Presi Traverse

For those who have completed the winter traverse is early or late winter the best option--is a guide necessary (ability intermediate), if so any reccomendations from personal experience

Thanks Much!

I assume you mean the Presidential's traverse in the white mountains, NH. I don't think it matters too much whether you go in late or early winter - Late winter you might run the risk of the cairns being buried. The most important thing is to pick a really nice day. As far as being guided, I suspect that if you question your ability to do what amounts to a long cold walk, a guide might be a good idea. On the other had, there are trails everywhere and if you get into trouble (and as long as you're not lost) it's only a few hours from the tops to somewhere out of the wind in the trees, or even to a road, hut, pinkham notch.

And, your best option is to do it in a long day - fast and light. Don't think about doing anything silly like camping up there like I did when I was younger and stupider than I am now.

Have fun

I would agree. If you are in good shape and you get a decent weather forecast, the North to South traverse is a great hike. There are MANY escape options as well, however if you are not accustom to how bad the weather can get, you could be in for a serious treat.

If you decide you want to break it down into a few days, there is some great detailed information on this site:

chauvinguides.com/PresiTrav…

I hired Marc a few years ago to help me with my Trad climbing and I have also attended some of his other courses. He's a reputable guide with a lot of experience to offer.

-Jason

I did it February- once- Did it over a couple of days it was cold as you probably already know.Luckily the weather held, so it was clear and cold! Need good nav skills if the cairns are covered.

If you are going to higher someone, I will vouch for Marc. (Chauvin) When I was still living back east someone broke into my friend's at the base of Cathedral. Marc saw the police there and asked me what happened. He offered money and a place to stay! Plus he's been guiding there probably forever, so he's got the experience.

Make sure you know your bail routes ahead of time when doing that range. One direction puts to do civilization, the other into deep wilderness. In NH, the current attitude of the USFS is that trails in wilderness are not maintained or marked. So even if its on the map, in the wilderness there is no guarantee it is passable once you get below tree line even in summer. Other word of advice if you're not from the area, NH laws are different relating to rescue if you need one.

Thanks for the advice and feedback.

I recognize weather will dramatically impact this but under "normal" conditions how long would you expect a single push to take. Studying the maps and terrain I am thinking 15-20 hours.

After checking out Marc's website I am grateful for the tip.

Have a nice weekend.

I did it in feb. and if there's alot of snow you may not need crampons which could be a good thing because you wouldn't be able to step on your therma rest like I did.

Good fun though.