Propelling up the Presidentials

Leaders
Jacob Willis (B coC), Kathy Camenzind (C S), Kyle Bertram (B coC coS), Paul Lilin (B coC coI S)
Program
Winter School
Type
Hiking
Terrain level
C
Trip date
Saturday, January 25th, 2025
Difficulty rating
Difficult / Advanced (L5)
Prerequisites
Must have attended Winter Safety Lectures, good physical fitness, at least a competent advanced B hiker looking for a challenge

Are you looking to scratch your above treeline itch and scratch it hard? This advanced C trip is for you! We will complete a multi-objective C hike to Monroe, Washington and Jefferson with 7 miles of above treeline traverse. We encourage type II fun enthusiasts who are looking to expand their C terrain skills to sign-up!

Route: This is a 12.5 mile 5,500' elevation gain hike in the presidential range. We will start at the Ammonoosuc trailhead and travel to Monroe, then summit Washington, with the optional objective of Jefferson. We will then return to the trailhead via Jewell Trail.

Map: https://caltopo.com/m/ALE739K

Pace: We expect participants to be capable of maintaining a moderate-fast pace (1.25+ mph). Efficient breaks will be crucial for the extended 7 mile exposed travel in C terrain.

Gear: In addition to the expected mandatory gear, we expect all participants to have full face coverings (balaclava and goggles leaving no exposed skin when worn) and shell layer (gortex or equivalent jacket, pants, mittens). Additionally, participants should be familiar with crampons, microspikes, and snowshoes.

Logistics: There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting on Thursday at 6pm to discuss the trip. We will depart the trailhead at 0815 on Saturday.

If you can drive your own car or are willing to drive a rental car, edit the lottery preferences on your MITOC profile to show this.

Prerequisites: 1. Attended a past winter school safety lecture. 2. Have completed a >12mi >5000' hike in any season (or roughly equivalent) . 3. In good physical condition (active 4+ days a week) and can maintain a 1.25 mph pace with winter gear for extended periods of time with little break. 4. Comfortable with layering, traction, extended exposure to high winds, and << 0F windchill. 5. While not mandatory, prior C trip experience is highly encouraged.


Signup

Algorithm
first-come, first-serve
Maximum participants
6
Signups opened at
Jan. 22, 2025, noon
Signups closed at
Jan. 23, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Notes
  1. What is the most recent comparable hike you've completed in the last 6 months? Please include the distance and elevation gain. Please supplement with other notable physical activity, if needed.
  2. Describe your winter hiking experience, to include traction used and any exposure to high winds (Be specific)
  3. If you were a cat, what type would you be?
Signups for this trip are closed.