Exploring the rugged high-altitude regions of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild often rewards adventurous players with clever environmental puzzles. Among these, the Secret of the Snowy Peaks quest stands out as an intriguing test of observation and timing set amidst the cold slopes of Mount Granajh. By reading an old researcher's journal left behind in a mountain cabin, Link can begin a journey to reveal a hidden ancient shrine.
Finding the Quest Location and Starting Journal
To initiate the quest, travel to the southern reaches of the Gerudo Highlands between Mount Granajh and Daval Peak. At this high elevation, you will locate a ruined wooden hut known as the Mountain Peak Log Cabin. Inside the cabin lies the Mountain Peak Log, a diary detailing a researcher's attempt to solve a local riddle before running out of supplies. Reading the journal officially adds the Secret of the Snowy Peaks to your active quest log.
Understanding the Pedestal Riddle
The core mystery hinges on a cryptic instruction found within the journal: cast a cold shadow onto the glowing pedestal's center. Situated nearby on a cliff slope along Daval Peak, the ancient pedestal remains dark for most of the day. However, during a brief afternoon window around 16:00 in-game time, the pedestal begins to glow faintly. To trigger the mechanism, you must prepare a cold object whose shadow can cover the central core precisely when activated.
How to Cast the Cold Shadow
There are two reliable strategies for completing the puzzle before the glowing window closes. The traditional method involves picking up one of the nearby snowballs scattered around the slope and holding it above your head while standing near the edge. Alternatively, you can use the Cryonis Rune on a nearby water puddle to summon a block of ice that naturally casts a large cold shadow over the pedestal. Once the shadow covers the center at 16:00, the puzzle completes immediately.
Unlocking Suma Sahma Shrine and Rewards
Successfully aligning the cold shadow causes the ground to shake as the Suma Sahma Shrine rises out of the snowbank. Entering the shrine allows Link to claim his reward without needing to complete an additional trial inside. Inside the treasure chest, players will find a useful weapon or material alongside the standard Spirit Orb from the monk. Completing this shrine quest adds valuable progress toward maxing out Link's heart containers or stamina wheel.
