Taipei, March 24 -- Mountaineers who enter national parks without permission or fail to carry proper snow and climbing equipment could face fines or be banned for up to three years, the National Park Service warned.

The statement follows recent mountaineering accidents on Hsuehshan and Yushan this month, highlighting the dangers of inadequate preparation in snowy conditions, Taipei Times reported.

On Saturday, two climbers attempting to reach Yushan's main, east, and north peaks were found dead after falling off a steep 380-meter slope covered in thick ice between the main and north peaks. The Nantou County Fire Department reported yesterday that rescuers discovered broken trekking poles, hats, and traces of blood near the bodies, indic...