CONWAY SKI FIELD GUIDE
Ski Mountaineering on Mount Washington: Steep Lines and Mountaincraft in the Presidential Range
An 8-hour guided program starting at $400 that teaches avalanche awareness, ice-axe and crampon use while skiing classic ravines of the Presidential Range.
Ski Mountaineering on Mount Washington: Steep Lines and Mountaincraft in the Presidential Range.
On Mount Washington and the surrounding Presidential Range, steep winter terrain becomes classroom and crucible: ski mountaineering here pairs long approaches, gullied descents and technical mountain skills under expert instruction from the International Mountain Climbing School.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mount Washington’s steep, classic terrain
The steep slopes and ravines of Mount Washington define ski mountaineering in the Northeast—expect long, committed lines and iconic gullies that test both skiing and mountaineering technique.
AIARE avalanche training, ice-axe and crampon technique
Instruction covers avalanche awareness (beacon, probe and shovel), the use of ice axes and crampons, and selecting appropriate clothing and skis for travel above treeline.
Classic ravines and lesser-known slides
Guides lead skiers into celebrated gullies such as Tuckerman Ravine and the Gulf of Slides and also visit areas like Ammonoosuc Ravine, Huntington Ravine, the Great Gulf and King Ravine on Mt. Adams.
What the day feels like
What a day on the mountain feels like
Over an eight-hour program, participants move between technical instruction and on-snow application—learning avalanche skills, practicing crampon and ice-axe techniques, then testing those skills on steep backcountry lines under guide supervision.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guides provide ice axes, crampons and mountaineering gear; participants should plan appropriate layering and ski equipment. IMCS also runs a clothing rental program.
Guides mostly use alpine touring gear but can accommodate telemark and split boards. Rental touring equipment can be arranged with enough notice; skis, poles and boot rentals are an additional charge not included in the advertised daily rates.
Courses can include AIARE avalanche instruction covering beacon, probe and shovel use as part of the mountaineering curriculum.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the guided ski mountaineering program?
The program duration is eight hours.
What are the rates?
Private guided climbs start at $400; semi-private guided climbs are listed at $500.
Do guides provide technical gear?
Ice axes, crampons and mountaineering gear needed for the course are provided and included in the course cost; clothing rental is also available.
Can I rent touring skis and boots?
IMCS can help arrange rental touring equipment if given enough time before the reservation, but skis, poles and boot rentals are an additional charge not included in the advertised daily rates.
What skill level is required to descend ravines or summit lines?
You need to be an advanced skier—able to ski black-diamond runs at ski areas—to ski from summits or from the top of classic ravine gullies.