Interest in winter hiking groups/training - NH

[BBrad121]

I have a keen interest in starting winter hiking this coming season.

I'm curious if there are any groups that organize hikes to the accessible AMC huts in the winter months in New Hampshire.

 

[Ear Drum]

Some things to try:

AMC - they run a winter hiking program. I think you can find info on the general site for the AMC, as well as from both the Boston and NH chapters.
https://amcnh.org/
https://amcboston.org/
https://www.outdoors.org/

I've also run into Sierra Club groups in the Whites, though that was summer.

Hiking Buddies NH 48 - a Facebook group designed to connect folks for hikes
https://www.facebook.com/groups/956560951448114

MeetUp - I haven't looked this site specifically for hikes but it's generally used for group events.
here's a group in NH: https://www.meetup.com/4seasonshikingclub/

You could also hire a guide to go with you, and teach you some skills. I've heard good things about Redline. They have a "winter" page under "education" on their website with info on a course.
https://redlineguiding.com/

A good place to learn is SOLO in Conway. I took their excellent Wilderness First Aid last winter, and we did some of the exercises outside. You also meet a bunch of good folks there.
https://soloschools.com/

Winter is inherently more dangerous than summer, so please learn about the hazards, the techniques, gear, skills etc. Be ready to turn around before you reach your limit; be well aware of the weather, and so on. It's also a wonderful time to be in the mountains - less bugs and sweat.

On a popular trail, on a good or mild winter day, starting in the morning on a weekend - you won't be alone. A lesser peak, mid-week, bad weather - you may be alone. So, it is possible to just meet folks on trail.

 

[focusonbalance]

AMC Worcester Chapter also runs a winter hiking program, inside clinic is 11/2 and then progressive hiking series follows

 

[btzimr]

AMC NH Chapter runs two, weekend-long, winter schools at Cardigan Lodge. One workshop is in January, the other in February. There are openings in both weekends.

The NH Chapter also offers a very well run Winter Hiking Series (WHS). This series is targeted to those actively hiking the 4's, and for those that would like to learn how to safely hike 4's both below and above treeline. This year's '24 WHS is full, but signups for the '25 will open next August.

 

[NH2112]

I was a member of the 4 Seasons Hiking Club before moving to NW Maine 6 years ago and went on a few weekend winter hikes with them - Tecumseh, Moriah, and Roberts & Faraway - as well as some after-work weeknight hikes. It was a well-organized group, members (then, anyway) showed up on time and events started pretty close to the advertised start time.