Snowshoeing in the Hakkoda Mountains

On Sunday, Mary Beth went snowshoeing with some friends in the Hakkoda Mountains. These mountains are near the Oriase Gorge where we visited this summer- about 60 to 90 minutes from the base.

Lots of snow in the area, but not as much as last year. Here is the area where we parked.

At the start of the trail there was a cool snow tunnel that led to the onsen/hotel in the area. Here is what we could see of the hotel from the start.

This is the start of the trail. Doesn't look so bad at the beginning. I kept tripping over my snowshoes at the start, but then I got in a good rhythm. We are walking on about 15 feet of snow.