Winter Mountaineering Skills -
Mt Washington, NH

Wintertime above tree line is no place for the inexperienced, unequipped, or unprepared. We provide instruction for traveling in the cold, snowy, and windy - but beautiful and rewarding - alpine environment. Whether you're an avid hiker wanting to reach the summits in the winter, or a competent climber looking for a greater adventure, the skills learned here will open the doors to new adventures.

We'll cover the essential techniques for winter travel - a great chance for the hikers and backpackers of the spring, summer, and fall to learn how to properly stay warm and travel in the winter environment. We'll explain the layering system - what to wear and how to dress properly for winter travel; equipment selection and usage; how to pack; snowshoe usage; tips for staying warm; basic cramponing & ice axe techniques (french techniques); self arrest; and other pertinent skills.

Our four day itinerary on Mt. Washington includes three nights at/around the Harvard Cabin or Hermit Lake Shelters and four days of instruction and climbing in the ravines with your guide.

• Day one will deal with basic avalanche safety and if time allows - do some introductory use of an ice axe, self-arrest and learn how to walk with crampons and ice axes.
  
  

• On day two we cover the remaining mountaineering skills and also include introductory ice climbing in either Huntington and/or Tuckerman's Ravine.
  
  

• Day three we will attempt an alpine climb in Huntington and/or Tuckerman's Ravine climbing one of the gullies like Central Gully, Odell's Gully, or one of the others. Central Gully is a classic easy ice climb/ mountaineering outing that seems like it should belong somewhere on a bigger mountain. Odell's and the others require more technical ice climbing and are an option upon the groups ability levels. Or if weather and/or avalanche conditions dictate, we will attempt the Lion's Head winter trail to gain the summit (6288').
  
  

• Day four (on the four day program) will allow for another technical climb in one of the gullies, and/or cover some other mountaineering related skills such as crevasse rescue.
  

We supply all the necessary technical climbing equipment needed - please check out the Gear List specific for your activity for what is actually supplied and what you'll be required to bring.

Crampon and mtn axe skills in use in Left Gully, Tuckerman's ravine,
Mt Washington, NH

Climbing up the steep terrain on Central Gully, Mt Washington

Join us over a four day weekend.

Please view our Schedule to see our up-coming courses and trips.