Saturday, January 25, 2025 - Sunday, January 26, 2025
New Hampshire, White Mountains,
NH
The goal of this two-day workshop is to learn and practice the fundamentals of winter hiking above treeline, with a summit attempt of Mt Washington on the second day. After arriving at the Highland Center on Saturday morning, we will have a brief introduction to the weekend, review the fundamentals of above treeline travel and gear, and then head out to a nearby steep slope to practice the proper use of crampons and ice axe, self-arrest technique, and get comfortable with other above treeline gear, such as goggles, face mask, clothing layers, gloves, and traveling as a team. On Sunday we will put these skills to use as we attempt to summit Mt. Washington via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. This is a strenuous hike and should NOT be your first serious winter trip. Sunday includes 10 miles hiking with 4,000' of elevation gain over steep, strenuous terrain in snowy, icy, and windy winter conditions. Whether or not the conditions permit us to reach the summit, we will gain a valuable and unforgettable dose of above treeline experience! Plastic or other approved mountaineering boots, full crampons, and ice axe are required. You should have this gear or have a plan in place to rent it. If you have any questions about gear, please ask. This class is not part of the winter hiking program and is open to all qualified hikers who've taken the WHP in previous years or who have the equivalent winter hiking experience. The program fee covers lodging Saturday night, Saturday dinner, and Sunday morning breakfast at the Highland center located right in Crawford Notch. Cancellations will be refunded only if we can replace your slot. Obviously, the closer a cancellation is to the trip, the harder that will be! To address unforeseen challenges such as adverse weather, unacceptable trail conditions or excessive crowding, the planned trip destination, activity and/or meeting place and time may be modified. In that event, participants may elect to join in that activity or opt out.
