Spring is here!
Though this usually means the end of skiing is near (bringing much sadness to sliders the world throughout), it also means sunny days and slushy, snowy fun. Less layers and shivers, more goggle tans and outdoor brews; one can hardly complain.
For my family, spring celebrations typically involve a grueling hike up the largest mountain in the Northeastern United States: Mount Washington. Located in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, its peak stands at a formidable 6,288 ft. The trek is far from easy, yet spring hikers from far and wide flock to Tuckerman Ravine for a stab at skiing down the “Headwall”.
In my humble opinion, it’s the best spring skiing pilgrimage. Sunny days sitting at the base of the giant bowl, watching perilous ski moves and have-to-see-it-to-believe-it tomahawks* are where it’s at. Oh-ing and ah-ing with the diverse crowd of skiers Tuckerman attracts from April to early May is a treat. Families, college kids and die-hard back-country enthousiasts all assemble; some to get as much skiing in as possible, but for most to be a part of this unofficial yet yearly event. If you’re ok with a bit of extra weight in your pack, try bringing a beer along for the show. To get a true feel for the spectator-like atmosphere, have a read of Powder Mag‘s article The Gladiators of Tuckerman.
Tomahawk /ˈtɒməhɔːk/
verb
A spectacular, head-over-heels, downhill sport tumble: John tomahawked hard all the wall down the Headwall!
The Tuckerman Ravine Trail
Part 1: 2.4 miles up a wide, easy trail starting from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on route 16 to Hermit Lake.
Part 2: From here, the trail changes drastically and will vary depending on the snow conditions. To the top of the “Headwall” (Tuckerman Junction) one can expect 1.2 miles of far steeper, narrower trails. The hike ends here for many, as the “Headwall” is arguably the best place to get some skiing in.
Part 3: The ascent to the summit is only another 0.6 miles, but may or may not be possible given the temperamental weather patterns of the mountain. Wind speeds tend to play a big part in the hiker’s decision making process at this stage.
Only expert skiers should attempt to ski Tuckerman’s. As some of the steepest back-country terrain in the country, much caution and careful planning should be involved when choosing to take on the beast, because that’s just what it is: a mountain seemingly armed with its own free will and violent temper.
A few remarkable facts:
1. The fastest surface wind speed ever recorded was at the summit of Mount Washington: a whopping 321 mph!
2. Not surprisingly, Mount Washington features on backpackers.com‘s 10 most dangerous hikes list. The beast has claimed 137 lives since 1849, reminding its’ visitors that they are entering challenging terrain.
3. It’s true: danger is attractive and apparently not only to teenagers. Roughly 2,000 visitors take to the slopes of Tuckerman Ravine on a nice sunny day.
My mother, who first hiked “Mt. Wash” at age fourteen, still makes the journey to this day. Incidentally, the first day of Spring is her birthday. I love you Mum, this one’s for you.
Winter (spring?) is coming,
K