About This Route
The Presidential Traverse is a demanding 20-mile ski tour along the Appalachian Trail (AT) cresting the Presidential Range in White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire. From Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) Madison Spring Hut trailhead to Mount Washington Cog Railway base, pass peaks like Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, and Monroe. Elevations 4,000 to 6,288 feet yield corniced ridges and bowl skiing; snowpack hits 10+ feet per Mount Washington Observatory records. This route demands alpine touring skills; respect AMC winter protocols and USFS backcountry permits.
Safety Considerations
Extreme weather defines this zone: 231 mph gusts recorded, per Observatory data; 80% above-tree-line exposure amplifies rime ice and whiteouts. Follow NSAA code: control speed, avoid cornices over 10 feet. Avalanches moderate (Class 2-3); check Sawtooth Avalanche Center forecasts for ridge slabs. Crevasse-like slots form in Great Gulf; probe ahead. Lightning rare but summer-like storms possible; bail via Gulfside Trail. Travel with partner; minimum party of three advised by AMC. Wildlife minimal, but moose encounters increase in deep snow.
Essential Gear
Dynafit backcountry skis with Hoji bindings; La Sportiva boots. Black Diamond Guide beacon, shovel, 240cm probe. Patagonia Nano Puff jacket, Rab expedition pants. SPOT Gen4 satellite tracker; Black Diamond Recon skis for variable crust. Jetboil stove for melts; Gregory Beacon 45L pack. Emergency bivvy from SOL.