Join me on this solo adventure in 2025 as I bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon with a breathtaking journey to Xueshan Main Peak, Taiwan's second-highest mountain. From 3.1km into the trail at 2,776 meters above sea level, I trekked across a snowy wonderland to reach the summit.
Timestamps and Highlights:
00:00 - Subzero temperatures at "Siyuan Pass" and clear skies at "Wuling Farm"
02:13 - A late start, beginning at the "Xueshan Trailhead" three hours behind schedule
04:51 - The first cold front of 2025 brings snow to 2,776 meters above sea level
10:34 - Walking on a silver carpet to reach "Xueshan East Peak"
11:45 - From "Xueshan East Peak" through the under-renovation "369 Cabin" to the snowy "Xueshan Black Forest"
24:04 - Drone footage of the journey from "Xueshan Cirque" to "Xueshan Main Peak"
25:34 - Snowy views from the summit and the return journey
This journey had been planned since early December last year. Despite the intense cold front, I set out for "Wuling Farm" on Day 0, encountering icy trees at "Siyuan Pass" but finding clearer skies and warmer temperatures at the trailhead.
After a late start due to rain, I began the trek at 7:50 AM. From the 3.1km mark, fresh snow covered the trail, creating a magical winter hike. By the time I reached "Xueshan Main Peak," the snow was thinner at "Xueshan Cirque," but the views were still unforgettable.
Returning through the "Black Forest," the snow had already started melting lower down the trail. Completing the round trip in under 8 hours, I ended this incredible solo adventure with memories to last a lifetime.
Journey Stats:
Total Distance: 21.97 km
Total Time: 7h 55m 29s
Elevation Gain: 2,136m
Drone Permit Application Number:
SPDro241227154219921
Equipment Used:
DJI OSMO Pocket 3
DJI Mavic Air 2
Editing Tools:
Apple Mac Mini (M1, 2020) | 16GB RAM
Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe After Effects CC