Tuckerman Ravine, located on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, is a legendary destination for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Known for its steep terrain and challenging conditions, it attracts adventurers from all over the world. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know to plan a safe and enjoyable trip to Tuckerman Ravine.
Tuckerman Ravine in winter. Source: Wikipedia
What Makes Tuckerman Ravine Skiing Unique?
Compared to skiing at a resort, skiing in Tuckerman Ravine offers unparalleled freedom. While resort skiing often follows established trails, backcountry skiing in Tuckerman Ravine lets you choose your path and escape the crowds. The terrain can be more challenging, but the reward is an awe-inspiring, pristine landscape that’s unlike anything you’ll find at a typical resort. Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine allows you to explore a vast, snow-covered playground outside of patrolled boundaries.
If you're comfortable with challenging slopes in a resort setting, this might be the perfect next step for your skiing journey. With expert guides and the right ski techniques, the challenges of this backcountry terrain become an exciting adventure.
Who Can Ski in Tuckerman Ravine?
Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine takes you outside the bounds of a ski-patrolled resort, so it’s important to have strong skiing skills. To ensure your safety, you should be an experienced skier with the proper equipment and training. You should also be confident in your ability to navigate emergency situations and help rescue yourself or a partner if needed.
Read also: Is the Rome Ravine Right for You?
It’s highly recommended to take avalanche safety courses before venturing into the backcountry. You’ll need to understand techniques like snowpack assessments, uphill skiing, and route finding. However, with expert guidance from our experienced team, you’ll gain these skills while enjoying your time in Tuckerman Ravine.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Before heading to Tuckerman Ravine, it's crucial to have the right gear and be prepared for the challenging conditions. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:
- Hiking Boots: Essential for the initial hike up to Hermit Lake.
- Skis or Snowboard: Choose equipment appropriate for backcountry conditions.
- Ski Boots: Comfortable and supportive for the descent.
- Poles: Helpful for the hike up the ravine.
- Avalanche Safety Gear: Beacon, shovel, and probe are essential for safety in avalanche terrain.
- Backpack: To carry extra layers, water, food, and safety gear.
- Crampons or Microspikes: For added traction on icy slopes.
- Helmet: To protect your head.
- Appropriate Clothing: Layers are key to staying warm and dry.
It is a 3-mile hike up the trail to Hojo's, a little lodge/cabin where you can stash your packs and hiking boots and change into ski boots. Then about a half-mile of steep, basically steps cut into the slope, with skis shouldered hike up the ravine.
Remember to hydrate. Just above Hermit Lake is a hand pump well. Stop and drink some more before heading up to the bowl.
GEAR LIST for Backcountry Ski Touring Hut Trip
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Navigating the Terrain
Tuckerman Ravine offers a variety of routes, each with its own challenges and rewards. Here are some popular options:
The Classic Ski Lines
- The Lip: A wide snowfield that drops over the looker’s right side of the ravine headwall. It is the route of the famous Toni Matt Schuss. The descent from the south-east fields over The Lip is one of the longest in Tuckerman.
- Right Gully: Another great run for first turns in the ravine and is a direct route to ascend to access skiing on the east facing snowfields of the Summit Cone.
- The Sluice: The steepest run in the ravine and follows a serpentine route down the flank.
- The Headwall: There are numerous lines and variations at different snow levels. Just to the left of The Lip is The Icefall, a series of frozen waterfalls with drops of 10 to 20 feet. Further to the left is the Center Gully.
- The Chute: The iconic hourglass-shaped route. The route starts off with wide-open turns at the top, funneling down through a narrow choke before opening back up into the lower bowl.
- Left Gully: The fan at the top of the Gully forms a steep near-cornice slope on skiers’ left and a slightly less steep route on skiers’ right.
Other Popular Options
- Hillman’s Highway: Similar to, but longer than, the Left Gully. The highway is the long diagonal couloir south of Tuckerman Ravine.
- Lower Snowfields: Skiers have the option of traversing into the Lower Snowfields for more wide-open turns.
- Dodges Drop and the Duchess: Two of Mount Washington’s most technical lines.
Map of Tuckerman Ravine. Source: New England Ski History
Safety Considerations
Tuckerman Ravine presents several hazards that require careful consideration:
- Avalanches: Be aware of recent snowstorms, exceptionally warm days, and periods when the temperatures stay above freezing overnight.
- Falling Ice: Minimize time spent directly under ice visible high on the ravine walls.
- Icy Conditions: An ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them are your best defense against long sliding falls in steep terrain.
- Crevasses: Avoid areas where crevasses are present.
- Undermined Snow: Caused by snowmelt flowing under the surface of the snow.
- Extreme Weather: The weather changes quickly. A puffy coat, water and windproof layer, and an extra set of gloves could be lifesaving pieces of kit, and are worth the weight.
The Mount Washington Avalanche Center publishes a daily avalanche forecast that details the up-to-date hazards and conditions. The Mount Washington Observatory posts the current and forecasted conditions online in near real-time.
GEAR LIST for Backcountry Ski Touring Hut Trip
Read also: Maine ski conditions
Access and Routes
The Tuckerman Ravine Trail leaves the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (PNVC) on Route 16. From the PNVC, it is 2.4 miles and 1,800 feet up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Hermit Lake Shelter.
At Hermit Lake, skiers, climbers, and boarders stop on the deck to visually recon the Tuckerman Ravine and Hillman’s Highway zones, grab a snack, and check the latest weather and avalanche forecast. The AMC Caretaker, Mount Washington Ski Patrol, and Snow Rangers are available to provide updates on the conditions and hazards.
Why Choose Vertex Mountain Guides?
Vertex Mountain Guides is certified through the American Mountain Guides Association, ensuring that our team is trained to minimize risk and provide you with the best possible experience in Tuckerman Ravine. Our guides know the terrain, assess snow conditions, and will help you navigate the backcountry safely.
We also provide expert coaching to improve your skiing skills and ensure you’re fully equipped for a safe and enjoyable backcountry adventure. Let us know your fitness level, and we’ll help you prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Additional Tips for a Successful Trip
- Check the Weather: Monitor weather forecasts and avalanche reports before heading out.
- Start Early: Get an early start to avoid crowds and changing snow conditions.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water and drink regularly.
- Know Your Limits: Choose routes that match your skill level and experience.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in and minimize your impact on the environment.
Backcountry Skiing Courses
NH backcountry skiing and riding is the ultimate freedom in the Granite State! No lift lines, ski area boundaries, or first and last chair. We instruct and guide backcountry riding for all experience levels.
Intro to Backcountry: For anyone that wants to earn their turns for the first time! No prior backcountry experience is necessary. The focus of the day is getting you skiing and riding off piste while learning the basics of equipment and movement!
Skiing or riding with an AIARE course instructor: Perfect for continuing your education and progression with traveling in avalanche terrain or to refresh your skills since your last AIARE Course.
Private guiding: Customized to your skiing and riding and learning objectives. Our staff and guides will discuss your goals with you and help you plan the perfect touring day(s), customized instruction, or a combination of the two.
Table of Key Information
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mount Washington, New Hampshire |
| Best Time to Go | April and May |
| Essential Gear | Hiking boots, skis, avalanche safety gear, backpack |
| Hazards | Avalanches, falling ice, icy conditions, extreme weather |
| Access Point | AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center |