About This Route
The Tuckerman Ravine route offers world-class backcountry snowboarding accessible via the Appalachian Trail near Pinkham Notch in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Start from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, following the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, which intersects with AT sections. This 2.3-mile ascent gains 2,200 feet to the ravine's floor, then climb the headwall for descents. Popular for corn snow in spring, it draws expert riders seeking steep chutes like the Lip and Center Bowl. Follow National Park Service protocols and Mount Washington Avalanche Center forecasts for safe conditions.
Safety Considerations
Backcountry snowboarding here demands expert skills; avalanches are the top killer, with historical slides claiming lives. Check mwac.ecows.org daily for danger ratings. Stay in control per National Ski Patrol's Your Responsibility Code: yield to uphill traffic, avoid stopping in runouts. Spring corn cycles require timing runs for 10am to 2pm freeze-thaw windows. Watch for rockfall, ice bulges, and crevasses hidden under snow. Hypothermia risks spike in whiteouts; wind chills hit -50F. Obey Leave No Trace: pack out waste, avoid cutting switchbacks. Beginners banned; intermediates scout first.
Essential Gear
Pack an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe (REI Co-op essentials), helmet (Giro or Smith), snowboard with alpine bindings (Burton Custom), skins for ascent, insulated layers (Patagonia Nano Puff), goggles (Anon M4), 40L pack (Osprey Talon), map/compass/GPS (Garmin inReach), first aid kit, headlamp, extra food/fuel. Leash boards to prevent runaways.
Emergency Tips
In avalanche, shout 'avalanche' and escape uphill. Dig out partners using transceiver search patterns. For injury, stabilize, build snow shelter, signal with whistle/mirror. No cell service; use inReach satellite. Self-rescue vital; USFS rangers patrol sporadically. Hypothermia: strip wet layers, share body heat. Evacuate via Huntington Ravine if blocked.