I onsighted this introduction level alpine route in Yatsugatake solo, 7years ago, which was a completion of my alpine climbing efforts.
This mountain goes under -20 degree... and the crux was 4th grade so usually people use ropes but I was already 5th grade climber in alpine ice, so 4th was secure, because back then I was climbing 6th grade ice climb. I was challenging long 5th like 150m ice fall, so 4th in rock was free solo level...
Any way, the first sunday after new year usually very sunny in the region, so I used my experience to get this peak.
Other people, mainly University students, alpine climbing club, they come to this peak without proper preparation and there are some very famous accidents and death in this routes.
A woman who started alpine at age 41 could do this at age 45, I did hiking from 38.
I think the reason of accidents and death in this ridge is because they do not train to use compass and does not memorize the peaks and cols, and do not prepare for a rainy day.
I was attached to strongly to snow peaks so beautiful it took me 7 years to let go of.
The mountain climbing, especially some alpine routes are the most brilliant moment in my life so sure.
I could have taken my husband as a second since I know I will not fall even though he was no climber but sadly he does not share the pleasure of this activities so I went there solo.