One of the oldest rites of passage in the ski world - Tuckerman Ravine. Located on the side of Mount Washington, this brutal hike takes you into some of the world's most extreme weather and avalanche terrain. Sounds scary, right? Why would anyone do this?
For the epic lines, of course! Plus, if it's covered, the Sherburne Trail will allow you to ski all the way to your car. Pretty sweet.
Before you head up to Tuckerman, there is quite a bit of preparation that needs to take place which we've outlined below with a few guiding questions.
First - do I have the right gear? Skinning up the mountain is the most efficient way to ascend, so consider investing in a touring kit. Check out this helpful comparison chart by The Ski Monster that compares a bunch of different options so you can be sure you're getting the right boot for you.
After you have your kit together be honest with yourself - can I physically do this? Getting up and down Tuckerman Ravine is no joke! After you trek to the base of the bowl for 2 hours, you will boot-pack your way up a 50 degree incline. With your skis on your back. And it's windy. And then you have to ski down. This is not for the faint at heart so be realistic and adamant about your physical preparations for this adventure.
Finally, and arguably the most important - should I do this alone? The answer is always NO! Find a trusted buddy (or 2 or 3) to take this on with you. Again, this is a dangerous undertaking so having some backup is a must. Not to mention, when you're peeling off yet another layer and wondering why the heck you put yourself through this, it's nice to have someone there with you to keep you motivated.
Once you've gone through this prep, you are ready to take on Tucks (weather dependent, of course)! It is a must-do adventure for all skiers, especially those of us who live on the east coast. The views from Mount Washington are absolutely breathtaking and the reward makes it all worth it.
Although we can't partake in this adventure given these uncertain times, you can still prepare for next season! At Ski4Seasons we realized how much better working out is when you're with a friend. Plus, it prepares you for epic adventures such as this one. Click the link below for access to an instructor-led workout, and share it with a friend! That way you can get your butt kicked have fun and stay motivated together.
