Starting my trip planning for the Feb 1-4, 2007 attempt of the traverse.

The Presidential Traverse is a standard epic much favored by hikers in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, usually only attempted in the summer in favorable weather. This is due to its length (20.8 miles), its ascents and descents (8900 feet of climbing and 8200 feet of descent), and its extensive time in exposure  above treeline (11.5 miles from Madison to Eisenhower).

Ascents of Madison, Adams, Jefferson, (Clay), Washington, Monroe, (Franklin), Eisenhower, Pierce and Jackson.

The goal of a winter Presidential Traverse is simple on paper. Start at the north end of the range and take the weekend to hike between 18 and 24 miles to the south side at Crawford Notch. However, the reality of the situation comes in the form of steep trails, nearly 50 pound backpacks, hiking with crampons, temperatures dropping below zero, fatigue and just plain foul weather. Nearly fifty percent of the time, said guide Dan Doherty, the group will not complete the traverse. Instead, they will bail out to safety. That is part of mountaineering. "If you can't pull off the big goal, you can still have a safe trip," said Doherty.

In the end, packs weigh in the upper 40 pound range. Two three man tents are divided. Fuel bottles and food are distributed. Ice axes, ski poles, crampons, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, goggles, parkas and more are all packed into the bags. Snowshoes are carried during deep snow years.

Links

A group of us went last year. There is only one location on the east coast/northeast where avalanche courses are offered. This is in the Mount Washington area:

Check out: http://www.tuckerman.org/safety/courses.htm

Three course levels:

1. Avalanche Awareness - these are discussions that last about an hour and a half. These are not formal training, these can save lives. This is not really what we want.

   The Level 1 Course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, avalanche terrain, decision making, and rescue. This is an ideal first course for those new to travel in avalanche terrain and a great review or upgrade for anyone who has some experience or prior training but feels they need a skills "tune-up." The Level 1 is designed as a stand-alone course for back-country travellers; it also serves and an introduction to avalanches and is a lead in to the AIARE Level 2 Course for those who wish to progress.