Tuckerman is located on the east face of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Tuckerman is accessible from Pinkham Notch which is located on Route 16. Wildcat Mountain, a well known ski resort is located facing Mount Washington on the other side of Route 16.

Check out the Unofficial Map to Tuckerman Ravine for more info.

If you have never been to Tuckerman Ravine, we suggest you pick a weekend in April or the 1st two weeks in May. Generally these are the optimum times to go when conditions are best for spring skiing, and there will be others in the ravine to assist you. Avalanche dangers are typically less also at this time. Regardless, always consult one of the Volunteer Ski Patrol at HoJo's before venturing up to the ravine or Hillman's Highway! Please note! Tuckerman Ravine can become a dangerous place to ski once the snow receeds (typically mid to late May). Falling at this time is NOT an option as the rocks at the base of the ravine become exposed leaving little if no runout! A helmet is well advised.

The main requirement is a decent backpack or frame to transport skis, ski boots, poles, clothing and food during your hike up to the Ravine. If you don't have one, you can always rent one at your local outfitter. Good hiking boots with support are also a necessity. You may be hiking in deep snow so gaiters come in handy also.

For venturing into the ravine in early season (Jan/Feb/early March), you are well adviced to carry and be educated in the use of appropriate avalanche gear including transceiver, probe and shovel.

Use M@'s Pack Weight Calculator to determine how much you might expect to be hauling up the mountain.

Remember there are NO facilities up on the mountain; no food and no toilets. Be sure to pack adequate food and liquids before you leave and remember, what ever you bring up, you must bring back down yourself, including your left over banana peels from lunch.

Tuckerman Ravine and Mount Washington are well know for their extreme weather.

Mount Washington is situated at the intersection of three major storm patterns, resulting in some extreme and often dramatic weather. Considering Tuckerman is also on the east shoulder of the mountain, it collects an abundance of snow blown in from the expansive rock plateau above. On the summit above Tuckerman, winds of 100 mph or more are quite common. Snow in the ravine can last well into June and snow fall in May is quite common. Mount Washington holds the record for highest recorded wind speed on the globe at 231 mph.

The weather at Tuckerman Ravine can be unpredicable and extreme, even in summer months. Be prepared to bring up full winter gear, even in a month like May if conditions warrant.

It is difficult to forecast weather at Tuckerman Ravine in advance. Planning on a specific weekend can be hit and miss... cross your fingers and hope for a warm spring day!

If you wish to camp on the mountain, your only choice is the Hermit Lake Shelters located below Tuckerman Ravine. There are 8 open tean-tos and 3 tent platforms available on a first come, first serve basis. Please consult our Guide to Hermit Lake Shelters for the full scoop, or call the Pinkham Notch Vistors Center at 604-366-2727.

If the shelters are full, you can also stay at the Joe Dodge Lodge which is located at Pinkham Notch by the Visitors Center. More on this on our Guide to Hermit Lake Shelters.

For off mountain camping, consider the Dolly Copp Campground located a few miles north of the Mount Washington Auto Road on Route 16. Call 603-466-2727 for more info or to make a reservation. More on this on our Guide to Hermit Lake Shelters.

There are several areas to ski in and around Tuckerman Ravine. This includes Tuckerman Ravine itself. If conditions warrant, and your in good shape you can ascent the ravine and ski the upper snowfields above the ravine on the cone of Mount Washington for an additional 1,200 ft vertical.

When conditions are dangerous in Tuckerman Ravine, or as an alternate, skiers and choose to go over to Hillman's Highway which is the area just south of Tuckerman Ravine. Hillman's Highway boasts a 1,400 ft vertical in comparison to 600 ft in Tuckerman Ravine.

The Sherburne Trail is the skiout from Tuckerman Ravine and Hillman's Highway to the base at Pinkham Notch. When conditions are too dangerous to ski the ravine or Hillman's, skiers may choose to just hike to HoJo's and ski down the Sherburne. The Sherburne is a narrow trail suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers with a vertical of 1,860 ft.

See the Routes of Tuckerman Ravine to see the routes available in the ravine as well as the Hillman's Highway area.

For those comfortable with hiking farther, and to a lesser visited area, you might want to consider the ravine to the south of Tuckerman know as the Gulf of Slides.

To locate these various areas, check out the Trail and Area Map.