Set beneath New Hampshire’s crisp winter sky, the 3. Slab Ice Climbs at Whitehorse offer a compelling invitation to anyone drawn to the simple brilliance of climbing frozen granite. This stretch covers the terrain from the well-loved Sliding Board route all the way to the far right end of the slab – a swath of terrain known for transforming into a spectacular ice playground as winter grips the N Conway Area.

Here, you’ll find yourself stepping onto broad, exposed slabs that catch the early morning light, with crystalline ice forming elegant lines and continuous flows. Unlike other more spectated amphitheaters, the atmosphere is surprisingly intimate. The sounds of distant wind blend with the rhythmic thud of your tools biting into blue, brittle ice. On clear days, the views open wide, rewarding every pitch with a panorama across the White Mountains.

Getting to the climbs is straightforward but delivers its own flavor of adventure. From the nearby hotel, a climber’s path branches off the main trail, winding upwards through snow-drifted forest. The approach is a pleasant warm-up, building anticipation as you crunch through the frost-laced underbrush until the expanse of the broad Whitehorse slab reveals itself. The base is accessible, thoughtfully tracked out by generations of winter climbers, making it easy to find your route.

The selection may be modest, but every pitch on this section rewards with quality and character. Among the standouts, you’ll find "The Line" (WI4) – an ambitious objective rumored to be unclimbed, standing out as a test piece that pushes both skill and nerve. For those seeking a classic outing, the Standard Route Ice Climb (WI3) delivers just what you’d hope for: steady, moderate ice that offers a satisfying mix of technical movement and pure winter fun.

Elevation here sits at roughly 683 feet – not overwhelming, but enough to give you a genuine sense of gaining height over the snowy forest below. The ice often varies along the face, with certain sections demanding a delicate touch and reliable technique, especially as temperatures and precipitation fluctuate throughout the season. Ice conditions can change rapidly, so sharpening your situational awareness (as well as your tools!) is crucial.

Though Whitehorse has built its reputation on classic rock routes throughout the warmer months, the slab comes alive in winter with a quiet energy. These ice routes are best tackled during the heart of the season – January through March delivers the most reliable conditions, with prime climbing commonly reported in February.

Throughout your climb, it’s impossible not to notice the broad view across the valley – an uninterrupted expanse offering perspective that climbs in shaded amphitheaters simply can’t match. This setting adds to the mental challenge: there are few features to hide behind, which means you’re always moving in the open, attuned to changing weather and appreciating every secure placement. When the sun hits the upper slab, the ice glimmers, often softening later in the day, so timing your ascent for colder mornings can deliver the best conditions and the sharpest tool sticks.

Descent is typically a matter of downclimbing or rappelling off established anchors – the terrain is open, and the paths back are obvious for experienced parties. Be mindful that as winds pick up or new snow falls, conditions underfoot can become slick; deliberate movement and cautious step placement remain key from start to finish.

Gear up for secure placements and manage your protection carefully. Bring reliable screws that match early-season ice or consider a range for changing conditions after thaw-freeze cycles. The Standard Route calls for straightforward protection, but as always on slab, a confident approach and efficient movement are your best assets.

For anyone craving the patient dance of balancing across broad sheets of ice, Whitehorse’s 3. Slab Ice Climbs provide a unique, rewarding experience. It’s an area that stands slightly apart from the bustle of more trafficked crags – a place where every swing, kick, and breath connects you even more deeply to the quiet power of New England winter.