Tuckerman's Ravine (Mount Washington, NH)

After an amazing season, it was time for one last time to slide down the hill. This time though, we’d need to earn the line.

We set off early Friday morning from Boston, destination, Pinkham Notch. A quick stop in Concord and MC and I met up with our partner for the day, Cassie. We stopped at Shaw’s for some supplies and I think I officially was at a supermarket the earliest I’ve ever been. But that brings absolutely nothing to this story so we’ll stop talking about it.

Two hours later and we were puling into the Pinkham Notch visitor center. Cars were pulling in at a pretty constant clip and people were gearing up for the 2 ½ hour hike to Hermit Lake and a rest stop at HoJo’s. It was colder than we’d imagined it would be and the three of us suited up with an extra layer to fight the cold. (Rookie Mistake #1) I was planning on doing the lower hike in shorts so I decided to pull up the ski socks I’d brought up to the knees and go for the German tourist look. The wilderness girls of NH looked like pros.

A quick stop at the visitor center to grab a map and check out the weather forecast and we were off. The slope started off easy enough but it quickly increased and before long, the dirt trail we were on turned into a winter wonderland. We took turns passing and then being passed by a few small groups who started the hike at the same time. After 15 minutes or so, we realized we were seriously overdressed and took a break to shed some layers. After a quick photo op, we pressed on.

The 1800 ft of elevation gain passed quickly and before we knew it, we were turning the corner for HoJo’s. After a 30 minute break to rest up and suit up for the next part of the hike, an additional 1400ft of elevation gain. It was cold and snowing at HoJo’s so we put on an additional layer before starting the hike. (Rookie Mistake #2)

After a short flat section the elevation gain came quickly. I took a moment to move my board from horizontal to vertical as the brush we had to walk through wouldn’t allow me through otherwise. If you are ever looking into getting a pack for hiking, my Dakine Heli Pro DLX paid for itself today. Before we knew it we were hiking a 40 to 45 degree slope, popping our feet into the stairs made be hikers before us. I’ve always heard skiers comment on how lucky us snowboarders are for our comfortable boots but today, I’d have enjoyed the nice square toe to kick into that hill. Over and over again, my boot lost grip, sending me onto my hands and knees. But the three of us pressed on. Another product endorsement here, I purchased the Black Diamond Expedition poles for the trip and they were a life saver. The adjustability made it easy for upright hiking and they collapsed down to a length that made the steeps manageable. Special props go out to the father and daughter who did the hike. If I can do that hike at his age, I’ll be extremely surprised.

The slope just kept going and going but soon the peak was in sight. We passed by a guy and his 13 year old son who told us that ‘we would know’ when we reached the top as we’d no longer be protected from the wind. We thanked him and moved on. (Rookie Mistake #3)

We got to the top and immediately knew what he was talking about. The wind hit you like, well, a hurricane. We had originally planned to celebrate with a nice drink at the top and take a few minutes to take in the sense of accomplishment but the freezing cold made us want to get off that peak as soon as possible. We finally got to take off our skis and boards and use them for what they were meant for.

What followed as an absolute blast! The steep slop that had just left us dripping in sweat now allowed us to take in possibly the steepest descent of the season. MC quickly realized that it might not have been the smartest idea to have me tune her skis before we did Tucks. Nothing like going down a 45 degree slop on a fresh wax job. I’m not entirely certain how long it too us to get down Hillman’s Highway but no matter what, it was entirely worth the 4 hours it took us to get from Pinkham’s Notch to the top.

Before we knew it, we were back at the HoJo’s and hopping on the Sherburne Trail to make our way back to the car. The trail took us about 2/3 of the way down before we switched back over to hiking mode. We shared the trail with a pair of telemarkers and took a quick photo op at a waterfall along the way. A beautiful view to end our day.

Finally back at the car, we stripped off the sweat soaked clothes we’d been wearing and started the long drive back to Boston. This was all of our first time doing Tuck's and we all said that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of our skiing careers. It is definitely something that will now have a constant spot in our ski season schedule.

A warning you don't want to mess with.

Another warning you don't want to mess with, huge black ice chunks!

Now just if we can fit it in one more time before the snow says goodbye for the summer. Rumor has it, there is a foot coming tonight!