About a year ago, I took my first trip to New Hampshire. I clearly remember cresting a hill on rte 16 and being greeted by the beautiful white mountains. right then and there I wanted to do some serious exploring in this area. Unfortunately at the time I was not outfitted for a winter trek in the Whites, but I vowed I would return the following winter to take on Mount Washington. here it is one year later and I am prepping my gear for a weekend long stay in New Hampshire. Friday we will be heading out bound for North Conway and a weekend of adventure.
The plan is to leave Northeast PA around noon and make the 7 hour drive to North Conway. When we get there a trip to Eastern Mountain Sports is in order to grab any last minute gear. Saturday morning, My friend John and I intend to summit Mount Washington. Our plan is to get to the Pinkham Notch visitors center by 6:30 am at the latest, make a final gear and conditions check and then make our way up the Tuckerman Ravine trail no later than 7am. Our route will follow the Tuckerman Ravine trail, which will take us to the Lions Head route then eventually join back up with the Tuckerman Ravine trail for the summit push. during the course of this climb i’m going to document the day with my HD camera for a video podcast for this site. as long as the conditions agree I expect a nice amount of video content.
Below is a list of gear that I will be carrying on to the mountain. when I return i’m going to evaluate what was useful, what could have been left behind, and what I wish I would have had.
Clothing
Under Armour Cold gear top
Under Armour Cold gear Pants
Under Armour Cold gear glove liners
Burton Gloves wit wrist gates
Columbia Wind/Waterproof Shell
fleece lined waterproof pants
Thermal Shirt (x2)
Fleece vest
Fleece half zip
smart wool hiking socks
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Gaiters
Asolo Fugitive GTX gore-tex boots.
Gear
Stubai 10 point crampons
Black Diamond raven Ice Axe
Garmin 60CSx gps
Snow Peak Litemax stove
GSI Pinnacle soloist Cook set
Balaclava
Goggles
25 feet of Static rope
Trekking Pole
8×8 Tarp (emergency shelter)
Marmot Sleeping bag (emergency)
Vacuum Bottles
Osprey Talon 44 pack
I didn’t include obvious things in the list such as lights and other, and I may pick up a mountaineering helmet before saturday, but otherwise the list covers the necessities. below I included a map outlining the proposed route.
For more info on Mount Washingto head on over to Mountwashington.org
Patrick is a lover of all things adventure and photography. When he is not at home in Northeast PA, he can be found traveling with his camera and climbing. One of his most memorable experiences outdoors is his recent summit of Mount Rainier.
You will need to take the Lions Head Winter Route, look for the small Orange sign nailed to a tree, it is after you have crossed the 3rd bridge. Just as an FYI, I didn’t want you head up into the ravine only to be turned around and re-trace your steps. Put the Crampons on right at the trail head of the Lions head winter route. Gets pretty step pretty quickly and their are only a few comfortable places to put them on. I didn’t see goggles or balaclava on your list. you may have them but you will need them!
Good luck it is a wonderful mountain and the people are even better.
Thanks for the advice, I planned on avoiding the headwall of the ravine due to avalanche worries, and good call on the Balaclava and goggles, I don’t know how I missed them on my list but I do have them. Thanks again for your input, it is really appreciated.
-Patrick
I am planning my first climb of Mt. Washington this summer. I would LOVE to see your videos of a winter climb. Good luck and I’ll check back again!
The climb was great, weather couldn’t have been any better. be sure to read my follow up http://campthesummit.com/2010/01/an-unusual-day-on-mount-washington/" rel="nofollow">article also if your thinking of a summer climb, check out seek the peak, it might be right up your alley. I’ll be heading back up for that event. My Video should be up within the next day or so, keep a look out for it.
-Patrick