News Discussion
Hokkaido's Highest Peak Gets First Snowcap of the Season

Weekly News Digest
産経オンライン英会話 ニュースディスカッション教材

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Hokkaido's Highest Peak Gets First Snowcap of the Season

Directions: Read the following article aloud.

Mount Asahi, Hokkaido's highest peak received its first snowfall of the season, creating a beautiful contrast with the golden autumn foliage.

On October 4, the Asahikawa Local Meteorological Office observed Mount Asahi's first snowcap of the season. Mount Asahi (or Asahidake), standing at 2,291 meters (7516 ft), is Hokkaido's highest peak and part of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group. The snowfall came one day earlier than in 2022 and nine days later than usual.

The weather station visually confirmed that snow began to fall near Mount Asahi's summit at around 5:30 am on October 4. Cold air moved in at an altitude of around 1,500 meters (4921 ft), resulting in snowfall.

Gold and White
According to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway operators, now is the best time to observe the vibrant autumn foliage around Mount Asahi's third station.

Aerial views revealed that the mountain's peak area was almost entirely blanketed in snow. Climbers in the vicinity of the summit and the ropeway station were seen enjoying the beautiful contrast between the pristine white snow and golden foliage.

Source:Hokkaido's Highest Peak Gets First Snowcap of the Season
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Key phrases and vocabulary

Directions: First repeat after your tutor and then read aloud by yourself.
1. observe 観測する、観察する、見学する、よく見る、順守する、気づく、目の当たりにする
Scientists observe the stars through telescopes.
2. visually 視覚的に、見た目に
Visually, the movie was stunning, with breathtaking special effects.
3. altitude 海抜、標高、高所・高地、高い地位
The airplane climbed to a high altitude before crossing the ocean.
4. vibrant (色が)鮮やかな・明るく強烈な、活気のある、力強い、活力のある
She wore a vibrant dress to the party that caught everyone's attention.
5. blanket (毛布のような物で)覆う・覆い隠す、(法などが)全面的に適用される、毛布、包括的な
I will blanket the plants to protect them from the frost.

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Questions

Directions: Read the questions aloud and answer them.
1. How does the timing of this year's first snowfall on Mount Asahi compare to that of last year?
2. What can climbers and visitors enjoy when the snow blanketed the mountain's peak area?
3. Do you have any favorite places to visit during different seasons?
4. What do you like about the change from one season to another?
5. What outdoor activities do you enjoy during autumn?

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大雪山で初冠雪、旭岳3合目付近は「紅葉ピーク」

旭川地方気象台は10月4日、北海道最高峰の大雪山系旭岳(2291メートル)で初冠雪を観測したと発表した。昨年より1日早く、平年より9日遅い。「大雪山旭岳ロープウェイ」によると、旭岳の3合目付近は紅葉がピークだという。

気象台は午前5時半ごろ、旭岳の山頂付近の雪を目視で確認した。上空1500メートル付近に寒気が入り、雪が降った。

上空からの眺めでは、山頂付近はほぼ雪に覆われていた。山頂やロープウエーの駅周辺には登山客の姿もあり、黄色く色づいた木々と白い雪のコントラストを楽しんでいるようだった。

出典:大雪山で初冠雪、旭岳3合目付近は「紅葉ピーク」
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