Visit the White Mountains of New Hampshire
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So, you heard about the White Mountains of NH! Maybe you heard about winter climbing on Mt. Washington and how it’s THE alpine objective of the east coast; or about the reliable and easily accessible ice climbing. Or maybe you heard about the backcountry skiing and riding in Tuckerman’s Ravine. Here is some need to know information to further your plans for a winter trip to the Whites!
Establishing Basecamp
What town should you plan to stay in? Well, if you are planning to recreate in Crawford Notch, Pinkham Notch, or on Mount Washington, the areas that give you easy access to the the well developed town of North Conway, NH, and the aforementioned terrain are:
- North Conway
- Intervale
- Glen
- Jackson
- Bartlett
The above areas put you within 15-45 minutes of the major trailheads, eateries, and accommodations around the Mount Washington Valley.
Getting Here
You will need a vehicle while you are here and specifically one with 4 wheel drive, all wheel drive, or at least snow tires.
Most folks either drive from home or fly into Portland, ME, Manchester, NH, or Boston, MA, and then get a rental car.
From Portland, ME, to North Conway is approximately a 1.25 hour drive.
From Manchester, NH, to North Conway is approximately a 2 hour drive.
From Boston, MA, to North Conway is approximately a 2.5 hour drive.
Staying here
The White Mountains are visitor-centric and have lodging options from hostels to chain hotels, with everything in between. Being in proximity to multiple ski resorts there are numerous airbnb style accommodation options for condos and houses. The area has a wide range of lodging options, well beyond what we can list here.
CoHo Hostel (Conway)
The Bunkhouse (Glen)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (North Conway)
Cabernet Inn (North Conway)
1785 Inn (North Conway)
Hampton Inn & Suites (North Conway)
Eastern Slope Inn Resort (North Conway)
Residence Inn by Marriott (North Conway)
North Conway airbnb
Intervale airbnb
Bartlett airbnb
Jackson airbnb
Mountaineers looking into Tuckerman’s Ravine as they descend the Winter Lions Head Route on Mount Washington, NH
Winter Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing
Whether it’s your first time climbing or you are an experienced rock climber or alpinist, Mount Washington during the winter has something to challenge you. For a number of East Coasters, Mount Washington is their first experience on a mountain and their right of passage to becoming a climber. If you haven't climbed during the winter or at all, most guide services offer a two day introductory course that focuses on gear and skills on day one, and then a summit attempt on day two.
For more experienced climbers, Mount Washington is home to a variety of alpine routes from moderate snow climbing to WI3 ice and M4 technical routes. Some of the classics include: Pinnacle Gully, Cloud Walker, and Right Gully.
Ice Climbing
There are only a handful of ice climbing hubs in the US and North Conway, NH, is one of them. And rightfully so - there is an abundance of ice climbing between North Conway, Crawford Notch, Mount Washington, and neighboring areas that are only 1-2 hours away.
With terrain in town, in the notches, and at elevation, you can seek out optimal conditions for a given day. Which is huge if you are planning a trip well in advance of a weather forecast. If it’s warm, you climb at elevation. If it’s cold, you stay low. If it’s raining, it may not be raining at elevation.
If you are new to ice climbing, the North Conway area provides a great location to develop your skills. Day one can be spent in town at the North End of Cathedral Ledge, The Trestles at Frankenstein Cliffs, or Lost in The Forest at Frankenstein. These single pitch ice crags contain 30-60’ WI2 to WI3 routes that are ideal for your first time on an ice route. The North End at Cathedral Ledge is often preferred by local guides due to its short approach of less than 10 minutes.
On day two, maybe you check out some taller single pitch routes such as in the Amphitheater at Frankenstein Cliffs or bag your first multi-pitch ice route and mountain on by climbing 2-4 pitches up Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch.
Ice Climbing at the North End of Cathedral Ledge
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding
Glades, steeps, ski trails, and ski mountaineering. We have it all. The Mount Washington Valley is home to the only avalanche forecasting center on the east coast. Part of which is due to the popularity of the terrain on and around Mount Washington.
There is intermediate to expert level terrain to explore! Being comfortable skiing or riding more challenging Blue Square terrain including treed runs and less challenging Black Diamond terrain at a ski area is a general prerequisite for doing an introductory ski tour such as the Tuckerman’s Ravine Trail to the Sherburne Ski Trail or the Cog Railroad. Comfort on Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond Terrain at the ski area will prepare you for descending advanced tours and ski mountaineering objectives within Tuckerman’s Ravine and the Gulf of Slides.
Want to start getting into touring? Hiring a guide for a day is a great way to quickly learn the basics and meet the prerequisites for an AIARE 1 Avalanche course.
Rest Day Activities
Shop until you drop! NH doesn’t have sales tax, and for this reason, North Conway is home to a number of outlet stores.
Train! The Cog Railroad on the West face of Mount Washington was the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway and is still in operation today. The Cog operates year round and is a great way to experience Mount Washington with the need for crampons, skis, or an ice axe. The Conway Scenic Railroad is another railroad adventure option, and departs from North Conway.
Ski at a resort! While certainly not entirely restful, skiing at a resort gives you a break from climbing and backcountry skiing. There are numerous downhill ski areas around and a few cross country nordic centers. Wildcat | Attitash | King Pine | Cranmore
Equipment Recommendations
Below are a few items that we feel are specific to the area and essential on a number of days and adventures in the Whites.
Down or Synthetic over-it-all jacket/Parka - yes they can be expensive but you really need this for the Whites.
Micro-spikes - Walking crampons will keep you from slipping in the parking lot, open up a lot of hiking terrain, and keep you out of full crampons on compacted trails - saving you energy and your pant legs for tears. We have found Kahtoola Micro-spikes to withstand the riggers of the White Mountains!
Ski Crampons - We aren’t skiing blower pow every day up here and being a maritime climate we get plenty of wind that strips away snow above treeline. Ski crampons will allow you to skin terrain that you would otherwise have to boot up with crampons. They are available for both touring ski and splitboard bindings. However, they are binding specific, so ordering them ahead of time is a good idea.
Trekking Pole - A collapsible trekking pole or two can help you greatly on a hike or approach. On the Winter Lions Head Route on Mt. Washington you will actually use the pole more than an axe. Our preferred style of trekking pole is one that collapses like a tent pole as opposed to the telescoping ones, for example, the Black Diamond Compactor Ski Pole. The tent pole style folds up smaller for fitting on the inside of your pack.
Satellite Communicator - Spending an unplanned night out in the White Mountains during the winter is generally unsurvivable. Having a means to summon help is essential. While there is a fair amount of cell service in some areas, other spots are dead zones. A satellite communicator like the Garmin InReach Mini2 is a great way to stay connected.
Down Jacket, Kahtoola MicroSpikes, Garmin InReach Mini 2, Black Diamond Compactor Ski Pole, Dynafit Ski Crampons