Join us on this technically demanding hike up Mt. Flume and hike or slide down Mt. Liberty. Our plan is to start from the Basin parking lot and hike up the extremely steep Flume Slide Trail to reach Mt. Flume (4328'). We will the continue on to Mt. Liberty (4459'), at which point we will leave the beautiful Franconia Range views behind by hiking or sliding down the Liberty Spring Trail if we have enough snow cover (a classic slide!)

Distance is about 7.7 miles, with an elevation gain 3546ft. Note that our route will head up the steeper Flume Slide Trail instead of out and back on the Liberty Spring Trail. This will be a strenuous hike due to mileage, elevation gain, and slope, where applicants should have previous winter hiking experience, be able to maintain a >1 mph pace on winter terrain, and preferably have attended previous years of Winter School lectures.

Here is a map of the route: https://caltopo.com/m/MA3E0

We will be using crampons and ice axes on the Flume Slide trail. The steep part at the top Flume Slide Trail can be icy, so prior crampon and ice axe experience is helpful (but not required). We will be taking snowshoes with us since it is likely that the trail to the base of the slide will be unbroken and there may be a large snowfall on Saturday. Windchill could be brutal, so make sure to have warm layers and goggles + balaclava/buff/beanie combo, which fully covers your face.

Logistics: There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting on the lobby of the 5th floor of the student center at 6pm on Thursday, January 26th to rent or check equipment and adjust crampons. Make sure to bring the hiking boots you will be using in the trip.

Details will be sent out after the lottery runs.

We reserve the right to select participants based on previous experience. Winning the lottery does not guarantee a place on this trip. Thank you for your understanding and please email us with any questions!

Potential Itinerary: Saturday, 5 am: Meet with your driver and start driving to the Basin. Map showing the parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mas6waUNzyF5umki7

Sunday, 7 am: Stop at Dunkin’s at Lincoln for a quick breakfast.

Sunday, 7:45 am: Arrive at the trail-head at Liberty Springs Trailhead parking lot

Sunday, 8:00 am: Hike starts. Up Flume Slide Trail to Mt. Flume, then over to Mt. Liberty.

Sunday, 1:30 pm: Turnaround time

Sunday, 5:00 pm: Return to car, drive back to Boston