CONWAY SKI FIELD GUIDE
Off‑Piste in the Whites: A Day of Backcountry Skiing Around Conway
A full‑day (8‑hour) guided backcountry ski experience in the White Mountains with private and semi‑private options starting at $400.
Off‑Piste in the Whites: A Day of Backcountry Skiing Around Conway.
We guide a range of classic backcountry ski terrain in the White Mountains near Conway — from the steep, ski‑mountaineering slopes around Mt. Washington to more moderate routes on Mt. Garfield and Doublehead and glade and tree skiing throughout the north country. Many tours also use below‑treeline corridors: old classic ski trails cut in the 1930s, wide logging roads and fire‑tower approaches, offering everything from relaxed touring to technical, avalanche‑aware descents.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
From Glades and Logging Roads to Alpine Ridges
The guiding area spans steep eastern aspects of Mt. Washington, moderate backcountry lines on Mt. Garfield and Doublehead, and extensive glade and tree skiing in the north country — a compact range of terrain types for Northeast backcountry skiing.
Tours from Laid‑Back to Full Ski Mountaineering
Tours are rated moderate through most difficult; the bulk of guided terrain is intermediate to expert, while the steep slopes around Mt. Washington are true ski mountaineering and require full avalanche, crampon and ice‑axe knowledge before venturing there.
Classic Below‑Treeline Routes and Forgotten Trails
Many outings use below‑treeline routes — old Civilian Conservation Corps ski trails from the 1930s, wide logging and fire‑tower roads — connecting a sense of regional ski history to modern backcountry lines.
What the day feels like
What a Day Feels Like
An 8‑hour guided day can feel like a purposeful departure from lift lines: skinning and booting into quiet glades and fire‑road approaches, selecting lines by snow stability and skier ability, and trading mellow below‑treeline laps for steep, technical bootpacks when conditions and objectives demand. In-season flexibility matters — the Northeast is conditions dependent, so guides choose objectives that match the current snowpack and the party’s skill level.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guides commonly use alpine‑touring (AT) gear but can also operate with steel‑edged cross‑country or telemark setups when appropriate. The operator can provide avalanche beacons, probes, shovels, and for ski‑mountaineering programs can furnish axes and crampons. Ski, pole and boot rentals are not included in the daily rate and will be an additional charge if needed.
While guides work primarily with AT gear, they can arrange rental ski gear; skis, poles and boots rented through the operator will incur an extra cost beyond advertised daily rates.
For ski‑mountaineering objectives the operator provides technical safety gear (beacons, probes, shovels) and can supply crampons and ice axes for appropriate programs.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a typical guided day?
A standard guided backcountry day is 8 hours.
What are the rates?
Private guided climbs start at $400; semi‑private guided climbs are listed at $500.
Do you provide avalanche and technical gear?
Guides can provide beacons, probes and shovels; for ski‑mountaineering programs they can also provide axes and crampons.
Are skis, boots and poles included?
Skis, poles and boot rentals are not included in the advertised daily rates and will be an additional charge if needed; the operator can help arrange rentals.
Can I ski Mt. Washington with a guide?
Yes, but the steep eastern slopes are ski mountaineering objectives that require avalanche, crampon and ice‑axe knowledge; if you seek formal training, see the Mount Washington Ski Mountaineering course.
How do I book or get more information?
Call the operator at 603‑356‑7064 to discuss objectives, availability and to book.
How weather‑dependent are the tours?
Backcountry skiing in the Northeast is highly conditions dependent; many skiable days can be found in most winters if you remain flexible with timing.