Alpine Ski Mountaineering

Learn the best mountain winter activities at the same time in North Conway!

The steep terrain surrounding Mt. Washington defines the term “ski mountaineering”. Ski mountaineering requires a number of mountaineering skills such as avalanche awareness, crampon and ice axe use and solid steep ski technique. If you are looking to learn about ski mountaineering or to ski Mt. Washington we offer the full compliment of mountaineering skills training.

This training can include, selecting the proper clothing and skis, the use of ice axes, crampons, climbing skins and AIARE avalanche courses (these include beacon, probe and shovel use). These courses will start to enable you to travel both above treeline and into the ravines in winter to push your skiing limits. We ski in a number of the ravines such as the classic Tuckerman Ravine and Gulf of Slides but also in lesser known areas such as Ammonoosuc Ravine, Huntington Ravine, the Great Gulf and King Ravine on Mt. Adams.

You will need to be an advanced skier (able to ski black diamonds at ski areas) to ski from any of the summits or from the top of classic ravine gullies. If your ski skills are not quite up to the ravines we also offer a new Backcountry Skiing Program that seeks out great skiing in lower elevations on old CCC ski trails and lower peaks for all abilities. We mostly guide with alpine touring (AT) gear but can also accommodate telemark gear and split boards. We can help arrange rental touring equipment if we are given enough time prior to the reservation date. Skis, poles and boot rentals will be an additional charge not included in the advertised daily rates if needed.

We will provide ice axes, crampons and mountaineering gear needed for your course included in course cost and also have a clothing rental program available. Give us a call and our knowledgeable staff can explain more about how we can meet your highest ski ambitions!