First Timer here...

[Johnny_Long_Ski]

Hi all,

I've been following this board for about a year, and finally decided its time to make a post.

I'm heading up to Mt. Washington on Sunday, for my first ever winter hike. I don't think I'll be skiing, but more conditioning my legs and getting a sense for what Tuck's offers. I'm 24 years old, and finally have found someone that is willing to hike it with me. I plan on skiing it eventually this season, but I'd like to get a good look at it in the winter before I huck it. Can someone throw me some tips for a first timer? If I'm just hiking, what should I wear/pack?

And of course... the skiing...

Is it safe to ski yet? Has anyone yet done the headwall/ice fall yet this season? If not, when will it be "doable?" Any insight will help. Thanks!

Johnny_Long_Skis

[DMC]

Stuff you pack with some food and water and bad weather clothes - be ready for anything..

Bring your skis.... Check with the rangers about conditions...

Surf around this site and you'll get lots of info...

[skicdave]

There is lots to be found here... check it out on the Site Map

[NtrentT]

Be prepaird to encounter any type of weather, People die on Mt.Washington because they arn't prepaired.

Do your homework as well, knowledge = safety

[RR]

Originally Posted by NtrentT

Be prepaird to encounter any type of weather, People die on Mt.Washington because they arn't prepaired.

Do your homework as well, knowledge = safety

Just remember the weather can easily blow in at 80mph. I don't move that fast unless I'm on I93 and behind the steering wheel.

Anyway, things change really fast up in the Ravine. a beautiful day can turn into a nightmare in a few minutes if you are paying attention and in a few seconds if you ain't. Good gear, good companions (meet 'em there or bring 'em) and good sense are you most reliable assests.

With the assets above one can have a great day skiing in the Ravine. The Tuckerman Ravine Volunteer Ski Patrol is a great source of information...but go easy on their time...they really have to watch the proceedings fairly closely. The caretaker at HoJo's or Jeff the previous caretaker can give you the real outlook. Jeff's tall and lanky and probably hobbling around counting the days, probably smiling too.

Don't forget to leave some scratch in the TRVSP donations box on the deck at HoJo's.

[Rudy Garmisch]

Just came back from yesterday's journey up to Tuck's.... spectacular! Hardly anyone was there. Aside from that....... What to pack....

Extra socks are always welcome in case they get wet from sweat or whatever on the way up.... good to prevent blisters when hiking back down(if you don't bring your skiis)..... Poles are helpful skiing or not.....

Plenty of water
Layers of warm clothes & Nasty weather clothing (maybe a change of dry clothes?)
HAT! Definately a hat.... warm one for when you stop hiking and baseball
type for when it's too sunny out.
Good shoes/boots.... the trail up gets a bit sloppy at times.... ankles can twist easily..... also gators help.

Snacks,etc.... power foods

Smiles......
Lot's of smiles.......

[2plankerider]

as others have said...be prepared for ANY kind of weather. regardless of what it is like in the pinkham parking lot. there were several times (when i was a newbie) that i wished i had brought that extra layer that i though i wouldn't need. check yer ego at the door and be prepared to call it off and head back home, only to return another day, if the weather is bad.

the only other piece of advice i can offer that has not been mentioned yet is a cooler full of ICE COLD BEER in the car for when you get back down. this is standard practice for me.
mmmmmmmmmmm ice cold apre tuck's beer.

have fun and enjoy

[Tommy T]

And do take your skis. The Sherburne Trail is only an intermediate by backcountry standards. If you are used to skiing off-piste, it shouldn't give you any trouble unless it is icy or has bare spots (which it isn't and doesn't right now). If you don't ski off-piste, the Sherburne would be a good test as to whether you're ready for the Ravine.

On the way down the Sherburne there are several places where you can walk over to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail and hike down if conditions don't make continuing on skis a good idea.

Tommy T.