Mt Washington Winter Ascent - Backpacking in Huntington Ravine
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- Join me for a winter ascent of Mt Washington, followed by some snowy hammock camping. GPS data at www.sintax77.com .
For this trip, I'll be heading up to the White Mountains for one more winter backpacking trip before the season ends. This will
also be my first attempt to climb Mt Washington in winter. Okay, climb may be a bit overzealous of a term, but it will be pretty
aggressive compared to my other winter hikes. Which brings up an important topic - additional gear needed. I'll get to that a
little later, but first lets take a look at where exactly I started off from and the general route I took. Full GPS track data
for this trip can be downloaded on my website here: www.sintax77.co...
For an easier to read, full trip report with maps and pictures and more details, check out my blog post here: www.sintax77.co...
backpacking-in-huntington-ravine
Parking Location: Pinkham Notch Visitor Center near Jackson, New Hampshire in the White Mountains.
List of Trails Used, in Order:
Start at Tuckerman Ravine Trailhead (located right behind visitor center)
Follow the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
Stop at the Fire Road Junction. Do not continue up Tuckerman Ravine! You should see a sign stating that it is closed in winter due to avalanche danger.
Take Huntington Ravine Fire Road towards Harvard Cabin.
Arrive at Harvard Cabin to setup camp and get organized.
Once setup and geared appropriately, backtrack a bit down the Fire Road.
Before getting back to the junction, take the Lion's Head Winter Route on your right.
Follow Lion's Head Winter Route. This is a very steep trail opened as a safer alternative to Tuckerman Ravine Trail during avalanche season. Be prepared to use both
hands as well as your ice axe for support. While I did not carry one, a rope could be quite useful and convenient on the way back down.
Rejoin the Tuckerman Ravine Trail (you're above of the avalanche zone now).
Continue on Tuckerman Ravine Trail, crossing the summer Auto Road and on to the summit.
Follow course in reverse to return to Harvard Cabin to camp for the night.
On day two, hike back out via Huntington Ravine Fire Road and Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
Extra Gear used for my Mt Washington Winter Ascent:
There were two pieces of gear that I brought on this trip, that I've never previously felt the need for on other White Mountains winter trips - Crampons and an ice axe.
The ice axe is not to be confused with an ice tool, specialized for actual ice climbing, supported by ropes and typically headed straight up a wall of ice. The ice as,
or mountaineering axe as it's also often called, is longer and straight with a pick for self arresting on one side (this is the primary reason to bring it out on the ice
fields of Mt Washington), and an adze on the other side for digging and chopping tasks. The adze is mostly used for more advanced mountaineering techniques than may be
required on a Mt Washington attempt, but it does come in handy around camp for setting up a home for the night.
The crampons I chose were universal strap-on crampons, so that I could use them with my regular, flexible winter hiking boots, as opposed to the typical Automatic or
semi-auto crampons that require a traditional hard plastic climbing boot, which I do not own.
EMS Packable Pack (small daypack)
EMS Ascent Mittens with fleece glove liners
Synthetic Ski Hat
Seirus Innovation neofleece face mask / scarf combo
Bolle Mojo Snow Goggles (Lemon lense color)
Spare hat and gloves (in case others get wet or blown away)
Garmont GTX Snow boots
CAMP Stalker Universal Crampons
Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
Nalgene 1 Liter wide mouth water bottle
Clothing worn was pretty much exactly what I've used on my previous White Mountains snow camping trips. I cover some of the details later in the video as well.
Notable Gear Used at Camp:
Dutchware PolyD 10' Hammock with Dutch Titanium Cinch Buckle suspension and 12' webbing straps.
Hammock Gear Incubator 0 Underquilt
Hammock Gear Burrow 0 Top Quilt
Dutch Winter Sock for extra protection for wind and blowing snow.
Hammock Gear Cuben Hex Tarp, 12' - equipped with 9'Zing-It guy lines and Dutch Wasps for quick tension adjustment.
MSR Rapidfire Stove
Vargo 450ml titanium cup
Toaks 750ml titanium pot for water boiling.
Sea to Summit Long Handled Aircraft Aluminum Spork
EMS Longtrail 70 Backpack
MSR Denali Ascent Snowshoes
Various meals and food from Packit Gourmet.
Related Links
www.outdoors.org/ (Appalachian Mountain Club official site - great for trip planning)
www.dutchwarege...
www.packitgourm...
www.hammockgear...
www.harvardmoun...
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA Finals D1 | Fall | ยิงต้องโหด ให้เหมือนโกรธกันมาก่อน](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OnTdfGySmds/mqdefault.jpg)
Another fabulous video. No ego, no pretension, no obsession with guns, knives, equipment; just enjoying the Great American Outdoors and the physical and mental challenge. Well done !!!
this may be a bit late but what's wrong with guns knives or equipment? i carry a small Glock because me and my dog were attacked by a bear, i also carry a small pocket knife and equipment that includes a IFAK first aid kit or trauma kit, torniquets and water purification tablets. so im just curious what your point is on being prepared and sharing that information/why is it a problem? lol
Chalked up another good one man. Still have the original White Mountain vid you did three years ago that inspired me and got me from dayhiker/carcamper to backpacker. Took a good year to get all my gear together...... but since then have had many awesome trips racked up in VA, NC, WV, and Red River Gorge in KY ( the latter of which had least expectations of epic scenery but has been my favorite by far). In my mid-thirties with wife and 3 daughters, so you really hit home in your first 5 minutes talking about making memories and "mental health" getaways. I live in central Ohio, not exactly a hiking mecca, so none of my friends understand the passion I have developed for backpacking so its nice to connect with, even via social media, like minded individuals who get IT. Thank you again for sharing your passion and taking the time to put together these incredible videos. There seems to be more and more people putting out vids in this genre but very few come close to the caliber of your combination of content and production. Looking forward to the next one...........keep em coming!
One complaint though ........ please stop with the constant gear upgrades it leaves me in a constant state of gear envy!
Because of what you said in this video is why I started backpacking again. I stopped for a really long time and saw this video. It really stuck with me "When is the last time you did something that you're actually going to remember in 5 years?". Love the videos dude!
Thanks, Rob. Glad to hear you're getting back out there!
Excellent trip and video. Makes me miss the Whites and reminds me of my Greylock trip. I know most folks in that area are glad the snow is finally gone...
I just stumbled onto your channel, it's fantastic. Thanks for the video.
+Joe Schwartz Thanks, Joe! Welcome aboard :)
I stumbled upon first. Beat it tubby
What a fantastic video, very informative and you are very down to earth and likable .... Thank you for this.
One last video of winter. Another awesome trip! You nailed it when you said "when's the last time you did something you'll remember in 5 years?" We all get stuck in the job/family routine that's hard to break. Just getting away for a weekend can make some awesome memories. Things that will stick with me my whole life and be proud of are things just like you're doing, getting out a few days, climb a mountain or two, endure sub zero temps. Sitting on the couch watching tv, or in this case right now watching TH-cam, isn't memorable. Get out there guys, enjoy life, even just a day hike.
I recently found and subbed your channel. But i just wanted to say your intro speech about stop making excuses and just get out really hit a chord with me. I live in RI, and can remember every single one of my White Mountain trips. Being married with a house, I have been putting it off for ever. Thank you for reminding me I have to just make it happen. Im truly grateful your words were heard.
Sintax your are a hero. I did this exact trip this weekend (also St Patty’s) but I used my tent and it was sub-zero conditions with high winds. The snow was great! My vid camera battery died within sight of Pinkham Notch so I tried chronicling my fun on my iPhone 8, which requires taking a glove off to start and end. How the heck you get the footage you do is remarkable. No one realizes how hard that is....but a spectacular day on the summit!
That's awesome - I was there camping near Mt Crawford this weekend too. I'm actually taking a break from driving home, now haha. Congrats on summiting. Trust me, I know for a fact how cold and windy it was!
sintax77 Me too. I’m exhausted. Please tell me you were in a tent this time! Mid-March is the new Early-Feb.....
No tent, no hammock. Stay tuned 😀. Can't believe you did Washington in that weather though - major kudos!
I have a good guess, but I’ll wait for the premier!
I have been a fan since i was 20 years old im almost 28 now these winter videos are my
Favorite
It is beautiful country there. You hit some really hard trails to go on. The views are awesome. But, boy is it windy. I hope you don’t freeze tonight. That was a steep long walk up and a steep walk back down. It’s always fun going with you. I always enjoy going along. Thanks🌹🦋🌹
I can't imagine all the work you put into producing these excellent videos; and how far you've advanced over the years. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to pass along all you have learned in such a professional and thorough way,
I do love the sound of crunching snow ^_^
When is the last time you did something you are going to remember in 5 years?
Excellent question, and if you asked me two years ago, It would have been a long time ago. But a realignment of what's important and realizing that memories are more valuable than stuff and a year later I can answer that with - Last weekend, The weekend before that, a month ago...The list is growing and I'm loving every minute of it!
Dean Gousse Is there a death zone to this mountain? I can only find a few cases of people falling to their deaths or freezing. And are there lots of bodies spewed all over this mountain like you'll find going up Everest? Or do they recover the bodies when climbers die? Finally ... I see no sherpa prayer flags or tin plates etched with the names of fallen climbers who've succumbed to the brutal conditions.
a lot of deaths on this mountain come from the elements, it is deceivenly dangerous when a nice spring day when it's 65 on the bottom, and neg temp and elements get worse and you climb at a extreme rate
It can be dangerous but the altitude is no where near death zone level.
High quality videography. Super as always! Epic adventure, great gear, lots of fun....thanks for sharing.
Scots Wildcamper this reminds me so much of your adventures
Hi Zed get yourself up here next winter i'll make you famous lol !
“i can’t even remember how i got up this...” lol i’ve had the same thoughts in the white mountains.
Making it happen, making memories, that is what life is all about. Excellent winter adventure. Thanks!
It’s been years since You posted this video. But I appreciate all Your sincere effort that made the climb happen. KUDOS!! May Great Opportunities Come Your Way In 2023!
Another outstanding Sintax77 production. Dude sheds pack and goes all beast mode on Mount Washington! Really enjoyed the detail showing your dutch gear. I'm a big fan as well. Great Job man!
Sintax, you're a very talented filmmaker. I always look forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Another great video of a super hike! Thanks so much. Keep up the good work. Your videos are very informative and entertaining to watch.
Love your stuff. I am planning my first PCT trek because of you
Have hiked MW many times and it always gives me the fizz stepping out of treeline above the ravines.
beautiful scenery, thanks for sharing your adventures, very inspiring
You had excellent weather.... 20's on the summit is great. Ive been in the whites at 30 below. Brutal!
Great video,, brought back memories of climbing that trail some 43 years ago in winter, and yes I still remember it. Thanks
Wow! You are good on all points. Thanks for a great video!
love the "just do it" add in there. I have just begun compiling a bunch of hiking gear and will begin "doing it" very soon hopefully! thanks for the videos!
Wow man, love all your vids. Really all well edited and put together. As a fellow hammock camper I have to constantly deal with the, "this boy must be crazy" sentiments from ground dwellers. They just don't get it! Keep doing what your doing dude, and keep the videos coming! You're a great inspiration to get out there!
I was just out backpacking in Big Sur this weekend and found myself wondering if you had uploaded any videos without my noticing. Lo and behold here are two, and they are awesome. Thanks for the constant inspiration, you're the man.
Great video. I check the weather periodically for Mt. Washington during the winter. The extreme weather there fascinates me. Thanks for sharing your hikes. I dig'em. peace
Been a long time since I've done what I really love. Life gets in the way. But you've really inspired me, my man.
So last weekend, for the first time in years, I treated myself to a bottle of ripple and a couple hookers! One of them ended up having a weener but I thought about it and decided to take your advice on doing something I'd remember in 5 years, so what the hell.
Thanks, bro!
That's great to hear, Dave! Keep on getting out there and doing what you love.
First of all let me say that I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I have roughly 35 years of experience "playing" in the White Mountains and I am no longer able to tackle the type of adventure I use to. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you! One thing I am a bit disappointed in is the fact that you are doing a winter ascent of Washington ALONE. In all my years, I never would have thought to do something of that magnitude without a partner. Even though you had great weather, you and I know that luck can change quickly. Please be careful in the future and keep the videos coming!
Oh my gosh. I have climbed Mount Washington couple of times during the summer. I know how it is. That is crazy during winter, you are very brave. Awesome video.
Cheers from UK......was going to catch up on Game of Thrones but thanks to you I have to now watch your latest adventure and let my mind escape elsewhere......good work :)
Wow! Im going this weekend! I'm going in the fall so I hope the snow isn't this bad hahaha! This was so helpful, thanks so much!
Awesome hike. Yea. Packet Grommet is the only way I roll nowadays. It seems like that one section of the hike down got a little dicey.
Syntax77, Thanks for the inspiration, I would never have done this if I never watched your Mt Washington video. I hiked my first winter hike up to Hermit Lake shelter last weekend . This weekend I’m planning on Mt Chocura.
That's awesome! I'm happy to hear that. Enjoy the upcoming trip!
I'm hooked on your videos! Just did my first summer summit on Mt. Washington in July via the Ammonoosuc Trail and had an incredible time.
+Jared Gallagher You know, what. I don't think I've ever taken that route yet. I've heard good things about it though. Glad to hear it was a good time!
The best part of the trip is "it's cheeseburger time". Congratulations on a very nice expedition. Amazing and inspiring.
Just got to watch this because I was backpacking in Tennessee. Nice trip and what a climb. Another goal marked off the list
I really liked this video. I think it was because you showed more camp life stuff, which I really enjoyed.
I climbed the same route and I am always challenging myself. I just started doing the Pemi Loop as a day hike. Another challange. When you do Mount Washington solo just make sure people are behind you. If you are the last man down it gets real quick when something happens. Great job.
That was awesome - thanks for sharing!
Very impressive climb. Great job and effort to the end. As you know many people have died on that climb.
Thanks again for another informative video!
Terrific videoblog, Syntax. True to form. Thanks!
Great video, thanks for sharing. I'm glad you pointed out the fact that a hiker under 24hrs from the time you summited wound up turning around. You really can't take this mountain for granted or you wind up a statistic. Its a tough call to make when your so close, I have had to do it myself. Glad you recognize how lucky you were with the weather you had. they are few and far between up there. I am jealous of the weather you had. good job
cant imagine driving that many hours for a hike almost in every video. respect
Another awesome vid!
I completely agree on the mental health comment. Sometimes, you just have to do something for yourself. And, for those of us who live to be outdoors and camp, sometimes it means separating from the family for a couple of days. Sometimes this works out for me, other times it doesn't. Lately, it hasn't worked out so well for me. But, I'm headed to the Charles Deam Wilderness in Indiana very soon with some hiking buddies, and it's going to be awesome!
We watch all your white mountains hikes. We did a winter accent of Washington last March and had to turn back. Great videos. We love your Chanel and watch all the time
We live in new England and go-to the whites alot and always wonder if we will bump into you .
had this in my watch later list since you first posted it..finally remembered to watch! hardcore! you are Alaska material!..lol
We enjoy your video. Always wanted to climb Mt. Washington, but alas...not going to happen at this point in my life. Really looked like hard work. Thanks for posting.
I hiked there !!! I stayed at Madison spring and lakes of the cloudes and hermets cove
Sintax - love your video's! You remind me of me back in my 20's and 30's!! I just didn't have all the cool electronics and social media to share anything. I especially enjoy catching the gear you are using. I am still mostly old school - but have now begun upgrading a few things based on your usage. Back in the 80's and 90's I climbed all the high peaks in the Northeast in winter (except Katahdin which I will do one day), as well as Rainier twice and Denali. I still backpack the Whites every summer with my boys, but thanks to your video's I feel the Winter Whites calling my name again. Thanks for the information and inspiration! Stay safe
A fun watch. Thanks for posting
Greeting from local hiker in white mountains! Hope to try and link up with ya this winter hiking season!
That had to be one of my favorite videos that you have created. Almost the perfect day to summit Mt. Washington in the winter. Does the hammock sock significantly increase the rating of the quilts? Any issues with condensation collecting inside of it during the night? The Packit Gourmet meals are awesome. Good-to-Go meals are another option for "better than average" hiking meals.
That trippy edit when you lost your mind was awesome. Good job man
I think this was your best one yet. Liked the opening and all the cut-ins. The time you took was evident and appreciated. Really liked the intro and the SinFacts. Great work. Our destination times are similar to locations, we must live close - I work in Christiana DE.
some dude at my church just summited Denali. Great vid man!!
Nice job summiting "The Rock Pile". I only made it to the tree line years ago. Climbed the side where the Cog Railway climbs; can't remember the trail name. Thx for sharing your adventure ; )
+Hannah Rebel Thanks, Hannah. I think that may have been the Jewel Trail?
I think you're right ; )
I did my first winter accent on Mar 11th, 2010. Could not have asked for better weather, I got some amazing photos as well that day even though I realized after the fact that I was sitting on top of a 50 ft cornice of snow to get a full view shot of tuckerman ravine. I think I will try a winter accent from the back side this season.
Great video. I plan on visiting the summit of Mt. Washington soon but I will in the warmer months. Thanks for doing what you do with these vids. I know how much extra work goes into production of these vids. It helps folks out and is really insightful into issues that arise. I have learned a ton from them.
Love this. Exceptional vid as always. .
Most of my memorable moments were urban (sleeping on the floor of Victoria station in London for one!) so I really need to add to my outdoor adventure archive of memorable moments. Maybe summit Mt Whitney?
another fun video to watch. when you said when will you remember something you did 5 years from now. well that is why i choose to live on mt hood in the national forest in oregon. so every day i can be on glaciers. at waterfalls. in the rain forest. etc. it is a huge mountain that is a volcano. so i love to do stuff similiar to you. hike. snowshoe. camp. raft. etc. so fun to be mr adventure. cornices. glaciers. love love love it. peace. i have been enjoying your vids. bushcraftbartons also. both of your vids make me want to get out there and do it too. hello from mt hood oregon.
Heading down to West Virginia in October for a Cranberry Wilderness hike based on your recommendations! Looking forward to it and great channel!
+clownpaws Thanks, enjoy the trip! Great time of year for down there :)
Awesome video, really makes me want to get out there next winter and see what I can find. Thanks for sharing.
Sintax, great video, glad you enjoyed the Pakit gourmet food. I have tried almost all of there meals and havent ran into a bad one yet. I also like the fact you can purchase items , such as dehyrated sour cream, butter and such. They do have a good selection of different condiments, to spice up there meals.....Again great vid and thanks for letting us tag along.....
You got some balls climbing to the summit, great trip!
Awesome hike sintax, im learning so much off of your videos and am moving from Massachusetts to Vermont for the summer and will be hiking Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. I agree 100% with what you were talking about in the beginning of the video and is why im moving to Vermont while im still young and able to. I have not done any winter hikes yet but that will most likely be next winter, a woman actually just froze to death a few mountains over from Mt. Washington this winter going to summit Adams, sad story winds reached 130 mph. Well cant wait to see the next hike, HIKE ON
Once again man, great video. It's great to see a "regular joe" reach goals and enjoy outdoor adventure. Gives us all hope we can do it as well! Can't wait for the next adventure.
I would go and camp myself.. but just watching you is just much easier
"I just had some sour patch kids and some water. Waiting for that to kick in." haha. Great video.
Thanks again for your videos, as in the past they are awesome
Sweet day looks like you hit just right!
I've been up there a lot in the winter, and you will occasionally come across climbers who will ask you if you want to use their rope to descend the crux of the Lion Head Winter Route. Looked like there was barely anyone up there though....was kinda hot at nearly 40 degrees. Also, you're holding your mountaineering axe wrong - keep the pick facing the outside of your hand and (usually) in the uphill hand, switching hands as you switch directions with your feet. Not that you really need to self-arrest much on that route (I have seen people fall on it though), but it's safer and good practice. A lot of climbers will put the heel of their hand on the adze end which is a little more comfortable and fine to do under benign conditions, like if you're in between sections where you really need the use of your axe.
Love your hiking videos when you are hiking solo!! Great vid
Awesome video.
You never fail to deliver very interesting and inspiring videos.
Many thanks for sharing them with us.
Man, that is such a cool trip! I agree with you, you need to make life happen otherwise it just zooms past!
I might have to do a little research as to what effects the treeline on different peaks. I used to think it was an altitude thing but I now know it isn't. Here in Oregon I hike and hang my hammock at 6200'-6800' routinely yet Mt. Washington had no trees at less than 6300', I find that interesting. I guess it could do more with the prominence of the peak and less with altitude. Hmmm...
Oh and it was your review of the HG Burrow TQ that pushed me over the edge on getting my first real TQ. The times of making a mummy bag work are done! :)
Thanks for all you do!
Cody Ames It has a lot to do with the climate of where the mountain is. Tree line elevation varies pretty wildly across the world. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_line
Your videos only get better!
Excellent video! I've been to most of the locations you filmed in warmer weather and have always appreciated your work. Your detail is impressive to say the least. You have also rekindled my enthusiasms for winter backpacking and will be visiting the Whites soon (hopefully atop Mt. Washington)......thanks!
P.S. I follow your channel, not sure how I missed this when it first aired.
+Nathan Rodgers Thanks, Nathan. Now get out there and do some winter backpacking! ;) I can highly recommend the Harvard Cabin - it was fun and really convenient with the proximity to Mt. Washington and reliable water source.
I got friends in the Philly area...reminds me of Boston....cool hike man looks epic I gotta do the same some time..
Best video to date...keep em coming! Very helpful info on the hammock system.
Excellent intro on making memories!
Watching this video for probably the 4th time and it's one of my favorite TH-cam videos ever. The beginning where you're talking about getting out and doing what you love is awesome. The part where you're eating the chili and dropping the f-bomb has me laughing. Love you man and love what you're doing keep it up🤙🤙🤙
Haha - Thanks, Kyle. Glad you like the vid. It's one of my personal faves.
I will add my voice to the envious masses. You're absolutely right about the time, of course, but not all of us have spouses who will let us feed our gear addiction as willingly as yours clearly does. Your gear room at home must be awesome. ;)
Well done sir! I literally just ordered the same meals as you last week plus some chicken and dumplings for my trip to the pharaoh lake wilderness.
Great job on these winter hikes in the mountains! They are no joke! Have you ever thought about getting a hot tent for these types of trips? I watched that video that your buddy's sleeping bag got wet and a hot tent would have saved the day. Just a thought. Thanks again for the great videos.
Another great video Sintax. I really appreciate you distinguishing Fort Worth rather than Dallas. I'm from back east and I would NOT have moved to Dallas, but I'm loving FTW.
I will point out that I believe I saw Dutch do a video in which he suggests leaving the Dutch Clip to the side of the tree,but I could be wrong about that.
Thanks. Another great video
awesome view
Another great vid Sintax, full of information and just generally keeping it real. Pleasure to watch ;)
Very enjoyable video! Excellent trip, scenery and gear talk. One of my favorites so far. It looked mighty cold up there, I'm not used to that kind of temperatures down here in Texas. Speaking of which, glad to see you enjoyed that chili :)
-Jacko
Making memories is what life is about. Live everyday to its fullest, leave nothing behind.
These videos are incredible. Good job - you have inspired me to do some videos like this on my own channel (in the future.)
We need more Monongahela National Park videos man!
Thanks for the videos. I really enjoy them.
Thanks again for another wonderful video, keep up the good work.
Thanks for posting this video. I've done a view summer hikes up Mt. Washington, but have been thinking about giving it a try in the snow. The only reason I'm holding back is due to the cost of gear. A lot of money spent on an AT thru hike attempt (made it back to MA) last year.
Look forward to your videos, when you post a go time camp spring video. Thanks for sharing.
I see white rook posted