To turn a phrase: “The Ryan is Calling and You Must Go.” Meaning Redline Guide Ryan Mcguire really wants to get people stoked for single- and multi-day Northern, Southern, and Classic Presidential Traverses this winter. The “Classic” being Mt Madison through to Mt Pierce. If he has his way, the Post Office will start delivering his mail to Edmand’s Col or the summit of Mt Washington. You see, Ryan is heavy into the alpine and has spent the summer learning new snow skills abroad to expand upon the experience he has received here (expect a post on the specifics soon). Thus, our guests will be in good hands. He wants to share what he knows and lead people into this extreme winter environment. Safely. Traversing the Presidential Range is a big deal. It’s tough, demanding, and often dangerous when conditions go south as they often do. Especially in winter. Being guided on this type of outing is a wise decision. Here’s some more info about the multi- and single-day Classic from Ryan himself:
The Winter Classic Presidential Traverse is one of the most coveted and challenging mountaineering objectives on the East coast. Featuring 9,000 feet of elevation gain over 20 miles, this is a demanding hike in some of New England’s most beautiful (and largest) alpine terrain. On day one, with an early “alpine start” we ascend Mount Madison (5,367 ft), travel through an austere wintry landscape over to Mount Adams (5,774 ft), then set up camp in Edmand’s Col. On day two we continue the traverse, crossing Mounts Jefferson (5,712 ft), Clay (5,533 ft), Washington (6,288 ft), Monroe (5,372 ft), (plus Little Monroe and Franklin), Eisenhower (4,780 ft), and Pierce (4,310 ft). Breaking it up into two or even three days gives us opportunity to learn winter camping skills in an alpine environment. We also offer the one-day traverse for those with a strong hiking background. Neither is a small feat, with the single-day taking 12-16 hours. It can be extremely challenging, but your efforts are rewarded by the exhilaration and camaraderie of moving as a team through beautiful mountain terrain. —Ryan
One of the five Adams summits — this one John Quincy Adams. Ambient temp in this scene is -20F not including windchill.
Tracks left behind from mountaineering snowshoes. There aren’t many people out there usually, however.
Mt Washington appears ahead. This section by Mt Clay.
The summit of Mt Washington. Don’t expect civilization up here. It’s all closed to the public.
By the boarded up Madison Spring Hut.
Redline Guide and owner Mike Cherim breaking trail in a snowstorm on Mt Eisenhower.
If this sound like something you would like to try, start here. Ryan is standing by (and Pat, too). For this, camping, and skiing.