Presidential Traverse in Winter on Skis

[celdred]

I was wondering if any of you guys have done the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire in the winter on skis. I am looking to go the first weekend of february and I was wondering if it is feasible. I am concerned about the amount of rocky terrain and whether or not it would be possible to ski it or whether i would end up carrying the skis most of the time.

[coolstine]

I've done the Prezi Traverse once in the winter without skis in a one day push. It seems like the better option to hike. There were some sections that I was swimming in snow at times, but that was usually below treeline where the trails are not very ski friendly and it wasn't that difficult to hike through. Once you get above treeline, you typically don't have to worry about snow because the ridgelines are totally windswept. Worst weather in the world! Just remember to bring crampons and an ice axe for sure.

February conditions in the prezis...
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18561&stc=1&d=1164726266

[trainnvain]

^^^Pretty much what he said. The alpine ridgelines will look like that all winter.

[celdred]

Alrite thanks a lot for the info guys.

[B Must]

Definitely no skis - way too many rocks. I would bring extra gloves though. And boots that you are really comfortable in - it's a long haul. Bail down Lion's Head if you're way behind schedule.

[danhikeski]

yup, what they said, there's usually not enough snow (i have never seen it in about 10 years of going up there in the winter) you can ski below tree line and that will be about it.


All pictures are january - march from the last four or so years

this one is of the alpine garden looking towards adams, washington summit cone starting on the left
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/danhikeski/DSC00080.jpg

looking towards conway on the alpine garden
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/danhikeski/DSC00006.jpg

on the summit of washington looking at lakes of the clouds
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/danhikeski/DSC00034-1.jpg

[msolar]

Sweet pics. Anyone have more to share? (I'm using them to get my buddies riled up for this winter)

Anyone know if the auto road is skiable?

[Theodore]

I can try to scan some in tonight... That traverse has been on my to do list for a long time, but I'd like to giver a go in the summer before trying the winter.

[squirrelmurphy]

looking towards conway on the alpine garden
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/danhikeski/DSC00006.jpg


dan, this picture is really incredible

[Natedogg]

BenWA and I were talking about skinning up the auto road many years ago--I've never been up it in the winter, but it sounded like he had. I'm guessing it's doable.

T - it may be easier in the winter if you get a good day... All that shattered rock takes a toll on your brain concentrating on where to put your feet.

The hike itself isn't not too bad. A few of us planned a one-day double traverse: we started at Valley Way at 4 or 5 AM and were going to walk to Crawford, get shuttled over to Pinkham, and go up over Wildcat and Carters. We ended up stopping at Crawford cuz none of us had packed gear for subfreezing overnight temps that were forecasted on the peaks.