Saturday, February 22, 2025
New Hampshire, White Mountains,
NH United States
This trip is part of the Boston Chapter Winter Hiking Program (WHP) and is only open to enrolled participants of that program. If you would like more information about the WHP, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w_4evBZ-fTs17Ha4H8AwhfdRI2FRK1HWvlLR00OTRks/edit?usp=sharing . If you still have questions, email us at [email protected]. Join us for a winter day hike to Hancock (4,398') and South Hancock (4,257'), two four thousand footers on the southern edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Participants can expect an approximately 9-mile lollipop loop with approximately 2,600' of elevation gain. Weather depending, we'll hope to enjoy a pleasant view from a ledge near the summit of Hancock and another near the summit of South Hancock. While the distance and elevation gain are moderate for four thousand footers, the ascent up Hancock and descent down from South Hancock are both very steep, frequently requiring the use of full crampons in winter. Prospective participants should have completed at least 1-2 winter day hikes of similar distance and elevation gain prior to registering for this hike and should be comfortable managing their heat, hydration, and nutrition on a full day winter hike. As this hike is primarily instructional in nature, experience utilizing full crampons is not required; however, all participants must have full 10- or 12-point mountaineering crampons. "Sub-crampon" traction devices such as Kahtoola K-10 Hiking Crampons, Kahtoola KTS Hiking Crampons, and similar traction devices that are not 10- or 12-point mountaineering crampons are not an acceptable substitute for this hike. An ice axe is not required. Depending on weather conditions, be prepared for a strenuous 8-10 hour hike and potential winter conditions with cold, wind, ice, snow, and the possibility of breaking trail. Please be an experienced winter hiker in good physical condition, with full winter gear including 400g winter boots, microspikes, mountaineering snowshoes, full crampons, and multiple clothing layers. 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.
Free
