Frequently Asked Questions

What you should know before you visit the ravines.

If your question is not answered here please contact the Forest Service at (603) 466-2713 or write the Androscoggin Ranger Station, 300 Glen Road Gorham, NH 03581.
You can also contact the Appalachian Mountain Club, P.O. Box 298, Gorham, NH 03581. 603) 466-2725

When is the ski season in Tuckerman Ravine?

Spring skiing in Tuckerman Ravine generally begins in late March and continues through May, although snow and ice conditions vary greatly throughout the winter and spring. Avalanches and extreme winter weather can make winter skiing unwise and dangerous. Less snow, exposed rocks, and crevasses make late season skiing conditions more hazardous.

Depending on seasonal snowfall, skiers may be able to ski all the way down from the summit of Mount Washington to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. This is only possible under ideal conditions during the best snow years. In some years, skiers may have to walk down from Tuckerman Bowl, as the connection between the Bowl and the Sherburne ski trail is broken by lack of snow cover over the Cutler River on the Little Headwall.

Some of the best skiing in the area can be found on the John Sherburne Ski Trail, connecting the Hermit Lake area with the trailhead parking at Pinkham Notch. The Sherburne provides excellent, safe opportunities for backcountry skiing when avalanche danger does not permit skiing on the big, steep slopes of the area. Coverage on the Sherburne generally lasts late into the spring ski season, though the lower elevations may be closed due to snowmelt as the season progresses. As this occurs, skiers will have to walk the remaining distance to Pinkham Notch on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, which parallels the ski trail. The trail will often be closed at convenient cross-overs to the hiking trail. Skiing is not permitted on the Tuckerman Ravine hiking trail. To minimize erosion of the ski trail, please do not hike or ski on the trail below the closure. Be considerate; hiking on the ski trail can ruin the skiing for others, so please use the hiking trail if you are not skiing, sliding, riding, or snowshoeing back down to the parking lot.

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How do I get to "The Bowl?"

Access to skiing in Tuckerman Ravine requires hiking from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center located on Route 16 (11 miles south of Gorham and 15 miles north of North Conway, New Hampshire). There are no ski lifts; skiers must climb and carry all of their ski equipment, food, and cold weather gear from Pinkham Notch.

Tuckerman Ravine Trail leaves Pinkham Notch (elevation 2,028 feet) and reaches the mouth of the ravine at Hermit Lake (elevation 3,800 feet) in 2.4 miles. The trail continues another half mile to the floor of Tuckerman Bowl which rises from 4,300 feet to 5,100 feet. Expect to hike for an average of three (3) hours to get to the beginning of a ski run. It is recommended that you hike up what you plan to ski down so that you may assess terrain and conditions before your descent of the slopes in Tuckerman Ravine.

Due to the crowds, sometimes you must wait for other hikers to make their way up or down the narrower sections of the trail, especially between Hermit Lake and Tuckerman Bowl. Cutting around other people, mud, or ice, destroys the vegetation and erodes the trail. STAY ON THE TRAIL AT ALL TIMES AND PLEASE BE PATIENT!

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Is there a place in the ravine where I can watch the skiers?

Thousands of hikers and skiers will congregate on the north side of the Ravine in a jumble of boulders known as "Lunch Rocks." Remember, you are hiking into a back-country area; there is no place to get warmed up once you reach the Ravine. Pay attention to avalanche and falling ice precautions and other safety warnings posted at many locations on your trip to the Ravine.The Lunch Rocks are under an area with large sections of waterfall ice. Large peices of ice may tumble through the Lunch Rocks. Many people have been injured here. A safer location from icefall hazards are the "Gumdrop Rocks" on the south side of the Bowl.

Visitors who choose to spend time at Lunch Rocks must keep icefall in mind. You can mimimize the risks by choosing a good location in which to sit. If icefall occurs, use a large rock as a barrier to duck behind. Pay attention at all times, and have your escape route planned. When icefall occurs, often there will be a loud report, accompanied by people yelling "ICE!". This is the time to really be paying attention. You need to identify where the icefall is in relation to your location, and follow through with your escape plan if it looks like the ice is coming your way. Keep in mind, of course, that ice can fall and you may not be able to see or hear it coming. Icefall is most common on warm, sunny days, or when it is raining.

Thousands of people come to ski the steep slopes of Tuckerman Ravine. Ice is not the only falling object which can hurt you. Falling people and their equipment is a common occurence. Rockfall can and does occur at any time during the spring. Avalanches may be triggered from above your location. Many people come to Tuckerman Ravine and have a great time without getting hurt, though you should always be aware of the potential dangers during your visit.

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Can I take my dog with me?

Tuckerman Ravine can be a great place to bring your dog but it can also be dangerous. The steep slopes of Tuckerman Ravine are no place for dogs. Often dogs will follow you up the steepest terrain, but will refuse to come down. There have been many sad occasions when dogs have become stranded on the Headwall. Be considerate of your pet, don't bring them up on to the steep slopes. Your pets MUST be kept under control at all times. Pets are not allowed overnight at the Hermit Lake Shelters. Also, consider that Tuckerman Ravine is the headwaters of the Cutler River. Many dogs in the area in spring has potential to affect water quality in the river, which is the source of drinking water for thousands of visitors.

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Can I camp in Tuckerman or Huntington Ravines?

NO.

To protect the area, the U.S. Forest Service has established the Cutler River Drainage Area Forest Protection Area. Certain activities are restricted or prohibited in Forest Protection Areas on the White Mountain National Forest.

The Forest Protection Area of the Cutler River Drainage extends from the summit of Mount Washington east to Pinkham Notch. The northern boundary is the Nelson Crag ridge; the southern boundary is the Boott Spur ridge. The Area includes Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines, the Alpine Garden, and all trails within this area.

Camping is permited only at the following locations:

• Harvard Cabin (Huntington Ravine): this cabin is administered by the Harvard Mountaineering Club under a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. The cabin is open from December 1 to March 31 . The cost is $10 per person per night for a tentsite and $15 per person per night inside the cabin. The cabin caretaker collects the fee. Visitors intending on staying at the Harvard Cabin need to register by signing into the logbook in the basement level of the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Sign-up is on a first come, first served basis. Pets are not permitted overnight.
  
  
• Hermit Lake Shelters (Tuckerman Ravine): there are 8 lean-to style shelters and 3 tent platforms administered by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) under a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. A fee of $10 per person per night is charged. If you plan to stay in a shelter or on a tent platform, visitors must purchase a ticket in advance at the AMC front desk in Pinkham Notch. The shelters are open year round and are available on a first come, first served basis. While the facilities at Hermit lake can accomodate up to 100 people, it is common for the spaces to fill early, especially on busy weekends. When the shelters are full, there are no other camping options in the area. If you arrive at Hermit Lake without a ticket and the shelters are full, you will have to go back down to Pinkham Notch and find another legal camping option. During busy times, advanced trip planning will be critical. Pets are not permitted overnight at the shelters. For more information contact AMC at (603) 466-2725.
  
  

These restrictions are designed to protect over-used and fragile areas. Please remember that no amount of regulation can preserve the backcountry unless each of us makes a personal effort to lessen our impact. Always plan your trip well in advance to be prepared for whatever you might encounter. Learn to be a "Leave No Trace" hiker.

Violating the Cutler River Drainage Forest Protection restrictions is punishable by fine pursuant to 16 USC 551. The area is frequently patrolled.

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Is it safe?

Skiing safely in Tuckerman Ravine means more than being an expert skier; it means being prepared with the proper equipment and knowledge, being flexible in your plans, and never skiing alone. Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine is a true mountaineering experience. Unlike most developed ski slopes, Tuckerman can be considerably more hazardous with its rapidly changing snow conditions, avalanches, crevasses, exposed rocks, and falling ice. Many people have been injured and killed in Tuckerman Ravine. The slopes are very steep, and Mount Washington is known for extreme weather.

Remember, you are going into the back-country and will be many hours from roads and medical facilities. You need to be equipped to take care of yourself and friends. Be aware of your surroundings and know the basics of first aid—especially what to do for ski-related injuries and for hypothermia (the deadly lowering of the body's core temperature).

Always get the information you need to stay safe. This includes obtaining the latest avalanche advisories and weather forecasts. Seek out the staff in the area for advice. Staff of the US Forest Service, Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol, or the Appalachian Mountain Club are on hand to provide you with the latest information regarding hazards and will make recommendations. These folks spend alot of time in Tuckerman Ravine, and are always willing to share information to help make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

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What's the weather like?

Winter-like conditions occur all year in the mountains. Although it may be warm in Tuckerman Ravine on clear, sunny spring days, skiers should keep in mind that conditions in the ravine can change quickly and become extremely severe. Weather information is available at the Androscoggin Ranger Station, Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, and the Hermit Lake caretaker's building.

Mount Washington, the highest summit in the Presidential Range (6,288 feet/1917 meters) and the highest peak in the northeastern United States, has earned itself a fierce reputation. Indeed, Mount Washington has the reputation as the "most dangerous small mountain in the world." Hurricane force winds and sub-freezing temperatures have been recorded for every month of the year. The climate is similar to that found in northern Canada and Alaska. The highest wind speed ever recorded over land was measured from the summit of Mount Washington at 231 mph (371 kmh). Hurricane force winds (> 75 mph/121 kmh) are measured on average of 110 days per year.

Several climatic and geographic factors are responsible for the harsh weather conditions of this truly arctic mountain range. Low-pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere converge in the New England area. Major storm tracks from the South Atlantic, the Gulf region, and the Pacific Northwest merge along the east coast of the United States (Figure 1). These active low-pressure systems track up the northeast coastline and up the St. Lawrence River valley. In winter, the eastern part of North America is relatively cold and the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean are relatively warm, creating a natural area for storm development along the eastern seaboard. Such storms frequently experience their strongest development along the Northeast coast. This constant progression of low-pressure systems causes sudden and often dramatic weather changes in the region.

Figure 1. An analysis of 1160 storm tracks across the US in a 10 year period. The width of the arrows on the map indicate the frequency of storms along a given path. This convergence of low pressure systems explains in large part the weather patterns so characteristic of the Northeastern United States (Van Cleef, 1908).

Figure 2. The complementary relationship of high and low pressure systems in the Northeastern United States (Marchand, 1987).

Following this constant progression of low-pressure systems are the high-pressure cells that develop over the Hudson Bay region of the Canadian Arctic. On the backside of every low pressure system is this cold arctic air flow from the north, subjecting the region to frequent outbreaks of polar air masses year-round (Figure. 2) (Marchand, 1987). The vertical relief of the Presidential range and the White Mountain region is considerable in comparison to the surrounding landscape. The Presidential Range rises over 4,500 feet from the surrounding lowlands. The generally north-south orientation of the mountain range acts as a natural barrier to the prevailing westerly winds. The combination of large-scale atmospheric disturbances and the orographic effect of the mountains have dramatic effects on wind speed, temperature, and precipitation.

The winds

The Presidential Range is probably most well known for its winds. Wind velocity on Mount Washington averages 32 mph (57 km/h) year-round. At nearby lowland stations, the average wind velocity generally ranges from 6.5-13 km/h. Hurricane force winds (> 121 km/h) are observed from the summit of the mountain on average of 110 days per year. From November to April, hurricane force winds occur on average of 2 out of every 3 days. Winds of 161 km/h or greater occur about every 3rd day from November through March. In January, the windiest month, the winds reach or exceed hurricane force on 3 out of every 4 days. On January 2nd, 1969, the winds averaged 161 km/h for 24 hours, with a peak gust of 241 km/h. In winter, conditions of this type are fairly common on Mount Washington. In addition, Mount Washington holds the world’s record wind speed ever recorded from a surface weather station. In April 1934, observers measured a 371 km/h wind gust before the anemometer was destroyed.

The rain and snow

Snow falls on Mount Washington every month of the year. As one would expect, frequency and amount of precipitation increase with elevation. Yearly snowfall on the summit of Mount Washington averages 645 cm. Average annual snowfall at lowland stations in the area is about 287 cm. On average, at least 2.5 cm of snow falls 68 days a year. The snowiest winter on record was 1968-69, when 1438 cm fell on Mount Washington. Snow depth measurements from the Mount Washington Observatory on the summit are somewhat uncertain, as snow often blows away as soon as it begins to accumulate, and snowfall is blown over the summit of Mount Washington from other areas of the mountain.

The pervasive high winds move large quantities of snow off the upper elevations, resulting in incredible wind loading events for the avalanche starting zones along the flanks and ravines of the range. Wind-blown snow is a major contributor to large avalanche cycles in the range. Snow depths on the floor of Tuckerman Ravine on the lee side of Mount Washington average 12 to 16 m.

The Presidential Range is located within 160 km of the Atlantic Ocean. Rain events are not uncommon during the winter months. Total average precipitation on Mount Washington is 252 cm. Precipitation levels in the lowlands around the range (610 m. elevation) average 117 cm in a year.

On average, Mount Washington is shrouded in dense fog and clouds 315 days each year.

The cold

The commonly low temperatures recorded in the Presidential Range often catch the unwary visitor by surprise. Exposure is the second highest cause of fatalities in the range, overshadowed only by falls in steep terrain.

The temperature on the summit of Mount Washington is significantly colder than the surrounding lowlands. The record high for the summit is 23 degrees C. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -45 C. July is the warmest month of the year with an average of only 9 C. February is the coldest, averaging only –15 C. Freezing temperatures are recorded 243 days during an average year. Temperatures drop to below –18 C on an average of 66 days, and reach or exceed 15 degrees C on only 19 days a year. One of the results of such cold temperatures is permafrost at 6 m deep year-round.

The high winds and brutally cold temperatures frequently arrive together. The coldest periods on Mount Washington arrive on northwest winds. Temperatures of –35 C and winds in excess of 160 km/h are not uncommon in winter.

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What should I wear and bring with me?

Tuckerman Ravine is located several miles up the eastern side of Mount Washington. Skiers must be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Skiing in Tuckerman Ravine can be a full blown mountaineering experience. Would you go on a trip to to Alaska with sneakers and a tee shirt? Like Mount Washington, you might get away with it. Or, you could get into a lot of trouble. Conditions can change very quickly, leaving a narrow margin of error for the unprepared. Often, Mount Washington experinces harsh winter weather when the valleys or southern locations are warm and sunny. Trip planning is essential to a safe and comfortable experience on Mount Washington. Spring clothing may be okay for hiking but think about what it will be like when you stop. Hypothermia and cold weather injuries can happen quickly to the unprepared. Consult a winter equipment list if you need help preparing. Overnight visitors will need additional equipment.

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Are there USFS Snow Rangers and Ski Patrol at the Ravine?

Tuckerman Ravine is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Snow Rangers from the White Mountain National Forest are responsible for evaluating avalanche and other potential hazards in the Tuckerman Ravine area. This information is well posted and easy to obtain. Follow all advisories carefully.

Members of the Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol and Appalachian Mountain Club caretakers working at Hermit Lake also help with management of the Ravine. Their role is to provide information to visitors and assist in Search and Rescue operations. In addition, the Appalachian Mountain Club operates the Hermit Lake Shelters.

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What happens if I get hurt in the Ravines?

When an accident occurs in Tuckerman Ravine, there may be many people on hand to help with your injury. Or, there may be no one. On the busiest days, it may be easy to forget that you are in a backcountry area, several miles into the mountains. It is not a place to take risk lightly. Even under ideal circumstances, you will be several hours away from an ambulance or advanced medical care. Your actions may have serious, life threatening consequences for you, your party and volunteer rescuers. Visitors to the Ravine should never come expecting to be rescued when something bad happens. Don't rely on other people being around to help you; ultimately your party may be the only rescue team available to respond. This means that you need to come prepared for the conditions, and be prepared for a potential emergency.

The US Forest Service is the lead agency responsible for winter Search and Rescue on the eastern side of Mount Washington. This generally covers the period from December 1st to June 1st of each year. The Snow Rangers are all trained as EMT's and are versed in high-angle rescue techniques. The Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol and the Appalachian Mountain Club, as well as hundreds of other mountain rescue volunteers help with accidents on Mount Washington. Some rescues may be straight forward, allowing victims to reach definitive medical care in a relatively short period of time. Other situations could be extensive, complex, and time consuming. A search for a missing person on the mountain may take several days. A rescue may depend on having many people on hand to help, but these resources may be many hours away. Sometimes rescues can require up to 30 people if a carry-out is required. Rescues can be a tremendous effort, requring the coordinated action of many people and resources. Getting hurt on Mount Washington should never be taken lightly.

A network of 9 First-Aid caches are scattered around the eastern side of Mount Washington in the Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine areas. These caches are stocked with a variety of equipment that may help you and your party facilitate a self-rescue operation. Caches contain a First-Aid kit, litters for carrying an injured person, blankets or sleeping bags, and splinting materials. Several of these caches are stocked with avalanche rescue equipment.

It's easy to be lured by the security of your cell phone. While cell phones have proven valuable in some serious rescues, they must never take the place of good planning and common sense. Cell phones have limited coverage due to the mountainous terrain. The same may be said for the popular hand-held radios so commonly seen on the mountain today.

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What other dangers do I need to be aware of?

Falling Ice

Rising temperatures will cause blocks of waterfall ice to break off and crash down into the Ravine; this is fairly common during spring skiing at Tuckerman Ravine. These pieces of ice may be as large as an automobile! Be aware of what is above you at all times, and avoid being trapped under an ice fall. At times, the ice falls across ski slopes and "Lunch Rocks." If possible, always be prepared to duck behind a large rock for protection. When the call of "ICE" goes up, you need to stop what you are doing and check out what's going on. Locate the area of icefall. If it is heading your direction, it is best to keep an eye on it so you can decide which is the best way to go to avoid it. Now is the time to have careful, deliberate action, but you may not have much time! Heed posted or verbal warnings and remember; there is never a guaranteed "safe" area. Always be "Ice Smart" in Tuckerman Ravine!

Want to check out some video footage of actual ice falling in Tuckerman Ravine?
The video takes approximately 5 min. download with a 28.8 modem. Videos are in a self-extracting zip file. Save the executable file on your hard drive. Then double click on the .exe file using Windows Explorer or your file manager. After the file is extracted, double click on the .avi file. Happy viewing.)

Avalanches

Steep slopes with unstable deep snow hold the deadly risk of avalanche. Here is some avalanche information all mountain adventurers need to know: 

• Check avalanche advisories (located at the Tuckerman Ravine Trailhead, Hermit Lake Shelters, Harvard Cabin, the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and the Androscoggin Ranger District Office.)
• When in doubt, ask questions or don't go.
• Most avalanches occur during or immediately after a snowstorm.
• Never travel alone. Carry and know how to use avalanche rescue beacons, probes and shovels when your party is in avalanche terrain.
• Avoid steep, open areas of snow.
• Unstable snow conditions can persist for several days after a storm.

   

Under Snow Waterfalls

The Cutler River flows down the right side (as viewed from below) of the ravine. During the winter, the river is completely covered over with up to 80 feet of snow. The river continues to flow year-round, however, and drops over two 60 feet tall waterfalls -- the upper one just below the lip & the lower one about half-way down the ravine. Crevasses become open at the tops of each waterfall in the middle of the spring. Once they have opened, they are extremely dangerous & should be avoided. Remember, a fall above them can result in a slide into them. Survival of such an occurrence is unlikely.

The Cutler River also flows down the Little Headwall. This poses open water hazards. Skiers should be aware of the conditions before skiing over the river.

Hazards Below Skiers

The slopes in Tuckerman Ravine are steep enough that normal falls by skiers may result in long uncontrolled slides. Please keep this in mind when selecting your climbing & skiing routes -- always ask yourself: "What will I hit if I fall?"

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Where can I call ahead to get more in formation on daily conditions?

Avalanche advisories are issued as needed starting in the Fall and continue through May. For current information, please contact the Androscoggin Ranger District
(phone: 603-466-2713; TTY 603-466-2856),
or the Appalachian Mountain Club at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center
(603-466-2721).

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Skiing Tips

It is best to wear hiking boots (not smooth-soled shoes like sneakers) and carry ski boots attached to skis or in your pack, until you get to the base of the ski run. 

• While you climb the Ravine's slopes, look carefully at your route down to see if it is safe and within your skiing ability.
• In early spring, afternoon shadows often bring icy snow conditions which are treacherous. Plan to ski out before your route down is in the shade. An ice axe is a useful and sometimes mandatory piece of equipment for skiier and riders using the Ravine.
• Always tie skis together securely for climbing. If you are making your own steps when climbing, make them short and even, directly up the fall-line whenever possible. Avoid traveling below ice which may fall.
• Always ski under control. "Hot-dogging" should be avoided in Tuckerman Ravine; reckless conduct endangers you and other people.
• Never ski if visibility is poor. Crevasses, rocks, other people, and falling ice are difficult to see in fog or low light.

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Hikers take note:

In late spring the Lip and upper sections of Tuckerman Ravine Trail are dangerous due to crevasses, ice, and snow. Lion Head Trail can be followed to and from Mount Washington's summit.

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Please Remember:

Tuckerman Ravine is a fragile place visited by thousands of people on a busy spring ski weekend. In order to protect the ravine, yourself and those around you we ask that you :

• Bring adequate clothing and equipment.
• Check avalanche and weather conditions.
• Be alert for falling ice.
• Stay safely away from open crevasses.
• Heed the warnings of Snow Rangers.
• Ski & Hike Safely - You are responsible for your own welfare and safety.
• Camping is allowed only at the Hermit Lake Shelters. Purchase your shelter space at the Appalachian Mountain Club, Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
• Pets are not allowed at Hermit Lake Shelters.
• Stay on the trails. Avoid widening them!
• Use valley and outhouse facilities when possible.
• Treat all water prior to drinking.
• Carry In - Carry Out. Please pack out all trash. Thank you.

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Where is the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center?

The Appalachian Mountain Club operates the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at the base of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail (on NH 16 between North Conway and Gorham), where hikers and skiers can find information about trail conditions, avalanche advisories, and weather conditions. Visitors to Tuckerman Ravine are encouraged to stop in and talk to AMC's information desk staff and check the weather, avalanche and ice fall conditions before heading up the trail.

The AMC also offers comfortable lodging and hearty meal service for the public at Pinkham Notch. Visitors will also find a small shop stocked with last-minute items and basic outdoor safety gear. The visitor center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year. Pinkham is also the location for the AMC's educational programs, which include outdoor skills training and natural history workshops. For more information, call the AMC at (603) 466-2721.

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What routes can I take to the summit of Mt. Washington in winter?

There are many routes to the summit in the winter, from steep snow climbs, to long, technical ice climbs. No matter which route, you will be exposed to severe weather. Winds of more than 100 mph and temperatures down to -30·F are common.

Lion Head Winter Route:

This route was rerouted in 1995 to make it less exposed to avalanche danger, but is still prone to avalanches. Climbers should read the daily U.S. Forest Service avalanche advisory and use good judgment in evaluating avalanche hazards.

The winter Lion Head route is steeper and more direct than the summer trail, and involves climbing on steep, open snow slopes. Ice axe, crampons and the ability to use them with skill are required for safe travel on this route.

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What kind of winter climbing can I do in Huntington Ravine?

Winter climbs in Huntington Ravine are known for their length, exposed alpine setting, and danger from avalanches, cornices, and extreme weather. Many very experienced climbers have been involved in serious accidents in Huntington's, so don't underestimate it's severity. Though many of the climbs are rated "moderate" for technical difficulty, their alpine setting makes them more extreme.

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What is the weather like above treeline in the winter?

If you venture above treeline in the winter, you will likely experience some of the harshest weather in the world. Extreme winds, fog, and snowfall commonly prevent climbers from continuing above treeline. Read the weather forecast before you go. If you have any doubt about the weather, turn around; there is a good chance it will get worse.

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What special equipment do I need to climb above treeline?

The first thing you'll need to bring with you is good judgement.

Next, you need plenty of warm clothes including:

• polyester long underwear
• several insulating layers
• down or synthetic fill jacket
• high quality glove and mittens
• heavy duty windproof and waterproof outer layers
• warm hat, facemask and balaclava
• gaiters
• goggles

Double plastic mountaineering boots are essential. Felt "Pac-boots" are warm, but not stiff enough to safely use with crampons. Single leather boots may not keep your feet warm in arctic temperatures.

Crampons and an ice axe, as well as the skills to use them to safely climb steep snow and ice, and to self arrest if you fall.

Avalanche awareness, as well as an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, if you are travelling in avalanche terrain

A bivouac sack and/or sleeping bag for emergency use are also recommended.

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Where can I camp in the winter?

The same places you can camp in the summer, are open to camping in the winter as well. Read the "Backcountry Camping Rules," available from the Forest Service or Pinkham Notch Visitor Center Front Desk.

In winter, the U.S. Forest Service allows camping above treeline on 2 feet of snow or more. Camping above treeline, however, is only for advanced winter travellers. You could wake up to 100+mph winds and whiteout conditions. Camping above treeline in the Cutler River Drainage, including Tuckerman and Huntington ravines is not allowed, regardless of snow cover.

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Do I need special equipment for winter camping?

See the "Above Treeline" section for information on the clothing you'll need for winter camping.

In addition to winter clothing, you will need:

• Winter sleeping bag (rated to -20·F or below).
• Extra thick sleeping pad (at least 1" thick).
• Insulated winter boots with removable liners.
• Four season tent capable of withstanding heavy snow and high winds.

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