"Winter hiking" is growing in popularity. In my opinion it's the most beautiful
season in the mountains, I'm sure many agree. As more and more enjoy the outdoors
the chance that someone will face danger increases. Not too long ago only a few
dozen people had finished the NH-4,000 footers between December 21st and March 20th.
The number is still low, just over 400 people have completed the list in winter....
compare that with almost 9,000 in the "any season" catagory. (Numbers as of 2008.)
With newer technology it's possible to go faster-lighter and further safely in winter. Where once an Owlshead trip meant a two day excursion, now with more packed trails, and better gear it is often done as a day-hike. With Base road opening in winter 2004, it opened up once isolated peaks like Monroe and Jefferson to dayhikes.
Still, climbing all peaks in winter is a daunting task. Lafayette for example
is a reasonably easy summer hike for a peak-bagger....in winter it took me
several attempts to reach the summit. Mount Monroe took three attempts! The same is true for most of the Presidentials.
You should have a plan-A and a plan-"B", for example your chosen peak that day is Jefferson but high winds
and bitter cold are forcast. You can go for it and most likely have to turn back
or choose plan-B. Waumbek, Hale, Jackson, Tecumseh and the like are excellent plan-B mountains.
The Beauty of Winter
A mantle of white drapes the mountains after a night's snow. Sunrise paints "alpenglow" pink across the exposed faces up high. You set off with the whole day ahead of you, snowshoes swooshing through soft snow. The heavy pack you carry settles comfortably as poles find the hard-packed trail under new snow.
There is simply nothing like it....hiking through white laden trees....feeling the snowshoe crampons bite into crusty ice while you ascend a steep ridge....the thrill of a summit completely exposed to the bitter elements....glissading down, giggling like children and finally at the end of the day enjoying a hot meal!
The Danger of Winter
Frostbite, Hypothermia and Falling are among the risks you will take on a typical winter hike. Winter gear lessens the impact of these three realities but you will still have less of a margin of error than in summer. Days are shorter, temperatures get down well below zero, wind is stronger and exposure is more dramatic in winter.
You may spend hundreds of dollars in synthetic clothing, crampons, snowshoes and a dozen other special winter items. "The most valuable piece of gear you own is between your ears." Pretty common quote and makes sense. If weather closes in 200 feet from the summit and you're unfamiliar or uncomfortable at all your brain should scream "Turn back!!" In many cases unfortunately people don't use common sense.
Essential Winter Day-hiking Gear
⇔Fleece layers top and bottom
⇔Breathable Wind-proof shell top and bottom (Gortex or equiv)
⇔Smartwool or Wool and Fleece sock combination
⇔Wool Hat and Fleece neck gaitor/balaclava
⇔Insulated Leather hiking boots or Plastics
⇔Synthetic insulated underwear
⇔Gloves (wind-proof) with Overmitts recommended
⇔Snowshoes with good crampons
⇔10-12 point crampons
⇔Trekking Poles
⇔Large enough pack to carry: extra clothing, gloves, socks, food, water, maps, compass, firestarting materials, bivy sack, headlamp, whistle, chemical hand/foot warmers.
An Ice Axe can be used on some of the steeper trails like Flume Slide, Lions Head, North Tri-Slide but you should learn how to use it before carrying it in such steep terrain.
Consider joining a workshop or experienced group on your first winter hike.
Hike something small like Mt Jackson or Mt Tecumseh in the White Mountains before tackling the Presidentials.
Hike the higher peaks in summer first so you have some experience on the terrain.
Be conservative, make a turn-around time and keep to it especially if hiking alone.
Winter Trip Reports
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