Tuckerman Ravine Hike and Sled

This would make todays hike a celebration for today heading to Tuckerman Ravine, with Tyler and Jose never having hiked up here before.

At Pinkham Notch, the sights were plentiful as lots of people were coming and going. There were quite a few cars with many guys loaded up with backpacks for an overnight stay at Hermit Lake shelters. It looked to be a busy day on the trails. We began with MicroSpikes right from the beginning. The day was off to a great start as we laughed up Tuckerman Ravine trail.

We carefully went up the icy steps to a ledge across from Crystal Cascade. It was very impressive today with its icy falls. The warmth of the day was being felt as we took off some layers.  

The 7 of us began making our way up the Tuckerman Ravine trail and the footing was good. The ice under the snow was minimal. The snow was not too deep at all and I reminisced about the other times I’ve been up to Tuckerman’s bowl. As we walked the trails, we chatted about life and all that seems a little crazy to us (coming to no conclusions). We talked peaks and trails and family. All of us were enjoying the conditions and the company too. The weather seemed to be warming as we made our way up the trail and we found ourselves taking off even more layers as continued up the trail. We leapfrogged with other groups during breaks.

Once at Ho Jo’s [Hermit Lake Shelter] we took a snack break and marveled with our first good view of Tuckerman’s bowl. We had a group picture taken and began to move up some steep and icy pitches to make our way to Lunch Rocks [base of Tuckerman Ravine]. We saw some skiers and riders go down the Left Chute as we approached. Everyone was having just a spectacular day on the trail. While this section was difficult, we were glad to be reaching the base of Tuckerman Ravine. The blue of the skies brought out the white of the snow and the winds were low compared to my last visit of the bowl. We hung around Lunch Rocks for lunch and hot drinks in our thermos. The view was amazing.

Our original plan was to sled down the Sherburne Ski trail but the reports we read online indicated it would be dangerous so we left them behind. There were a couple pitches on the descent to Hermit Lake shelters where we pretty much sat down and slid down the trail. It was prime Butt Surfing conditions and we got some great speed going down the trail. We laughed and carried on. The walk down always seemed to go by twice as quick in winter because there are no rocks to be concerned about. As we made our way, we passed the time with conversations about our lives and our current hiking goals. I have been thinking for a while now about how I came to be chosen to do this sport (you do not chose this, it choses you), and how I have found myself in such a tight group of gay hikers who are both knowledgeable and experienced on the trails. I count myself as lucky to be in the place where I am at and how many great people I have in my life because of GayOutdoors. Thankfully, the weather is still warm and the sun is still bright (regardless of the storm coming), and spirits are very happy as we find ourselves back at Pinkham Notch. Trail conditions were superb for a hike today.

Five of us went to Red Fox Grille for a late lunch/early dinner in Jackson. They have the best burgers. The place certainly lived up to everyone’s standards.

We were concerned about the forecasted snowstorm for the ride home so we quickly parted ways after eating. Thanks guys for making this such a great trip!

~ Mike Boisvert              

Magical climb to Tuckerman's Snow Arch and then sledding down Shelburne Ski Trail! We will start from Pinkham Notch and hike up the wide tractor path called Tuckerman's Ravine Trail. After two miles we'll reach the Ho Jo's where we'll get our first view of the Tuckerman Ravine Bowl. If the avalanche conditions are safe, we'll climb .75 mile to the headwall and the Snow Arch. We'll have lunch here. We'll descend back to Ho Jo's and sled down the Shelburne Ski Trail. This is going to so much fun! Bring one of those large plastic sleds that you see in one of our pictures and use a bungee cord to attach it to your pack. You have an option to not sled and hike back down; however we will not be waiting for you at the bottom. This is a dog friendly hike. We will hike about 6.5 miles with a 2,300' elevation gain. It should take us 5 hours to complete this trip ~ this estimate is adjusted to allow for slower travel during winter because of heavier packs, includes time for changing clothing to regulate temperature and putting on/taking off snowshoes or microspikes along the way. This trip is considered MODERATE TO STRENUOUS because of the pace, distance, and elevation gain. You should become self-reliant by becoming familiar with the route, terrain, and potential hazards since you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. We could alter our plans because of fatigue, weather, and/or other conditions and there is no guarantee that we will complete the entire event as described here [e.g. we might not reach the summits]. While the objective of this event is to enjoy ourselves ~ your safety and the safety of the group is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of the trip' overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you may put yourself or others at risk ~ consider this before you decide to participate. Hiking safely is about being prepared to respond to an emergency situation or being able to spend a night in the woods if you have to. Bring your own stuff and know how to use it. This trail is always packed so all we'll need is traction, i.e., Micro Spikes. Bring hand warmers for your gloves. Wear winter-insulated boots on your feet, warm socks, dress in layers [no cotton], gloves [mittens are best], warm hat and headlamp/flashlight. Some guys like to have a scarf/neck gaiter to keep their neck warm, gaiters for their boots to keep snow off their boots, ski poles and small thermos for something hot to drink. Don't forget water, lunch and snacks. After The Hike: Everyone is welcome to join us for an early dinner at the Red Fox Grill in Jackson, NH. Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!