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January 19, 2018|In New Hampshire, Upper-Right, White Mountains|15 Minutes


ALPHA GUIDE: SKIING IN TUCKERMAN RAVINE



By Patrick Scanlan

 





WHO SAYS THE EAST DOESN’T HAVE BIGTIME, OPEN BACKCOUNTRY SKIING? A CLASSIC NOT
JUST AMONG NORTHEAST SKIERS, TUCKERMAN RAVINE IS A SERIOUS CHALLENGE FOR ALL
SKIERS AND BOARDERS.

“Skiing Tucks” is a rite of passage for almost every East Coast skier. The
glacial cirque offers some of the best terrain east of the Mississippi, with
high alpine conditions, steep chutes, and cozy gullies. The birthplace of
“extreme” skiing in the 1930s and ’40s, it’s now the East’s most well-known and
highly traveled backcountry skiing destination. Amongst its beautiful, rugged,
and powerful terrain, its rich community, and addicting atmosphere, Tucks keeps
the locals and the travelers alike coming back year after year.

The trip is easily done in a day, but staying multiple days allows for more
skiing, earlier starts, and bigger weather windows.


QUICK FACTS

Distance: 2.9 miles to Tuckerman Ravine Floor, one way.
Time to Complete: 1 day
Difficulty:★★★★★
Scenery:★★★★


Season: December through April; best February and later.
Fees/Permits: None
Contact: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recarea?recid=78538 




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TURN-BY-TURN

Parking and trailhead access to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail are at the
Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center located on Route 16
between Gotham and Jackson. Weekend parking fills up quickly, but an overflow
lot is located just south of the Visitor Center. Stop in the Visitor Center for
last-minute supplies, trail conditions, and weather information before starting
your ski up the trail.

Credit: Andrew Drummond


THE APPROACH

Follow the Tuckerman Ravine Trail from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center for 2.4
miles to the Caretaker Cabin at Hermit Lake Shelters (44.13269° N 74.85318° W).
From the Visitor Center, the trail switchbacks before straightening out for a
sustained climb to the intersection with the Huntington Ravine Trail. From
there, you’ll pass the Harvard Cabin Fire Road junction before climbing to the
Hermit Lake Shelters, where you’ll finally gain stunning views of the ravine.
Chat with a Ranger or stop into the Caretaker Cabin for up-to-date weather,
snow, and safety information before heading up into the ravine. From the
Caretaker Cabin, continue up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail for just over a
half-mile to reach the ravine’s floor.

While skiers can hike or skin to the floor, once you choose your runs for the
day, climbing on foot is necessary to get to the top of the steep slopes. It is
strongly recommended to climb up what you intend to ski down to get an accurate
view of the conditions and terrain. Remember that the runs are always changing
due to the amount of snow and how the snow fills into each run.

Credit: Andrew Drummond


AFTER YOUR SKI

The fastest and most enjoyable way down is the Sherburne Ski Trail, which is
accessible from the Caretaker Cabin at Hermit Lake. This trail is roughly three
miles long, would equate to a “Blue Square” in difficulty at your local ski
resort, and, at the end, drops you off at the south side of the Pinkham Notch
Visitor Center parking lot. The “Sherbie” is also a great objective when
avalanche danger is high for the day, or if you just want to go for a quick ski
tour. As spring progresses, however, Sherburne’s skiable area decreases. So,
keep an eye out for a cross-cut back to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail when the
coverage gets thin.

If you are looking to spend the night, check out the AMC Hermit Lake Shelters
for a winter camping experience and quick access to the ravine; Harvard Cabin
for a cozy, rustic night halfway up the trail; or Joe Dodge Lodge next to the
trailhead for a bunk, a shower, and a meal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE RUNS

Courtesy: Colin Boyd


HILLMAN’S HIGHWAY

Aspect: East-Northeast
Steepest Slope Angle: 40 degrees
Vertical Distance: 1200 feet

Hillman’s is slightly removed from the main “bowl” and is located under the
Boott Spur Buttresses. Get a great view of the run from Hermit Lake Shelters’
visitor deck. Easy access is found by heading up the Sherburne Ski Trail from
the Caretaker Cabin. Points of reference on Hillman’s include “the dog leg,” the
skiers’ left-hand curve near the bottom; the top of “the Christmas Tree,” an
area of vegetation to the climber’s right of the slide path that, when filled
with snow, looks like a Christmas tree from a distance; and the fork near the
top of the run, where skiers have a choice of two different variations.

Credit: Jamie Walter


LEFT GULLY

Aspect: East-Northeast
Steepest Slope Angle: 45 degrees
Vertical Distance: 850 feet

The ravine’s left-most prominent run is Left Gully. In the ravine, this run is
often the first and last to be skied over the course of the season, as its
northeast orientation helps the slope hold snow a bit longer due to decreased
sun exposure. The top offers two general entrances to get into the run. When
climbing up the gully, look to the right for a steeper entrance, or continue
straight up for a slightly more mellow one. About halfway down, the run narrows
a bit before making a left turn to drop you back into the bowl.

Credit: Andrew Drummond


CHUTE

Aspect: East
Steepest Slope Angle: 50 degrees
Vertical Distance: 750 feet

Chute is easily identified by the hour glass-shaped choke point near the center.
The steep entry funnels skiers through this 30-foot-wide point into open skiing
and lower slope angles below. Use caution when climbing through the choke point,
as skiers (and their sluff) may be descending. A great spot for a rest on the
way up or down, a natural bench is under the rock buttress to the climber’s left
of the choke point. It’s ideal for taking a minute to decide whether to keep
going, to have a snack, or to take in the great views across the ravine.

Credit: Jamie Walter


THE LIP

Aspect: Southeast
Steepest Slope Angle: 45 degrees
Vertical Distance: 750 feet

The Lip is located on the climber’s right-hand side of the headwall, where a gap
in the steep wall of rock and ice lets skiers sneak through and make big, open
turns into the bowl. When skiing into The Lip, trend to the left to avoid going
over the icefall area. The Lip becomes progressively steeper as you ski into it;
this decreases the visibility of the run below you, until you reach the steepest
pitch. As such, find visual landmarks as you climb up, and use them as a
route-finding tool on the way down. All eyes are on you when you’re skiing The
Lip, so make it count!

Credit: Andrew Drummond


SLUICE

Aspect: South-Southeast
Steepest Slope Angle: 50 degrees
Vertical Distance: 700 feet

Sluice is found between The Lip and Right Gully. Its entrance is steep and has a
tricky double fall-line, when the obvious ski run dictates one direction of
travel, but gravity wants to take you in another. A good reference point for
this climb is Sluice Ice, a cliff that holds vertical ice a few hundred feet up
from Lunch Rocks. Use caution with your route-finding in the spring, as ice
begins to shed as the temperatures rise. Skiers finish the run by skiing to the
left side of Lunch Rocks.

Credit: Andrew Drummond


RIGHT GULLY

Aspect: South
Steepest Slope Angle: 45 degrees
Vertical Distance: 700 feet

The most prominent gully on the south-facing wall is Right Gully. Because of
their orientation, this run and Lobster Claw see the most sun in the ravine, so
keep this in mind when searching for the perfect soft spring corn. Though it’s a
bit shorter than some of the others, the consistent slope angle and
half-pipe-like feel make this a favorite. A great place to scope out the line,
decide whether to keep climbing, or have a snack is on the natural bench that
forms under the climber’s right side of the slight choke point, just under
halfway up the run.

Credit: Andrew Drummond


LOBSTER CLAW

Aspect: South
Steepest Slope Angle: 40 degrees
Vertical Distance: 700 feet

Once you locate Right Gully, look a few hundred feet to the right to find
Lobster Claw. This run is under the ravine’s Lion Head area. Slightly narrower
than Right Gully, the slope angle is a bit mellower and gets about the same
amount of sunlight. Lobster Claw is home to quite a bit of vegetation and can
often take longer to fill in enough to be skiable. When the ravine is crowded
with skiers, however, Lobster Claw is often a less-crowded option. Use caution
exiting the run, because plenty of rocks and trees sit below the main part of
the gully.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




THE KIT

 * Your avalanche rescue kit and the skills to use it are crucial when you’re
   traveling into the ravine. A popular combo is the PIEPS DSP Sport beacon,
   Black Diamond Transfer 3 shovel, and Black Diamond QuickDraw 280 probe.
 * Though they are not a substitute for crampons on steep slopes, Kahtoola
   MICROspikes are useful on lower-angle trails, or if you have to hike
   with your ski boots on a slick surface.
 * The slope angles in Tuckerman are steep! Having a small, lightweight ice axe,
   like the Black Diamond Raven Ultra, and knowing how to use it are extremely
   valuable tools for steep skiing and can add a bit of extra security.
 * An ultra-portable sunscreen like the Beyond Coastal Natural Lip and Face Sun
   Protection will help protect your face from burning while skiing in the
   ravine. Remember that snow is highly reflective and can amplify the effects
   of your goggle tan to a very unpleasant point.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Credit: Andrew Drummond


KEYS TO THE TRIP

 * Avalanches are real and happen very regularly in the ravine. Check out the
   Mount Washington Avalanche Center forecast online in the morning, before you
   head into the ravine, and then, check in with USFS Avalanche Rangers or the
   AMC Caretaker for up-to-date beta on the best spots of the day.
 * On the way through North Conway, stop by Frontside Grind Coffee Roasters for
   a hot brew and bagel before you start your climb.
 * For beers and burgers after the trip, check out Moat Mountain Smokehouse &
   Brewing Co. and Tuckerman Brewing Co.
 * For some early morning pre- or afternoon post-skiing yoga, check out the yoga
   classes at The Local Grocer. This is a great way to both warm your body up
   before a big day and recover after by stretching and keeping your body moving
   before the car ride home.
 * North Conway has many quirky shops that are unique to New Hampshire. Some of
   my favorites are the candy counter and hot sauce aisle at Zeb’s General
   Store; Dondero’s Rock Shop, where any geological nerds can find local and
   global samples of rocks and minerals; and Beef & Ski for truly bangin’
   sandwiches.

Backcountry Mount Washington NH Ravine Skiing Tuckerman White Mountains

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PATRICK SCANLAN

Patrick is a part-time guide with the EMS Climbing School and a lifelong
explorer of the forests and peaks of the White Mountains. Previously, he has
worked in the High Huts of the Appalachian Mountain Club and he lived for 2
years in Tuckerman Ravine as the Caretaker of Hermit Lake Shelters. He has been
involved with professional and volunteer rescue with the AMC and Androscoggin
Valley SAR in Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine and the greater Presidential
Range. Currently, Patrick is the program director for a backcountry skiing team
of high school shredders at Carrabassett Valley Ski Academy at Sugarloaf, Maine.
He is currently an American Mountain Guides Association(AMGA) Apprentice Ski
Guide and Apprentice Rock Guide.

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