The course times in general guidebooks are estimates assuming a standard pace. The course times on this site are different: they are records from the GPX logs of the Hokuto-based editor actually walking that mountain (breaks included). The "hike replay" and "elevation profile" on each mountain's page are built from the same GPS-measured data.

Measured values include what actually happens in a real day — breaks, taking photos, losing the trail, and more. On the other hand, walking pace varies greatly from person to person. The trick is to read the editor's measured time by translating it into your own pace. After climbing a few times, you'll start to see your own factor, such as "against this person's measured time, I'm about X percent slower."

Cumulative elevation gain is the "total amount of climbing"

Even over the same distance, the greater the cumulative elevation gain (the total height climbed), the greater the strain on your body. A flat 10 km and a 10 km of repeated ups and downs are different things. In general, cumulative elevation gain affects fatigue and course time more than distance does. On each mountain's elevation profile, you can also check where the climbing is concentrated (whether it's a steep ascent or a gentle one).

Turning it into a plan

• Work backward from your descent time: from sunset, public transport, and the time the weather is due to turn, decide a descent time with plenty of margin, then work backward from it to set your departure time. An early start and early arrival are the basics of safety.
• Factor in breaks and trail food: measured times include breaks, but the breaks you need change with your condition and your companions.
• Decide your escape and turning-back lines in advance: before you climb, decide "if I don't reach ◯◯ by this time, I turn back."

The numbers are only a starting point

Weather, remaining snow, physical condition, companions — even the same mountain is a different day every time. Measured data is a starting point for picturing that day concretely. Read the "Cautions" on each mountain's page as well, and always check the latest weather and trail information for the day.

If you'd like to start from choosing a mountain, see how to choose a mountain too.