Twins + Galehead traverse

Leaders
Benjamin Moody (coB), Bjorn Poonen (B coC)
Program
Winter (outside IAP)
Type
Hiking
Terrain level
B
Trip date
Sunday, February 22nd
Difficulty rating
L5 - Advanced
Prerequisites
Should have completed a winter hike >9mi without difficulty. Physical condition for a hike of this length and elevation gain.

Note: this is not part of the Winter Circus, but circus participants are welcome to join. Some of us will be driving from and to Cambridge on the hike day.

We'll be making an ascent of three of the New Hampshire 4000-footers: Galehead, South Twin, and North Twin, for a total distance of 14.7 miles with 4,250 feet of elevation gain. We expect great views of the Pemigewasset wilderness!

We will start from the Beaver Brook ski trails, ascending the Gale River Trail to Galehead Mountain (4024'), then over to South Twin (4902') and North Twin (4761'), descending by the North Twin Trail, and ending at the Seven Dwarfs Motel.

This will be a long hike and the trail may not be fully broken out. Participants should be comfortable with managing layers, traction, and moving efficiently in winter conditions. It's likely that the end of our hike will be after sunset, so you should be prepared for descending partly in the dark.

We expect deep snow along the ridge and downed trees. There is also a river crossing near the end of the trail (we expect it will still be covered by a snow bridge.)

Logistics

  • Signing up does not guarantee a place on this trip; we reserve the right to select participants based on experience.

  • Weather may force us to modify, reschedule, or cancel the trip.

  • Mandatory in-person pre-trip meeting Thursday, February 19, 7:30pm in the Student Center.

  • Those of us coming from Cambridge on hike day will leave very early and stop for a quick breakfast along the way.

  • If you can drive your own car or are willing to drive a rental car, please edit your lottery preferences to show this.

Costs

Expected cost per person: $5 fee, $15 gear rental, $25-$40 drive. MIT undergrads can request financial aid.


Signup

Algorithm
first-come, first-serve
Maximum participants
7
Signups opened at
Feb. 17, 2026, 8:42 p.m.
Signups close at
Feb. 19, 2026, 8 a.m.
Notes
  1. Describe a winter hike you have done before (location, length, elevation gain, and how long ago, if you remember them).
  2. What is the longest hike you've completed in any season?
  3. Have you used snowshoes previously?
  4. Which days (Saturday and/or Sunday) are you free, in case we are forced to reschedule due to weather?
  5. Are you attending the Winter Circus? If so, which night(s) are you staying at Camelot?
Signups are open!
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