First Snowshoeing Trip

[ChacoTaco]

Looking at doing the 19 Mile Brook Trail in mid to late January to Carter Notch Hut as my first SS trip. I wanted to ask if we would be able to get up to the Carters and would it be recommended as a beginner snowshoeing. Was thinking about doing that as our day trip on our second day.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

The trek from route 16 to Carter Notch is an excellent first snowshoe--it's well traveled, easy to follow, and almost always broken out. The ascent from Carter Notch Hut up Carter Dome is not the most popular winter route (Carer Dome Trail to Zeta Pass is more popular) because it is really steep, and for that reason may not be an appropriate first or second snowshoe (but you may also have no trouble at all.)

At this rate, you probably won't need snowshoes

Tim

 

[mirabela]

I take it you're already a fairly experienced 3-season hiker? If so, the trip you named can be a good one. Everything depends on conditions, though ... with thin cover, or a lot of ice, or if you're breaking trail right after a storm, it can be very challenging. Also, 7.5 miles and ~2,000 feet of vertical is not to be trivialized; it's a solid day's outing.

 

[DougPaul]

The Carter Dome Trail up to Zeta Pass is an easier route to Carter Dome and Mt Hight than the trail directly up from the hut. Unfortunately for your plans, it is not as accessible from the hut.

Doug

 

[ChacoTaco]

So, I just want to add. I have a pretty good amount of experience with snow. It doesn't get as cold down south (NC). I spent a pretty decent amount of time doing winter hikes in NC/ TN so I have a little experience. Snowshoeing doesn't seem like its that much different from actual hiking. I feel like my wife and I are strong enough hiking that we could handle something with a little bit of a challenge. We are not ultra lightweight on our backpacking gear, but we do travel pretty light. I am looking at getting a spot at the hut for mid January. Just hope it snows soon. Id like to get out and ski as well. What is up with this winter? Back home it was 60 degrees this weekend. Anyway thanks for the help. If anyone has suggestions on other cool trips. Id thought about Vermont as well.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Snowshoeing doesn't seem like its that much different from actual hiking. I feel like my wife and I are strong enough hiking that we could handle something with a little bit of a challenge.

If you are not accustomed to wearing them, snowshoes will cause the muscles that lift your leg to get tired more quickly than usual.

In the fall, I walk on a treadmill with ankle weights. I started out at 1 pound, and am now up to 5 pounds per ankle. Then I added a backpack to my workout. Next step, slowly increase the weight in the pack.

 

[Mike P.]

Other than the steep section going up C-Dome (which is not the entire trip up from the notch but maybe 1/2 a mile or so & you will also be doing it when you are freshest - given a choice of up or down, I'd send you up it) it's a good trip.

Up to the hut is pretty easy, as you approach the actual notch, it gets a little steeper & it's a moderate descent to the lake but not bad. (better with lots of snow) Since the hut is open all year, it's usually well broken out unless you are 1st on it after a foot (or more) of new snow.

Of the open winter huts, it's probably better than Lonesome & either the Kinsmans or Cannon. Getting to that hut is easy enough but getting up Cannon from the notch has a real steep section & in the current low snow conditions, getting up to Kinsman notch may be tricky in a few spots. (check conditions, with winter peakbagging, there will be reports & trail conitions posted regularly)

Zealand Hut requires a trip up the closed road Hale would be easier & the trip up to Zealand Mt. (a viewless trek except for the great view on Zeacliff & a couple of other spots).

From Crawford Notch, some good choices, Willard or Tom or Pierce probably the easier ones as the top of Jackson can be tricky & getting up Field is steep (not like others but a decent slog) in places before & after Avalaon.

 

[Lefty E]

I know some folks have snowshoed to the hut, stayed overnight, then came back down and went up Carter Dome Trail to Zeta Pass..then did either S and/or Middle Carter and returned to 19MBT trailhead or did Mt. Hight(best views) and Carter Dome and came back to Zeta Pass and down..watch for side sloping if crusty conditions that can be dangerous and ankle burning too!! Tom's points on getting in snowshoe shape are on point, as legs cramps can be common if not in shape (it happened to me more than once!!)..another hike I enjoyed was Jackson as the below summit ledge was under snow and easy to get up..just need to be careful about where the trail is slightly below it..and Tom, Field and Willey also enjoyable..but of course I m a fair weather hiker so I try to go on mainly great weather days and trails broken out!! (thanks to those who went before)!

 

[sardog1]

Another thing to keep in mind: You will generate more heat while snowshoeing than any other winter activity. It's critical to manage both heat and perspiration.

You may want to look at acquiring Steven D. Smith's Snowshoe Hikes in the White Mountains. In addition to being a highly knowledgeable author, he runs The Mountain Wanderer Bookstore in Lincoln, NH, with several resources on winter outings (among other things montane): Mountain Wanderer Winter Sports Books and Maps.

And this: Poles are a boon (close to a necessity in the minds of some of us), particularly on rough terrain with a pack. Poles allow you to extend your stride (which is more efficient) and to balance yourself better while crossing streams and descending steep slopes. Why do you think mountain goats have four legs? No, you can't use X-C ski poles, unless they're adjustable. The right length will be close to your length for trekking poles.