- Introduction
- What is a Climbing Plan (Climbing Permit)? Why is it Necessary?
- Is Submission Mandatory?
- What to Write in Your Climbing Plan
- How to Submit: Paper, Trailhead Post, App
- Decide on Rules for "Descent Notification," Which Can Be Surprisingly Vague
- Use the Compass App's "Descent Notification" Automatic Alert Feature
- Especially Important for Solo Climbers
- Summary
Introduction
Among climbing safety measures, the "climbing plan (climbing permit)" is surprisingly often put on the back burner. Many people probably think, "It seems necessary, but I don't really know how to write or submit it."
This article carefully explains why climbing plans are important, what to write and where to submit them, and the "how to determine the deadline for descent notification" and "how to use the automatic notification function of the Compass app," for which information is surprisingly scarce.
What is a Climbing Plan (Climbing Permit)? Why is it Necessary?
A climbing plan (climbing permit) is a document submitted in writing or via an app in advance, stating who will climb which mountain and on which course, and when.
The main purpose is to leave information that will serve as a starting point for a search in the unlikely event of an accident. Without a climbing plan, search teams cannot even grasp a clue as to where to begin searching in a vast mountainous area. Conversely, simply submitting a climbing plan can significantly change the time it takes to be found.
Is Submission Mandatory?
Submission of climbing plans is not uniformly mandatory nationwide. However, in some prefectures, such as Nagano, submission is mandatory when using designated climbing routes. Even in areas where it is not mandatory, we strongly recommend submitting it for your own peace of mind and that of your family.
What to Write in Your Climbing Plan
The following are the main items to be filled in on a climbing plan:
| Item | Example of Entry |
|---|---|
| Climber/Group Information | Name, age, address, emergency contact, information for all group members |
| Climbing Schedule | Date of entry, planned descent date, planned activity time |
| Course Information | Mountain/route to climb, estimated time |
| Escape Route | Route for descending partway in case of worsening weather or physical condition |
| Equipment and Food | Equipment list, presence of emergency food |
When planning your route, it's generally recommended to keep your daily activity time within 8 hours. Escape routes are often overlooked, but they are an important element that makes it easier to decide to turn back when your plan becomes unfeasible.
How to Submit: Paper, Trailhead Post, App
There are primarily three ways to submit your climbing plan.
- Submit to Police Station/Koban: Submit the form in person, by mail, or by FAX to the community division of the police station that has jurisdiction over the mountain you plan to climb.
- Deposit in the Climbing Post at the Trailhead: Deposit the form in the dedicated post located at major trailheads.
- Submit Electronically via App: Submit from your smartphone using apps such as "Compass," "YAMAP," or "YAMARECO."
For beginners, we highly recommend submitting via an app, as it can be done shortly before your climb and offers robust sharing features with family.
Decide on Rules for "Descent Notification," Which Can Be Surprisingly Vague
Even when a climbing plan is submitted and shared, many people haven't decided in advance what to do 'if they don't hear from the climber after the scheduled descent time.'
Smartphone reception is often unavailable on mountain trails, and not being able to make contact doesn't necessarily mean you're lost. That's why it's important to decide on a specific timeframe with your family before you leave, such as 'how many hours after the scheduled descent time should we contact the police?' If you leave without a clear standard, your family might miss the right time to contact the police, or conversely, contact them too early, causing confusion.
Use the Compass App's "Descent Notification" Automatic Alert Feature
The descent notification feature of the climbing plan app "Compass" can further systematize the process of 'deciding on a time with family.'
In Compass, if you register an emergency contact's email address when submitting your plan, automated notifications will be sent as follows:
- After descending, if the climber sends a "descent notification" via the app or an email link, an email will be automatically sent to the registered emergency contact to inform them of the descent.
- Conversely, if no descent notification is received after a set time (default is 7 hours, but can be changed when creating the plan) has passed since the scheduled descent time, an email will be automatically sent to the emergency contact to report the anomaly.
This system eliminates the need for family members to constantly worry and wait for contact, and also removes the need to decide each time how many hours should pass before contacting authorities. The fact that family members can check the plan details in a browser via a registered URL without needing to install the app is also a reassuring factor.
Especially Important for Solo Climbers
In group climbs with companions, there's a possibility that someone will notice if something goes wrong, but this isn't possible on solo climbs. Submitting a climbing plan and establishing a system for descent notification (or setting up Compass's automatic notification) are even more crucial safety measures for solo climbers.
Summary
If you know how to fill it out, a climbing plan is by no means difficult. Organize your personal information, schedule, route, and escape route, and submit it at a police station, trailhead mailbox, or via an app. Using an app, in particular, allows you to automate the deadline for reporting your descent, which significantly reduces the burden on your family and increases your peace of mind.
For general mountain climbing safety measures, please see the Complete Guide to Mountain Climbing Safety Measures, and for how to prepare your equipment, please also see the Guide to What Beginners Need for Mountain Climbing.
