Adventure Collective
Alpine Ski Mountaineering on Mount Washington, NH - Portland, Maine

Alpine Ski Mountaineering on Mount Washington, NH

Conwayexpert

Difficulty

expert

Duration

6–8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have excellent cardiovascular fitness and stamina due to sustained uphill travel and high-altitude exertion.

Overview

Take on the thrilling challenge of ski mountaineering in New Hampshire's Presidential Range. Learn critical avalanche and ice axe skills while skiing legendary backcountry routes.

Conway, New Hampshire

Alpine Ski Mountaineering

starting at $400 • 8 Hours • Call to Book!

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About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of ski mountaineering on Mount Washington and the Presidential Range with expert guidance. Learn essential skills like avalanche awareness and ice axe use while exploring iconic ravines like Tuckerman and Gulf of Slides. Whether you're an advanced skier or seeking backcountry adventures, this program promises unforgettable winter challenges.

IMCS offers ski mountaineering programs on Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.

Rates

Private Guided Climb: $400 Semi- Private Guided Climb: $500

Duration

8 Hours

About

The steep terrain surrounding Mt. Washington defines the term “ski mountaineering”. Ski mountaineering requires a number of mountaineering skills such as avalanche awareness, crampon and ice axe use and solid steep ski technique. If you are looking to learn about ski mountaineering or to ski Mt. Washington we offer the full compliment of mountaineering skills training.

This training can include, selecting the proper clothing and skis, the use of ice axes, crampons, climbing skins and AIARE avalanche courses (these include beacon, probe and shovel use). These courses will start to enable you to travel both above treeline and into the ravines in winter to push your skiing limits. We ski in a number of the ravines such as the classic Tuckerman Ravine and Gulf of Slides but also in lesser known areas such as Ammonoosuc Ravine, Huntington Ravine, the Great Gulf and King Ravine on Mt. Adams.

You will need to be an advanced skier (able to ski black diamonds at ski areas) to ski from any of the summits or from the top of classic ravine gullies. If your ski skills are not quite up to the ravines we also offer a new Backcountry Skiing Program that seeks out great skiing in lower elevations on old CCC ski trails and lower peaks for all abilities. We mostly guide with alpine touring (AT) gear but can also accommodate telemark gear and split boards. We can help arrange rental touring equipment if we are given enough time prior to the reservation date. Skis, poles and boot rentals will be an additional charge not included in the advertised daily rates if needed.

We will provide ice axes, crampons and mountaineering gear needed for your course included in course cost and also have a clothing rental program available. Give us a call and our knowledgeable staff can explain more about how we can meet your highest ski ambitions!

Adventure Tips

Carry Avalanche Safety Gear

Always have a beacon, probe, and shovel when skiing in Mount Washington’s backcountry terrain.

Check Weather Updates Often

Weather changes rapidly on Mount Washington; monitor forecasts and adjust plans accordingly.

Dress in Moisture-Wicking Layers

Wear breathable and insulating layers to manage sweat and stay warm in fluctuating conditions.

Practice Ice Axe Self-Arrest

Make sure you’re comfortable using your ice axe to arrest a fall on steep snow slopes.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Snowshoe hare
  • American marten

History

Mount Washington is famed for its rapid and extreme weather changes, with one of the world’s highest recorded wind speeds.

Conservation

The area is carefully managed to protect fragile alpine vegetation and reduce human impact on sensitive snowfields.

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Adventure Hotspots in Portland, Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Avalanche Beacon

Essential

Critical for locating buried victims in case of an avalanche.

winter specific

Ice Axe

Essential

Necessary for self-arrest and stability on icy slopes.

winter specific

Ski Mountaineering Skins

Essential

Allow uphill travel by providing traction on snow.

winter specific

Layered Insulated Clothing

Essential

Keeps you warm and dry through variable mountain conditions.

winter specific