Lincoln Lafayette Skiing?

[PowSeeker]

Does anyone know if it is possible to ski down any significant portion of the old Bridal Path or falling waters trail? Its been a while since I've hiked them and can't remember how open they get below treeline?

Any other suggestions for a good place to test out a new AT setup?

Thanks

 

[bobandgeri]

Probably depends on your ability :> Other places that come to mind though are Garfield, the Glades on Hale, Madison/Adams, and Carrigan. I'm sure others will chime in with many more places.

 

[DougPaul]

Both trails are steep and narrow. That said, it is my understanding the OBP has been skied. (I'm not sure I could even skin up parts of the OBP...) Don't know about FWT.

As bobandgeri said, it depends on your ability and a scarcity of hikers on your chosen day.

Moosilauke is a classic ski mountain with several routes and some skiable snowfields near the summit. Garfield, Chocorua, Cannon (west side BC skiing), Gulf of Slides, Tuckerman Ravine, Great Gulf and Oakes Gulf might also be of interest.

I suggest that you pick up a copy of one of the backcountry skiing guides by David Goodman. They cover all of the above and more.

Doug

 

[David Metsky]

While I'm sure they have been skied, there are better places to ski in the Whites and there are even better places to ski on Franconia Ridge.

 

[whans]

Katahdin...

http://www.famousinternetskiers.com/trip-reports/09-10/roadside-katahdin-coolers/



Love this quote:

With an audience of snowshoers collectively realizing they chose the wrong sport, I dropped in...

They didn't ski the trails, but......

 

[David Metsky]

Yup, those guys are a few of the best skiers in New England. Don't follow them unless you know what you are doing, and even then don't follow them.

 

[dug]

I've messed around on the OBP, and it was doable. But, there was too much traffic and the trail gets broken out into a snow-show trough, so it turns into a standing luge run.

There are lots of open hardwood areas to bail. But, as mentioned, I'd look elsewhere.

 

[TEO]

Yup, those guys are a few of the best skiers in New England. Don't follow them unless you know what you are doing, and even then don't follow them.

Uh, Dave, don't sell New England short. Greg is an outstanding skier, a really nice guy, and he certainly skis some gnarly lines, but don't forget that Bode Miller, Jimmy Cochran and his cousins, Nolan Kaspar are all New Englanders--these guys are some of the best skiers in not just New England, but the world.

 

[roadtripper]

FYI, there is new book out on backcountry ski areas in New England: http://amcstore.outdoors.org/amcstore/product.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3021&pf_id=PACOADFKJLOBHDIM

Doesn't cover Lincoln/Lafayette, but covers a lot of cool places.

 

[surf88]

If you get up lafayette with AT gear there is an amazing looking slide path on the back side heading towards Lincoln that has been descended by a friend of mine, and has been on my to-do list for a bit. Just dont forget to bring your Avi skills.

 

[PowSeeker]

Thanks for all the input guys. I wouldn't have expected much ski traffic on these trails given the couple times I've been there. I'd say if there was a good snow dump before the wknd I'd be more likely to give it a shot but this storm looks too far south. I have an old version of Goodman's book and figured he left these out for a reason. Those would be my usual destinations, but the girlfriend wants to hike this loop for her bday so I'll probably bring my new splitboard along and just ride what I feel is in my ability level if there isn't too much traffic. No shame walking for me. Ok maybe a little.

Thanks again
-B