Tuckerman Ravine Ski Season Begins

Located on the western flank of New England’s highest peak, Mount Washington, the base of the famed Tuckerman Ravine towers nearly 2,000 feet above Pinkham Notch below. Since the early 20th century, avid skiers from around the world have made the pilgrimage to ski the steep, challenging chutes and gullies unique to the northeast U.S. With the recent evolution of backcountry ski and snowboard touring gear, Tuckerman Ravine, or “Tuck’s,” as it is often referred to by locals, can get extremely busy on weekends from April through June. While many novice skiers make the trek to try their hand at skiing one of the famed lines, or even just to enjoy watching skiers and riders from the base of the ravine, the terrain is advanced and often requires the use of technical gear like crampons, an ice ax, and avalanche safety gear. Skiers typically ascend to the base of the ravine via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, which starts behind the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor’s Center, and use the Sherburne Ski Trail for the descent back to the car. As spring progresses and snow melts, skiers and riders are often required to hike some or all of the way back to the trailhead.