Ski Tuckerman Ravine
A guide’s advice on skiing Tux, plus guided days February–May
How to Ski Tuckerman Ravine
Tuckerman is the most famous spring skiing in the East and one of the most misunderstood. It’s a steep, avalanche-prone alpine bowl on the east side of Mount Washington with no lifts, no patrol, and weather that changes by the hour. Here’s what you need to know, from a guide who works on this mountain all season.
When to go
Most people ski Tucks in spring, from roughly late March into May, when the snowpack consolidates and the days get long. Earlier in the season it’s a winter avalanche environment. Timing is everything: the same line can be firm and dangerous at 9am and perfect corn at noon.
The approach
Start at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Route 16 and hike the Tuckerman Ravine Trail about 2.4 miles to the Hermit Lake area at the base of the bowl. Plan on about two hours with skis on your pack.
Choosing a line
First-timers usually start on Hillman’s Highway or Right Gully, where the pitch is more forgiving and the consequences are lower. The Lip and the steeper lines in the main bowl are serious terrain, and the Headwall lines are expert-only. Pick your line from the bottom, not the top.
Quick Info
Duration Typical day is 8am-4pm
Group Size 4:1 max
Season February-May
Skill Level Expert resort rider
Difficulty Hard- skiing here is “double black diamond”
“Awesome day at Tuckerman’s for a first timer. They made the day safe, fun and relaxed. Highly recommend Vertex form your next adventure.”
★★★★★
-Matt B, Massachusetts
Avalanche and spring hazards
Check the Mount Washington Avalanche Center forecast before you go, every time. In spring the danger shifts to icefall from the headwall, undermined snow and holes near rocks, and long sliding falls on firm snow. Most accidents here aren’t bad luck. They’re bad timing and the wrong line.
Gear
Skis or a splitboard you trust on steep snow, boots you can bootpack in, a helmet, and layers for wind on the approach. On firm days, crampons and an ice axe for the climb. In avalanche season, beacon, shovel, and probe, and the training to use them.
When a guide makes sense
If it’s your first time, if you’re stepping up to steeper lines, or if you want to learn to read conditions instead of following the crowd, a guided day takes out the guesswork. We pick the line and the timing, coach your skiing on steep snow, and teach you how to make these calls yourself next time.
Skiing Tucks this spring? Take AIARE 1 this winter. Learn to read avalanche terrain before you drop in.
Book a guided Tuckerman day. Max 4 skiers per guide, February–May.
Booking Details
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Guiding and instruction with an IFMGA Guide
Beacon, shovel and probe provided. As well as crampons and ice ax.
We have a small selection of ski touring kit. We will be in touch about borrowing our gear or pointing you in the direction for rentals.
Pre ski check in and post ski follow ups
Pre ski check in and post ski follow ups
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CLICK HERE for a detailed list of what you are responsible for bringing for a day of backcountry skiing.
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Our default timeframe is 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are happy to work with you and decide on a time frame to meet your needs.
Certain times of the year may dictate an earlier or later start time. We will discuss your specific day ahead of time.
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We will most likely meet at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center to start our day in Tuckerman Ravine.
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CLICK HERE to view our cancelation and weather polices.
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CLICK HERE to view answers to frequently asked questions.
Got Questions?
We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!
