You’ve probably heard of the New Hampshire 4000-footers. There are 48 of them. We’ve mentioned them a time or two. Hiking them in the three seasons (spring, summer, and fall) is an insanely popular activity nowadays. Taking on those peaks in the winter is also gaining traction — see what we did there? There are no bugs, you still sweat but you also cool down faster, and the trails smooth right out. It’s a great time. Some prefer hiking these mountains in the winter. There’s more solitude. Of course, it’s a less forgiving time of year so all that solitude can bite you in the hindsight. Going it alone in the winter, especially taking on some of those far-flung peaks and bigger, more remote loops, isn’t without its dangers. Some roll in groups dealing with the risks that way. Some see the advantages to hiring a guide.
This particular trip was at the request of a fairly seasoned year ’round hiker — one savvy enough to know that having someone along is smart business. A back-up plan, so to speak. Just in case. He hired us. The plan was to bushwhack to the start then take on North and South Twin Mountain, then follow that by dropping down to take on Galehead Mountain before heading down to the closed fire roads and walking out. Three peaks, one long day. But worth it. We put Redline Guide Chase Hall on this trip. We knew this was right up his alley, so to speak.
Today’s guest wanted some help with getting some hard winter peaks under his belt. North and South Twin with Galehead are three summits that are pretty remote and can take up a pretty big chunk of your day even with a car spot. The water crossings at North Twin were bridged over and the trails were nicely packed down so it was easier going up with snowshoes to North Twin. Once we arrived on North Twin we were awarded with majestic views of the Presidentials and of the Pemi Wilderness summits. The hike over to South Twin was nicely packed as well. The snow on the trees was frozen. Clouds were starting to roll in so our time on summit was only minutes. The hike down South Twin to the hut was actually pretty nice. The snow was packed down and really absorbed the snowshoes pretty well — no post holes. Winter sure was still sticking around at 4,902 feet. My guest rocked the whole hike in snowshoes and I applaud him for getting three summits in winter done. Congratulations! —Chase
In addition to the words above, Chase also furnished some photos:
