Pretzels on Mt. Pierce

Leaders
Ida Assefa (B), Kirstin Oliveira Roster (coB), Mika Braginsky (coB)
Program
Winter School
Type
Hiking
Terrain level
B
Trip date
Sunday, January 12th, 2025
Difficulty rating
Moderate / Difficult (L3/L4)
Prerequisites
Hiking experience (7+ miles, >2000 feet elevation gain) in the past 6 months, prior winter hiking experience recommended

Join us for a hike up Mount Pierce, one of the southern peaks of the Presidential Range!

Route: We'll take Crawford Path to Mount Pierce for a this 6 mile round trip hike with ~2400 feet of elevation gain (10km, 750m elevation gain) and a reward of wonderful views (weather permitting) of the Presidential Range from the summit.

You can see the route on AllTrails or Caltopo

The distance, elevation gain, and winter conditions make this a moderate/difficult hike. Although the hike is below treeline, the summit is exposed so we will get a chance to experience above-treeline conditions. This is a great hike for comfortable 3-season hikers with some winter hiking experience or strong 3-season hikers who want to experience the world of winter for the first time! If you are unsure about your experience level, please reach out to the leaders.

Weather: It looks like temperatures will be around 10F with a mix of sun and clouds on Sunday. Check out the forecast for up-to-date information as the trip gets closer. Remember that the weather can change quickly and being prepared is key.

We'll practice using traction (microspikes and snowshoes, depending on conditions), cold weather layering, and taking efficient breaks in the cold.

Logistics: We will be leaving Cambridge at 5:30am. Please update your car status if you can drive (put "willing to rent" if you can rent — MIT provides discounted car rental, and we'll evenly split rental/gas costs). Please budget about $30-50 for carpooling fees, $5 for the trip fee, and up to $15 for personal gear rental, if needed.

There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday, January 9th at 6pm in the Student Center.


Signup

Algorithm
first-come, first-serve
Maximum participants
7
Signups opened at
Jan. 8, 2025, 10 a.m.
Signups closed at
Jan. 9, 2025, 5 a.m.
Notes
  1. Which hikes (distance & elevation gain) have you done in the past 6 months? (Please be specific)
  2. Do you have previous winter hiking experience (and experience with microspikes or snowshoes)?
  3. Which winter hiking skills are you hoping to gain on this trip?
  4. Best pretzel flavor?
Signups for this trip are closed.