Snowshoeing to the huts

[king tut]

What is the best hut to snowshoe to and sleep in somewhere in the Whites? I am considering a trip sometime this winter, don't care too much about bagging any peaks, just want to have some fun, good views. Also, are there any huts where i could do some backcountry skiing from, kind of like tuckerman's? Just downhill skiing, not any nordic skiing.

 

[Jim lombard]

Greenleaf is nice. Good views and excellent snowshoeing around there.

 

[poison ivy]

Greenleaf won't fit the bill if you want to sleep in the hut, as it is closed at this time of year. I've stayed at both Carter and Zealand in winter (and will stay at Lonesome Lake later on this year) and enjoyed them both. I can't comment on the skiing since I'm not a skier.

- Ivy

 

[David Metsky]

Zealand is the hut of choice for skiing. The approach is the longest and very gentle, making it a quick ski in. You can ski through Zealand Notch and out Ethan Pond or Shoal Pond trails, there are some nice glades to ski between the hut and Zeacliff, and you can go all the way across the Pemi if you choose. Nothing like Tuckerman (there's really nothing like that anywhere other than Washington anywasy) but the Caretaker Glades are quite nice.

Lonesome and Carter are both good snowshoe trips. There is some skiing around Carter, namely down the Wildcat ski area after the hiking/skiing the ridge or down the Carter Dome trail, but both of those will involve some climbing with skis on your back. Neither resembles Tucks but both can be fine skis.

Those are the only three huts open in winter.

-dave-

 

[Waumbek]

Unless you really want to stay in an AMC hut, try the Timberland Trail yurts, which replace the old Phillips Brook yurt system, in No. NH and Maine. These do not have caretakers and sleep 6 (3 bunks). You will need a reservation although you shouldn't have any trouble outside of the two big holiday weekends in Jan. and Feb. The bunks have mattresses, there is a propane cook top and minimal cooking gear, kerosene (or gas?) lantern, and a woodstove with wood. One or two are drive-in, others you must ski or snowshoe into.