While it presents a challenging hike in the summer season, crossing New Hampshire’s Presidential Traverse in the wintertime is an entirely different experience. The iconic 23-mile long mountaineering marathon crests 9 major peaks above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). The Traverse mostly extends above the treeline, with unyielding snow, sleet, and fierce winds enhancing the rough atmosphere. Expect long, freezing days spent in high winds and total whiteouts. The Presidential Traverse is a journey that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and it requires serious skill and preparation.However, those skilled and brave enough to undertake this journey in the White Mountains will experience some of the most breathtaking untouched wilderness and snow-capped vistas in the US. Not to mention the bragging rights that come with braving one of the greatest mountaineering challenges in this part of the world!
Over 23 miles of breathtaking alpine terrain to conquer
Experience the panoramic views from some of New Hampshire’s tallest peaks
Face your fears on one of the most challenging mountaineering routes in North America
Take on New Hampshire’s biggest mountaineering challenge in this winter tour of the stunning Presidential Traverse! Experience the rugged, but beautiful wilderness in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Join your experienced local mountaineering guide and push your mountaineering skills to the limit on one of the most thrilling mountaineering routes in the world!
Meet your guides and undergo a gear check. Your guides will help you with parking, as well as securing any necessary supplies for your traverse.
The Traverse begins! Spend the whole day crossing the harsh winter terrains of the Presidentials. Spend the night at the RMC Grey Knob Hut.
See big miles across the remaining peaks before reaching the Highland Center in Crawford Notch. Pick up your car and return to your guide’s Bunkhouse upon completion of the tour.
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:
What’s not included:
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:
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:
Mountaineering in the Presidential Traverse can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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.
