They wanted a Mt Washington hike. At this time of year we’d suggest one of the west side trails like the Ammo and/or Jewell. This guest, however, had reservations at Joe Dodge Lodge so going up the east side made the most sense. That’s said, hiking options are somewhat limited at this time of year. Enter Boott Spur for the win. Leading this party was Redline […]
A gorgeous day in the mountains was to be had by our oft-returning Grid-Getting-Guest as he sought to put himself that much closer to his end-goal of hiking all of the 4000-footers in every month of the year (the “Grid” of 576 summits). On the mountain menu for this trip was the Wildcat Range from Pole Cat to D to A, then out via 19 Mile […]
We are always looking for ways to improve our service and enhance the experience of our guests. Because of this, and our ability to recognize a good thing, we have partnered with a new North Conway start-up called the White Mountain Sauna Haus. As the name implies they offer two sauna rooms and a few ice tubs for cold soaking. In our eyes we see this […]
This was one of those last minute requests. An Ohio family are up to ski the backcountry but wanted to take our basic Mountaineering Skills course so as to better know how to use crampons, an ice axe, and to get a handle on the basics of self arrest. As we do at this time of the year, we went to visit our friends at Black […]
The weather, especially Mt Washington’s Weather, can and does factor into our decision making process. The recent weather, the current observations, and the forecast including the weather trend. It all has the ability to shape our days. Sometimes we really have to shake things up in an effort to get it done and let it be fun. That’s what happened concerning a Two-Day Mt Washington Winter […]
It’s that time of the year again. Time for some backcountry skiing. The front-country reluctantly throws in the towel on skiing while skiers and riders alike head for the hills. In this case, our friends from Canada came down here hoping for a guided experience in the famed Tuckerman Ravine — central to the Northeast backcountry experience. We were happy to fulfill their adventure request. Leading […]
We love that we are able to extended the season down here in the Mt Washington Valley as it concerns Mountaineering Skills training. This is perfect for those who want to do this in the spring — perhaps preparing for some big climbs elsewhere in the world or maybe just hoping to avoid the cold of winter. While we still have good, climbable snow on Mt […]
This adventure began many moons ago but had failed time and time again to actually happen. Diverse schedules, drive times, cold weather, wind, precipitation, and other factors kept getting in the way. We had five people signed up but then someone would drop or decide that the weather wasn’t right sending us back to the start. Undeterred, eager to make it so for everyone, we tried […]
Several guests have come to us over the years looking for some help getting them up to speed on certain topics related to thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). In particular are our River Crossing Skills and Basic Mountaineering courses. This day was no different as we taught both half day courses back-to-back (charging as a full day versus two half days). Leading both classes was […]
Seems like it was just a day ago when our Grid Getting Guest finished up Whiteface and Passaconaway and here he is again… completing the Kinsmans. The light is shining at the end of his tunnel. Leading this hike, a staple in his arsenal, is Redline Guide Chase Hall. North and South Kinsmans are gridded out for our Guest. His 21st Gridded Summit. He now has […]
Our oft-returning Grid Getting Guest collected Whiteface and Passaconaway as he works his way toward the 576 peaks (48 peaks times 12 months). For more details, here’s a short summary from our guest. Leading this, as usual, was Redline Guide Chase Hall. Passaconaway and Whiteface have been gridded out, my 18th and 19th peaks completed. Also, peaks 508 and 509/576. I should hit 90% complete by […]
With ever-increasing numbers of backcountry skiers and riders year to year, the limits of effectiveness of national, state, and local AIARE and AAI, avalanche awareness campaigns are being reached. “It’s time for a more proactive approach,” said Ivanna Skeemore, a US Forest Service (USFS) spokesperson. “In other words,” she continued, “if these enthusiasts won’t take responsibility for themselves — and they don’t seem to be — […]
