The next few weeks are prime time for roped glacier travel and crevasse rescue training. The sun is higher in the sky for that glacier frying pan feel, and large, safe practice “glaciers” are available for training purposes. We just created this course this winter and we’ve been pleasantly surprised on how popular it has been and how much fun it is — both for us […]
Being involved with mountain search and rescue, we have noted some common ground of many misadventures in the White Mountain National Forest. Based purely on our own observations, it seems that those who get lost, become hypothermic, even those who perish, often found themselves in their predicament and unable to help themselves as a result of either being separated from their group or by simply going […]
CONCORD, NH — Good news, maybe, depending on your point-of-view. From here on out inadequate search and rescue budgets be damned, negative environmental impacts a thing of the past, and those oh-so-hated summit crowds now nevermore. Why? A new federally-issued “New Hampshire Backcountry Permit” — slated to go into effect as early as the spring of 2018 — looks to end these and other user-related problems […]
We’re pleased to announce the newest member of the Redline Guiding Team: Ryan Welts. If that name sounds familiar, you must be into White Mountain legends because Ryan is pretty well known in some circles for his amazing feats and, further, for the source of inspiration that he is. Ryan — once his certifications are complete — will be adding a new angle to our hiking […]
The First President (and first 4000-footer) for returning guests Rene and Corina, that is. They had trained with us at an earlier date and decided they wanted to put some of those new skills to use. They requested Mt Jefferson, specifically, and in consideration of their ability, fitness, and amazing weather, we were eager to deliver the goods. We put Redline Guide Ken Hodges on this […]
Brian came back to us quickly — he told us he would. His last attempt of Mt Washington was thwarted by dangerous high water crossings, some open, others bridged by deteriorating snow. This time the ground conditions where much firmer, and the water levels more normal, so the mission was a success. The leader of this mission, both times, was Redline Guide Álvaro Marques. Here’s what […]
Most of the rescues in the White Mountain National Forest are done by the victims and the party they are with — self rescues. Others are aided by passersby. More still, never need “rescue” because they just manage to avoid it. They have a close call or scary encounter, a near miss, and that’s it. They live, learn, and move on. Meet Shalla. Shalla is a […]
It’s not spring yet, and surely we’ll have more winter weather before spring becomes our official season… right?! Moreover, we love winter here at Redline Guiding and dislike having to even talk about spring yet. That said, looking outside, feeling the temperatures, seeing the damage rains have done, and listening to the drip-drip-drip of meltwater, forces us to consider it. And with this consideration, here is […]
What does a person do when they can jump four feet but the crossing is five feet across? In the case of today’s attempt on Mt Washington, Redline Guide Álvaro Marques decided turning around was the best choice, so that’s what he and our guest, Brian, did. Apparently, they weren’t the only ones foiled today by the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, even though, considering the wind forecast, […]
We’re proud to announce that Redline Guides Ken Hodges and Liz Wyman have just earned their AIARE Level One and AMC Avalanche Awareness certifications, respectively. This is all part of their progression here at Redline Guiding, and professionally as guides, and it’s all done in an effort to keep themselves and everyone they lead into the backcountry safe. Minimizing risk is their first responsibility as outdoor […]
Redline Guides Carl and Mike had a mission: ascend Mt Adams with guests William and Caitlin as far as Gray Knob — a treeline-situated cabin owned and operated by the Randolph Mountain Club. Once there they would partake in some varied training. (Due to the prior experiences of the guests, Mike felt some basic awareness level avalanche training would be fun and interesting.) The following day […]
There is a time and a place for both an ice axe and trekking poles in the White Mountain National Forest. That said, if ever there were a default tool to rely on, surely trekking poles would earn that distinction. The ice axe’s role in the Northeast, in general, is pretty limited. In fact, with very few exceptions, a hiker wouldn’t even consider carrying an ice […]
