Hiking the 48 and need to bag Hale? Need a good reason to get outside? Can't whether XC-skiing or hiking is better? Then join us as we do both and ascend Mt. Hale.

We will start near where Zealand Rd intersects with 302, and XC-ski up Zealand Rd, or the parallel Spruce Goose XC-ski trail if that looks nice, to the Hale Brook Trailhead, about 2.2 mi on a relatively flat trail. From there, we will ditch our skis and take the Hale Brook trail to Mt Hale summit, another 2.1 mi(~2200ft), before returning via the same route. In total we will do ~9mi and ~2500ft of elevation.

Previous winter hiking experience (5+ miles, 2000') is recommended, cross-country ski experience is recommended but not required. If you do not have cross-country ski you should know how to snowplow stop on downhill skis. Additionally, it will be very cold this weekend, and while it is supposed to be relatively warmer on Sunday, be prepared for cold and windy conditions.

Pre Trip meeting at 9:15pm on Thursday