Mountaineering on the Presidential Traverse

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire, please refer to New Hampshire’s COVID-19 guidelines for out-of-state visitors.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local mountaineering guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Two full days of mountaineering
  • Transportation from Glen to the trailhead and back

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Glen, NH
  • Accommodations (available at the guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH)
  • Technical climbing equipment
  • Food and snacks

The Presidential Traverse is extremely strenuous, and a serious undertaking for even the most experienced mountaineers. Participants should be in terrific physical shape and have extensive winter hiking and camping experience. Also, the weather above the treeline can be extreme and participants should be prepared for exposure to high winds and arctic temperatures.

This tour is meant for experienced mountaineers. You should already be well-versed in crampon techniques for ascending, descending, and slow travel, basic self-arrest, as well as rappelling techniques. You should also be comfortable using avalanche safety equipment and familiar with optimal avalanche safety skills. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. This is a challenging trip that minimizes the amount of time available for education, so you should come prepared.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack with waist strap (around a 30-40L bag)
  • Crampons
  • Ice ax
  • Helmet
  • Warm hat
  • Buff or neck gaiter
  • Ball hat or sun hat
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Medium weight gloves
  • Heavy insulated mittens
  • Light insulating layer or softshell top
  • Hardshell jacket with hood
  • Insulated parka
  • Climbing pants
  • Hardshell pants
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Gaiters
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Most of the required equipment can be rented from your guide’s affiliate at a 20% discount. If you need to rent any equipment, contact us to make arrangements.
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 3:1.
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to mountaineer with friends and family!

Mountaineering in the Presidential Traverse can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has mountaineers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the Presidential Traverse, most people fly into Portland International Jetport. From there, you can rent a car and take a 2-hour drive to Glen, NH, or take a bus to Naples American Legion and take a taxi, which will take you around 2h15min total.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH, or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.