Tuckerman Ravine. Image Credit: WBZ (CBS Boston)

Mt. Washington, New Hampshire — Tuckerman Ravine isn’t for the faint of heart. So what happens when a newscaster from Boston takes it on? Wicked good television.

Last year, WBZ (also known as CBS Boston) anchorman Chris Tanaka took on a long-time bucket list item of his: skiing Tuckerman Ravine. We shared a short video report of it last year, but they also released a more detailed guide on the expedition.

The longer video features interviews with other backcountry skiers and the guides about Tuckerman Ravine. There’s also footage of him bootpacking up and skiing down it. Overall, he did pretty well. Just like parking the car in Harvard Yard.

Current Tuckerman Ravine Hazards

If you do decide to make a trip to Tuckerman Ravine at this point, there are a few things to keep in mind. The situation at the Ravine is always evolving, with rapid snowmelt currently occurring. This has resulted in the closure of part of the Tuckerman Ravine trail. This portion of the spring sees the increased risks of falling into a crevasse, among other hazards. There’s also the reality that the weather on Mt. Washington can change in an instant.

While the avalanche risk is lower this time of year, bringing a beacon, probe, and shovel is still wise. Also, check out the conditions at the Mt. Washington Avalanche Center and the bulletin boards outside the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center before going.

Image/Video Credits: CBS Boston, Wiseguy Creative (Aerial Photo NH & Alexandra Roberts)



Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...