GTNS/NS MEETUP AT TUCKERMAN RAVINE!

[NH_OPERATOR]

Well, those of you who follow the GTNS know I have one mountain left to do in the tour. Tuckerman Ravine. I will be hiking up this Saturday (5/3) with some family and friends, and would love for any fellow NSrs to join us.

The weather for Sat is calling for roughly 40 degree weather at the headwall itself, and a chance of very light showers in the afternoon. Base temps are looking to be in the low 50s, so as long as those showers hold off it should be a fairly nice day. The hike takes 2.5-3 hours, and when loaded with your skis on your back can be a little miserable, but it is totally worth it. Please note, this is for people who consider themselves experts, if you can shred the park but have issues with double black diamonds, skiing the headwall is probably not for you. I dont want to see anyone get hurt.

My plan is to be there between 7 and 7:30, and hiking by 7:45 at the latest. If you show up late, look for me up there in my blue and grey Saga OG logo jacket. I am going to try to get 2-3 runs in at the bowl before heading down.

Also I have some NS stickers I can hand out as well! Hope to see you there! Let me know if you plan on showing!

 

[SofaKingSick]

wish you were thinking sunday but i might be down for this...threads

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

When I was planning this initially Sunday was looking much worse, it is still looking a bit colder, and much more windy however. Planning for Tux is brutal, because for a weekend trip you pretty much have to commit by Wednesday so people have time to make plans.

 

[Substitute]

Went up 2 weeks ago. Sherbie was sketch then and must be worse now. Have fun though!

 

[elinde]

Was gone head up that weekend, but weather isn't looking suuuuuper hot and may day at big boulder is going down on saturday, which is much closer to me. Hopefully I'll get another chance.

 

[CheddarJack]

Washington is getting a foot of snow tonight... If only I didn't have any god damn finals next week

 

[Turkelton]

Washington is getting a foot of snow tonight... If only I didn't have any god damn finals next week

then have fun hiking up guys! but a foot of fresh would be so cash on that face

 

[RubberSoul]

then have fun hiking up guys! but a foot of fresh would be so cash on that face

what do people usually hike up in, hiking boots or something? they don't wear their ski boots on the way up do they

 

[Turkelton]

what do people usually hike up in, hiking boots or something? they don't wear their ski boots on the way up do they

I meant it would be harder to hike up

 

[RubberSoul]

I meant it would be harder to hike up

no i know, i meant like.. do people generally hike up in whatever boots they have and then switch to their ski boots once theyre up to the lunch rocks or whatever?

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

I hike up in my hiking boots with my ski boots slung around my skis. Hiking in ski boots would be borderline impossible lol.

 

[.nasty]

no i know, i meant like.. do people generally hike up in whatever boots they have and then switch to their ski boots once theyre up to the lunch rocks or whatever?

I think this thread needs some backcountry 101. sheesh

 

[heitsy]

no i know, i meant like.. do people generally hike up in whatever boots they have and then switch to their ski boots once theyre up to the lunch rocks or whatever?

Thought I'd jump in to clear things up slightly. There's a 3.1 mile hike from the parking lot at Pinkham Notch to the base of Tuckerman Ravine. When the trail is covered with snow as it was two weeks ago, it's possible to skin (if you have AT gear) or snowshoe to get up there. A lot of that trail has probably melted by now making it more advisable to just hike in with hiking boots.

Carry your skis on your backpack (you're going to want a pack that has an A-Frame or diagonal carry option, your preference). Click your ski boots into your bindings and carry those on your back as well until you get to the bowl. Hiking that distance in ski boots would be a serious bummer. When you're at the base of the ravine, put your ski boots on and climb up. They help you kick into the snow on your way up and get a better foothold than you would be able to otherwise.

Hope this helps.

 

[steeze_louise]

I did it last friday hillmans highway was really good

 

[Nacho+]

I'll be there! I was trying to find an excuse to go up this weekend. Thank god for the NH operator. See there

 

[Emma_Watson]

SKI IT SOON! Sherburne trail (the trial to the parking lot) is melting quickly!

 

[Mister.F]

Planning on going Saturday too, so stoked!

This is a good website for general info...
http://timefortuckerman.com/routes.html

 

[Substitute]

then have fun hiking up guys! but a foot of fresh would be so cash on that face

Yeah but avalanches suck.

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

Thank god for me eh? Thats not a phrase I have ever heard said before. Dont I feel special now? =P.

FYI me and my party will be hiking down, as I have several people who are with me just coming up for the show. I also have heard the top of the trail down is an open waterfall, so a top to bottom run to the trailhead cannot be done.

Also there is a chance of showers in the afternoon, so bring a poncho.

 

[RubberSoul]

I think this thread needs some backcountry 101. sheesh

oh look, it's vague condescending bullshit guy. thanks for showing up man, i was hoping someone would come through and supply a short sentence that acted superior but didn't offer any bit of actual information or relevance

i don't know how familiar you are with tucks/mt washington but hitting it up now doesn't exactly fall under typical "backcountry 101"...

it's may, and as someone else mentioned in this thread, it's not certain the trail will even have snow on the whole thing. i was on the opposite face of mt washington from tucks a week ago and there's hardly a spot of snow in sight, like period

go troll on the comment section on unofficial, wannabe

 

[RubberSoul]

Thought I'd jump in to clear things up slightly. There's a 3.1 mile hike from the parking lot at Pinkham Notch to the base of Tuckerman Ravine. When the trail is covered with snow as it was two weeks ago, it's possible to skin (if you have AT gear) or snowshoe to get up there. A lot of that trail has probably melted by now making it more advisable to just hike in with hiking boots.

Carry your skis on your backpack (you're going to want a pack that has an A-Frame or diagonal carry option, your preference). Click your ski boots into your bindings and carry those on your back as well until you get to the bowl. Hiking that distance in ski boots would be a serious bummer. When you're at the base of the ravine, put your ski boots on and climb up. They help you kick into the snow on your way up and get a better foothold than you would be able to otherwise.

Hope this helps.

thanks dog, that's what i thought but wasn't sure. my friend is borrowing my skiing backpack though, would it be absurd to just shoulder the skis for the hike? i def don't have the money to grab another pack just for one trip

i probably won't be able to make it this weekend but im trying to get up there asap

 

[cwillygood]

oh look, it's vague condescending bullshit guy. thanks for showing up man, i was hoping someone would come through and supply a short sentence that acted superior but didn't offer any bit of actual information or relevance

i don't know how familiar you are with tucks/mt washington but hitting it up now doesn't exactly fall under typical "backcountry 101"...

it's may, and as someone else mentioned in this thread, it's not certain the trail will even have snow on the whole thing. i was on the opposite face of mt washington from tucks a week ago and there's hardly a spot of snow in sight, like period

go troll on the comment section on unofficial, wannabe

Tuckerman Ravine and other parts of Mt. Washington is still 100% Backcountry right now and always is. You never know what can happen up there. That kind of mindset is not one that should be taken up to Washington.
http://timefortuckerman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16023 just an example 4.27

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

thanks dog, that's what i thought but wasn't sure. my friend is borrowing my skiing backpack though, would it be absurd to just shoulder the skis for the hike? i def don't have the money to grab another pack just for one trip

i probably won't be able to make it this weekend but im trying to get up there asap

I suppose you could shoulder them, just be aware youll be shouldering them for over 3 miles up like 3k feet of elevation, it sure a shit is not going to be comfortable.

 

[RubberSoul]

Tuckerman Ravine and other parts of Mt. Washington is still 100% Backcountry right now and always is. You never know what can happen up there. That kind of mindset is not one that should be taken up to Washington.
http://timefortuckerman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16023 just an example 4.27

read the context of what i was saying. no one said anything about not being responsible and safe in the BC and we were not talking about avy danger etc.

i was clearly replying to his implication that since it is BC, it is obvious what footwear would be used on the lower part of the trail (and id love to hear what answer he thought was so obvious, but of course he's not going to admit that now)

...when in reality it's dependant, tucks is a weird mix of spring skiing plus super unpredictable BC and i know that

im glad you guys are against naivete in the BC but you two are overeager to talk down without considering the context of what youre talking about

sorry to muck up your thread OP but i have to respond to this garden variety condescension cause it's so fuckin tired

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

read the context of what i was saying. no one said anything about not being responsible and safe in the BC and we were not talking about avy danger etc.

i was clearly replying to his implication that since it is BC, it is obvious what footwear would be used on the lower part of the trail (and id love to hear what answer he thought was so obvious, but of course he's not going to admit that now)

...when in reality it's dependant, tucks is a weird mix of spring skiing plus super unpredictable BC and i know that

im glad you guys are against naivete in the BC but you two are overeager to talk down without considering the context of what youre talking about

sorry to muck up your thread OP but i have to respond to this garden variety condescension cause it's so fuckin tired

Simmah down now yall, this is supposto be a nice community meetup thread =P.

As you said, Tux is one of the more unique back country settings from my understanding. On a single day you could need hiking boots, crampons, and snowshoe/teleskis just to get up. Ill be bringing hiking boots and light crampons, and praying I dont need snowshoes, as I dont have any. I dont think we will need snowshoes, as it is a fairly well tread path, but the point is it is unpredictable. Ill be the first to admit, my back country skills are very weak, as Tux is really the only back country I have ever done. As far as avalanche awareness, I basically go where the crowd is skiing. Id love to drop one of the smaller cliffs up there, but if no one is doing it I am not going to risk dropping off a 6 foot drop through the snow and into a water runnoff that is concealed below it.

 

[snomaster]

My dad went last sunday and skied to the car. Said the little headwall was sketchy though and it's recommended you hike down and around that part... unless you just do Hillmans and avoid that all together.

This time of year plan on hiking in regular hiking boots that can get wet from snow. The trail will be shitty packed snow. It's not out of the question to hike in your ski boots esp if they have a walk mode, but not recommended. You might see someone try to skin up just because they have skins and want to use them, but it's not practical at all and you'll pass them in your shoes.

And you don't need a ski specific pack to fit skis to your pack. I've seen some ghetto-ass setups for the hike up. get creative with straps and make it work.

Be aware of your surrounding especially hiking up the bowl. Know what is above you and could fall down. I've seen fools with ice axes cartwheel towards a line of people on the bootpack. Be on the alert for warming conditions knowing that wet slide avalanche danger is increasing. Pay attention to what aspect you plan on hiking/skiing considering what type of snow conditions to expect. Left Gully faces North, the headwall is pretty much due East and the Right Gully faces South. The east facing shit will warm up first, then the south.

Keep your heads up and rip that shit. I wanna see footy of someone boosting the headwall!!

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

My dad went last sunday and skied to the car. Said the little headwall was sketchy though and it's recommended you hike down and around that part... unless you just do Hillmans and avoid that all together.

This time of year plan on hiking in regular hiking boots that can get wet from snow. The trail will be shitty packed snow. It's not out of the question to hike in your ski boots esp if they have a walk mode, but not recommended. You might see someone try to skin up just because they have skins and want to use them, but it's not practical at all and you'll pass them in your shoes.

And you don't need a ski specific pack to fit skis to your pack. I've seen some ghetto-ass setups for the hike up. get creative with straps and make it work.

Be aware of your surrounding especially hiking up the bowl. Know what is above you and could fall down. I've seen fools with ice axes cartwheel towards a line of people on the bootpack. Be on the alert for warming conditions knowing that wet slide avalanche danger is increasing. Pay attention to what aspect you plan on hiking/skiing considering what type of snow conditions to expect. Left Gully faces North, the headwall is pretty much due East and the Right Gully faces South. The east facing shit will warm up first, then the south.

Keep your heads up and rip that shit. I wanna see footy of someone boosting the headwall!!

Oh good a first hand report! This stuff is super useful! Thanks.

 

[Nacho+]

I wanna see footy of someone boosting the headwall!!

Then I guess I will have to supply

 

[SofaKingSick]

My dad went last sunday and skied to the car. Said the little headwall was sketchy though and it's recommended you hike down and around that part... unless you just do Hillmans and avoid that all together.

This time of year plan on hiking in regular hiking boots that can get wet from snow. The trail will be shitty packed snow. It's not out of the question to hike in your ski boots esp if they have a walk mode, but not recommended. You might see someone try to skin up just because they have skins and want to use them, but it's not practical at all and you'll pass them in your shoes.

And you don't need a ski specific pack to fit skis to your pack. I've seen some ghetto-ass setups for the hike up. get creative with straps and make it work.

Be aware of your surrounding especially hiking up the bowl. Know what is above you and could fall down. I've seen fools with ice axes cartwheel towards a line of people on the bootpack. Be on the alert for warming conditions knowing that wet slide avalanche danger is increasing. Pay attention to what aspect you plan on hiking/skiing considering what type of snow conditions to expect. Left Gully faces North, the headwall is pretty much due East and the Right Gully faces South. The east facing shit will warm up first, then the south.

Keep your heads up and rip that shit. I wanna see footy of someone boosting the headwall!!

great post, thanks man. i was also wondering if i can half ass it in some timberlands and a regular old backpack

reading this is getting me hyped, i think im gonna try to cancel my plans on friday and get up for this on saturday

ill send something if it's g2g for sure

 

[~Gotama~]

I've been planning a trip with 3 friends to drive there Saturday and ski Sunday, but the weather isn't looking too good this weekend. according to NOAA, Saturday says 40% rain/snow with a high of 37, and Sunday says 80% rain/snow with a high of 38, very windy. I'm going to keep an eye on it until tomorrow afternoon to see if anything changes, but I wouldn't count on it so we're probably going to try to postpone until next weekend or the week after.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.2702759660005&lon=-71.30332832999966&site=all&smap=1#.U2J5F_ldVn8

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

great post, thanks man. i was also wondering if i can half ass it in some timberlands and a regular old backpack

reading this is getting me hyped, i think im gonna try to cancel my plans on friday and get up for this on saturday

ill send something if it's g2g for sure

The boots should be fine, just pack extra socks incase you get soaked through.

I've been planning a trip with 3 friends to drive there Saturday and ski Sunday, but the weather isn't looking too good this weekend. according to NOAA, Saturday says 40% rain/snow with a high of 37, and Sunday says 80% rain/snow with a high of 38, very windy. I'm going to keep an eye on it until tomorrow afternoon to see if anything changes, but I wouldn't count on it so we're probably going to try to postpone until next weekend or the week after.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.2702759660005&lon=-71.30332832999966&site=all&smap=1#.U2J5F_ldVn8

You have to keep in mind that weather forecasts for mountains can be drastically different than the surrounding area. The best source I have found is this here.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Tuckerman-Ravine/forecasts/1350

It gives the forcast at the base of the trail and the top of the headwall if you select the different elevations. A chance of PM showers is ok, I would rather do it in a possible light shower than a 40 mph gale and sunny skys.

 

[~Gotama~]

Yeah I realize that the weather could be different, but since I have to drive 6 hours there and back I think I'll play it safe and wait for better conditions. I'd hate to drive all the way there and find that its raining ice and blowing people off the mountain.

 

[Lou.]

I'll be up there. Look for me in khaki colored snow pants, and a saga vest. Seeya up there

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

Alright, looks like we are up to 4 people so far, baller.

 

[IBAM]

Really would be cool to go with you guys, but I think I'm set on next weekend for my hike :L

 

[gotti]

The boots should be fine, just pack extra socks incase you get soaked through.

You have to keep in mind that weather forecasts for mountains can be drastically different than the surrounding area. The best source I have found is this here.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Tuckerman-Ravine/forecasts/1350

It gives the forcast at the base of the trail and the top of the headwall if you select the different elevations. A chance of PM showers is ok, I would rather do it in a possible light shower than a 40 mph gale and sunny skys.

idk if you have ever been on mount washington, but when it gets foggy out there you can't see shit 20 feet in front of you. I would wayyy rather there be wind than fog, at least then I can see my surroundings and where i am headed. My advice from hiking washington is to do it on the sunniest day possible with the warmest temps possible. Ill probably head up in june and just hike the way down because slush is just more forgiving than crust

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

idk if you have ever been on mount washington, but when it gets foggy out there you can't see shit 20 feet in front of you. I would wayyy rather there be wind than fog, at least then I can see my surroundings and where i am headed. My advice from hiking washington is to do it on the sunniest day possible with the warmest temps possible. Ill probably head up in june and just hike the way down because slush is just more forgiving than crust

No I havent been on Washington specifically during a foggy day, but I do know what a foggy day on a snowy mountain is like, and it can be rough. a 10-15 mph breeze should keep the fog away. Id rather deal with some fog than gale force winds. Personal preference though, the trail is pretty well marked so chances of getting lost are extremely slim. Also none of the forcasts are calling for fog sat.

 

[SofaKingSick]

Oookay, turns out I don't have the money to be driving 300 miles round trip this weekend, this is going to have to wait for me unfortunately, and i have plans next weekend so:

will this be doable two weekends from now? any input is much appreciated, thanks

 

[Substitute]

Thank god for me eh? Thats not a phrase I have ever heard said before. Dont I feel special now? =P.

FYI me and my party will be hiking down, as I have several people who are with me just coming up for the show. I also have heard the top of the trail down is an open waterfall, so a top to bottom run to the trailhead cannot be done.

Also there is a chance of showers in the afternoon, so bring a poncho.

It would appear that you need some learing on this place.

The water fall is technically on the sherbie. However it is more commonly refered to as the little headwall. Its where the cutler river drains out of the bowl and down the mountain. This has no effect on skiing down.

Bring a rain coat not a poncho. A jacket will he much beeter for up there.

 

[cc-crew]

if you guys want first hand go to the avalanche center part of mt wash website and look at webcams and report

 

[cc-crew]

if you guys want first hand go to the avalanche center part of mt wash website and look at webcams and report

 

[Substitute]

Oookay, turns out I don't have the money to be driving 300 miles round trip this weekend, this is going to have to wait for me unfortunately, and i have plans next weekend so:

will this be doable two weekends from now? any input is much appreciated, thanks

You'll be fine.

 

[SofaKingSick]

You'll be fine.

awesome, thanks dude

 

[Charlie_Kelly]

Hopefully going the end of this week.

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

Hey all, just a quick update from the trip. Its still great up there, with plenty of snow. So much so that I would say that you absolutely NEED a pair of pretty beefy crampons, especially for the trail from the headwall to hojos.

As far as the meetup went, well lets just say we neglected to realize that there is like zero cell service up there. I never saw anyone =(. There was one kid who had heard of NS, but was not a member. It was still a great time. Keep an eye out for the GTNS post, I am plannin on it being up by Wed at the latest.

 

[N.L.]

was it good, can we get some pics? trying to go this weekend!

 

[cwillygood]

Hey all, just a quick update from the trip. Its still great up there, with plenty of snow. So much so that I would say that you absolutely NEED a pair of pretty beefy crampons, especially for the trail from the headwall to hojos.

As far as the meetup went, well lets just say we neglected to realize that there is like zero cell service up there. I never saw anyone =(. There was one kid who had heard of NS, but was not a member. It was still a great time. Keep an eye out for the GTNS post, I am plannin on it being up by Wed at the latest.

definitely doable without crampons. Did it mid april without them. I want to head back up one more time

 

[Nacho+]

I hate lacrosse. It takes up so much skiing time. Quitting next year so I can do it then

 

[louie.mirags]

Looking forward to the article and pics! Thanks for all the great reads!

 

[VT_scratch]

I'm headed up this saturday with my dad (61 years old!!!) and my good buddy. stoked to shred and make a lil video out of it!

will post back a trip log

 

[.squirrely.]

saw that the higher summits got a bit of snow over the weekend, was it all rain in the bowl or did they get some snow? classic may weather