Ski Mountaineering on Mt Washington

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 Level One 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’s 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 gully’s. If you ski skills are not quite up to the ravines we also offer a new “Backcountry Ski 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 gear but can also accommodate Tele 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!

If you're planning to ski steep backcountry terrain in the East or West, be sure to take one of avalanche courses.

Be sure to read our Gear List for our winter programs HERE

1 Day Basic Mountaineering Skills

2 Day Basic Mountaineering Skills, with ascent of Mount Washington

3 Day Basic Mountaineering Skills, with overnight and ascent of Mt. Washington

2 Day Advanced Mountaineering Skills, with overnight and technical ascent of Mt. Washington

Intermediate Mountaineering

Northern Presidentials

1 day Ascent of Mt Washington

Mt Washington Observatory Overnight

Presidential Range Traverse

Glacier Skills Crevasse Rescue

Winter Camping Skills

Avalanche Courses

Ski Mountaineering

Click HERE for our Mountaineering Course Price List

We offer scheduled courses, clinics and trips for climbers of all levels of experience and ability. All of the climbing programs we offer may be booked by private arrangement for individuals or groups. Private guiding allows your needs to be addressed in a personalized manner and has proven to be an excellent way for individuals and groups to learn at a pace you direct. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure. Tell us what you want to accomplish during your time with us and chances are good we can arrange it. We want your climb to be a safe and enjoyable experience

Prices are determined by the ratio of climbers to guides. Course cost includes rental of all technical gear required for safe and instructional participation. In the winter we provide boots, crampons, ice axe(s), harness, helmet, ropes, and snow & ice protection.

For overnight trips we also provide all communal gear including tents, stoves, food for main meals, fuel and camping fees. Climbers need to provide backpack, sleeping bag and pad, additional food, fluids, personal items and appropriate clothing

The proper clothing is vital if you are to enjoy the program. Please take the quote "Cotton Kills" seriously. Cotton is NOT suitable for use in the mountains in winter. Please check the gear list we have provided to make sure you are prepared.