Ski Touring in the Northeast

Winter in the Northeast continues its warm spells and January snow washouts. It’s better for ice climbing right now, but the snow will come! Time to prepare for some skiing in the wilderness backcountry.

Backcountry Skiing

Backcountry skiing used to describe skiing in the wilderness on cross country skis. Lately, this term has been co-opted by the Ski Industry, with the advent of Alpine Touring (AT) equipment, and morphed into a fixed heel approach with a focus on steep mountain runs. It used to be called “Ski Mountaineering” but is now “Backcountry Skiing”. Click to read more on the “new” backcountry ski definitions.

Ski Touring

I use the old-school definition where ski touring means backcountry skiing. Ski touring uses hiking trails in the hills and mountains instead of dropping into steep, alpine slopes. Read more about Ski Touring. I prefer the old term of backcountry skiing but since it can confuse folks, ski touring it is.

Why Ski Tour?

Hiking trails and unplowed roads are key in the Northeast due to the dense tree cover. Out West, the open terrain leads to more flexible wandering, but in the East, it’s on the trails we go.

Depending on your motivation, skiing in the backcountry does not mean facing sick steeps and jumping off rocks. Think of intermediate terrain that avoids the mountain cliffs and alpine gullies. Certainly the energetic can venture to Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington or Gothic’s North Face in the Adirondacks.

Where to Go

The higher elevations of New York and New Hampshire are recommended due to likelihood of decent snow. The Catskills and mellow hiking trails in Massachusetts are excellent when it snows heavily. Vermont’s Green Mountains are stellar, but that’s for you to discover.

Adirondacks

  • WhiteFace Toll Road. The steady five-mile grade is a popular ski in the Lake Placid area. In low snow years like right now, the ride down can be icy and tricky. Bring microspikes or crampons to finish the last .2 miles to the summit.  Find out more on the Toll Road.
  • Avalanche Pass and Marcy Dam. A classic trip that is mellow to Marcy Dam and then on to the steeper climb to the Pass. Skiing across Avalanche Lake to the Trap Dike is iconic and a must-do for every backcountry enthusiast. Click to read more on Avalanche Pass
  • Jackrabbit Trail – North face of Pitchoff section. The Jackrabbit trail is a long trail and one can cherry-pick sections to meet their schedule. I love the part from Keene to the North face of Pitchoff ice climbs. It’s great for a short day. For a longer tour, continue into the Cascade ski trails and to Lake Placid. Read about the Jackrabbit Trail.

White Mountains

  • Greeley Ponds. Departing from either Waterville Valley or the Kangamangus Highway, this trail is a classic wind-protected notch. There are few views so it’s more of a nice adventure. Read more here about Greeley Ponds.
  • Lincoln Woods. The popular hike in the Pemigewasset Wilderness is a great easy ski. Adventurers can continue up the trail and find some good downhill. Read about the Lincoln Woods trail.
  • Crawford Notch. Using the Crawford Path on the west side of Mount Washington, one can ski to many points, including the Cog Railway or Mount Pierce. There are snowmobiles out in this area as well, so avoid taking their paths. More is found on this link.