Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ambassador David Lamb takes his Southwest Pack ski mountaineering on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, March 9, 2013.
At 6,288 ft, New Hampshire’s Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast US. Its well known for wild weather (for 76 years, until 2010, the weather observatory at the summit held the record for the highest wind gust directly measured at the Earth’s surface, 231 mph). Its also known for late winter /spring backcountry skiing. Great, often untracked, stashes of snow can be found on Mount Washington long after the Northeast ski areas are closed and lesser peaks are down to bare rock and mud.
This past weekend, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ambassador David Lamb strapped his skis to his Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest Pack and went out to make some turns on Mt. Washington. Click here for more information the Southwest Pack.
Attaching skis to Hyperlite Mountain Gear Summit Pack
Winter routes on Mt. Washington vary from mild to extreme. When conditions are right it’s possible to ski practically from the summit to the trail head where you left your car — a run of over 4,000 vertical feet. Not too shabby for the East Coast.
Ready to hit the trail, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Summit Pack with AT skis loaded.
For many of us, the 4,000 ft of vertical is just can be just as satisfying on the way up as it is on the way down. You start among the evergreens that define this area of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. And its a great winter hike as the trees get smaller and smaller until you pop out above the tree line. Then the views are just spectacular. Hyperlite Mountain Gear ultralight packs are a great choice of winter hiking and mountaineering. Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs are made using Cuben Fiber, which is rip stop, ultralight, and inherently waterproof and non-absorbent — just the qualities you’d want if you are climbing up the side of Mt. Washington . . .
Above the tree line on Mount Washington.
Skiing the “headwall” at Tuckerman’s Ravine falls into the more extreme category of routes available on Mt. Washington and is a right of passage for many an East Coast backcountry skier. But in addition to “Tucks” there is also great, and somewhat less intimidating skiing to be found on Mt. Washington in The Gulf of Slides, Oakes Gulf and The Great Gulf.
Looking up at Tuckerman’s Ravine, Mt. Washington
Of course the trip back down is what you’re out there for! Spring on Mt. Washington can give you some great bluebird days and make for excellent snow conditions.
On the way down!
Thanks to David for sharing his adventures with us!
For more information on the ultralight, hellishly strong and virtually waterproof pack David chose for this adventure, check out Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest click here.
For more information on what David does in his “spare” time, check out Untamed New England adventure racing.
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