Mt. Washington, New Hampshire — Most backcountry skiers tend to experience Tuckerman Ravine in the springtime. People go in the spring when the snow is soft, the avalanche risk is minimal, and you don’t need to wear lots of layers to enjoy it. However, the skiing can still be incredible in the winter.
This week, avid backcountry skier Ryan Delena shared a video of his experience skiing in December at Tuckerman Ravine. He wisely chose a bluebird day to ski there, as the weather this time of year can be frightful. The snow quality was mint, with Ryan comparing it to the “greatest snow on earth” in the Wasatch.
As demonstrated by the natural avalanche on Hillman’s Highway earlier this week, you need to be prepared for avalanches if you plan on going up. This means bringing a beacon, probe, and shovel. While the Mt. Washington Avalanche Center hasn’t officially started its 5-scale daily forecast, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t avalanche risk.
Image/Video Credits: Ryan Delena, Friends of Tuckerman Ravine
