I know the winter videos look exciting to some and dangerous to others. The actual experience is both and I want to show what it can be like. As shown in some of the videos, we are constantly evaluating the risks and sometimes turn around. Every winter there are rescues in the White Mountains and deaths. Hikers don’t take these mountains seriously. When I decided to winter hike the Whites, I joined the Appalachian Mountain Club and took the Winter Hiking Program. The Boston and NH chapters both run a program starting in the late Fall. These programs are run by experienced trip leaders/guides. The programs include classroom and a progression of guided hikes where you will learn about equipment and the challenges of winter hiking. Completing training, you can sign up for guided hikes to the 48 4000 footers or other less aggressive trails where you can apply and develop your skills. In addition to the Winter Hiking Program, the AMC offers a Spring Hiking Program, Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing classes. Other organizations also offer instruction. You can find the AMC at Https://www.outdoors.org. I followed the training progression, made dozens of new friends and have now hiked and led hundreds of trips. Please take this seriously and be safe.

Glad you "loved" it! Yes, I am one of the AMC Leaders that teach mountaineering. Provide your email and I will contact you.

Hi, Thanks for your interest. I know its been a while since I have posed, I have some interesting winter hikes coming up so maybe something new. My notes say the temps were in the low 20s F. Typical cold for the White Mountains, manageable with experience even in the wind with the right equipment. Having to stop for long for any reason would increase the risks dramatically.

@@MrRobertz2012 Thank you for sharing! I've done the same trek in the winter but haven't had to face high winds or low visibility.

Thanks Nick. When it comes to winter hiking, the increase risk needs to be considered always keeping in mind that, as you say, the goal is having a great time.

Me too 😊

The numbers aren't simple, a quick search again: "According to Lieutenant James Kneeland of New Hampshire Fish and Game, 24 of the department's search missions across the state ended with fatalities in 2021, 22 in 2020, and 20 in 2019. (The deaths aren't only of hikers; they include drownings, suicides, and other accidents.)Jan 24, 2023" I always take equipment to survive the night when I hike the Whites. In winter this includes a 0 deg. bag, Bothy bag, ground pad, extra layers depending on expected temperature. I expect the leaders on my hikes to do the same to deal with an injury or unexpected event. I don't pack light and fast, I pack safe and survive. If I can't carry it I should go home.

Climbing Mt. Washington in Winter was on my bucket list for years, but I wanted to do it safely. In 2008 I joined the Appalachian Mountain Club and signed up for the Boston Chapter Winter Hiking Program. Experienced Leaders taught me about winter hiking in the Whites. The Above Treeline Workshop is part of the WHP, and a chance to climb Washington with experienced guides. I highly recommend the Boston AMC Winter Hiking program if you want to winter hike in the White Mountains. The program starts with "classroom" training in the Fall and includes hikes of increasing in difficulty, including Mt. Washington in Above Treeline Workshop. Note, the program fills up quickly. Winter hiking above treeline can include significant unexpected risks, be safe, go with experienced guides.

@@MrRobertz2012 Thank you so much for your response! I joined the AMC this past winter, and I'm on the lookout for the sign-up window to the WHP. My hiking experience began in High School, but had faded by the end of college. I climbed Mt. Tom this past March, and I'm signed up for an overnight next weekend with REI. I agree 100% with the need for training, guided trips, and a firm commitment to a turn-around time, or to retreat before that time if the weather turns. I genuinely appreciate you input and I hope to meet you on the trail!

@@gblakney Hope to see you at the coming Winter Hiking Program, but lets get through summer first.

Thanks, people have different opinions about when to use a rope. I agree good axe work goes a long way to climbing safety. I don't understand your thought that a rope make is more dangerous. I am not sure what you mean by "esp a long leash like that." I don't do this type of climbing often, perhaps you do. I was glad to have a properly anchored rope as part of our climbing system. To your point, a rope is not a excuse for sloppy technique. During this climb, our ice axe and crampon techniques were "good" and the rope was not needed to catch a fall. I was glad to have the rope as a safety that day, I felt it reduced the risk.

Good comment and one that should be noted. I sometimes see things I am doing in a video reflect for improvement. Taking some quotes from Mountaineering Freedom of the Hills: "Whether the rope is clipped through the chest harness ... depends on the situation. ...clipping the chest harness will help them stay upright in case of a fall....Traveling with the chest harness clipped to the rope hampers ability to perform self-arrest in case of a teammate's fall....a good compromise: Clip the climbing rope into the chest harness anytime you cross a snow bridge or otherwise face obvious immediate danger of a crevasse fall." We were constantly crossing crevasses and it seemed appropriate at the time, but the crevasses were visible and stable, so perhaps not good especially considering the slope risk to the right at that time! There was a lot to think about, always trying to get better.

@@MrRobertz2012 Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I really enjoyed your video. I recognized many of the locations. I've done the DC route five times over the past 12 years. It's such an amazing experience to be on big glaciers so close to the city. Climb-on!

@RIP Lil Peep but Lion Head isn’t

Lion Head (5091') is a very distinctive landmark (a rock formation, see video) on an eastern approach to Mount Washington (6288’). Lions Head overlooks Tuckerman's Ravine from the north. The winter Lion Head Trail passes through Lion Head and is intended to keep you out of Tuckerman’s Ravine and reduce the avalanche risk climbing Washington from the east. The rock formation provides some protection from the wind and is often a place to take breaks or consider turning around before exposure to the Alpine Garden where winds are often strong before you are protected by the summit dome and before you summit where winds are strongest. Monroe is on the Western approach to Washington and would not typically involve Lions Head unless you are doing a traverse. Best to take a look at a map.

Glad you enjoy them and yes you can do these with proper training. Along with the fun I am trying to show that its not easy and without experience knowledge of the mountains there is danger and not so much fun. Climb with a guide or experienced group, have a blast like we do!

Yes, count on her, tip of the spear.

Thank you and glad to hear your interest in winter hiking, most days are thankfully not like this. Bright sunny days with a new snowfall are wonderful. It's not uncommon for us to cancel when the weather report is bad. Sometimes the mountains make their own weather and we abort on the trail. Along with the accomplishment we all felt, I wanted this video to show how exhausting and disorienting it can be, how the weather can change over the trail. We would not have done this with a typical group. Breaking trail and navigating was extremely difficult. This group included mostly AMC leaders (guides) with significant winter hiking experience and knowledge of these mountains. When we were on Bond, the last of the peaks, there was a short discussion about tagging Bond Cliff, adding 1.2 miles each way. I know the trail, how the wind funnels through parts of it. I responded "I see dead people." That was the consensus, we returned to the hut and that was difficult enough. There has been an increased interest in hiking in the past few years (COVID escape?) and with that an increase in the number of rescues. Start every hike with the primary objectives of be safe and have fun.

Thank you, stay safe.

HI Matt. Thanks, it was a spectacular day! Have you climbed Hood or do you plan to?

@@MrRobertz2012 It is one of the only Oregon mountains I haven't been up! I tried once. Turned around. Will try again soon hopefully.

@@MattCookOregon Be safe and enjoy.

@@MrRobertz2012 Thanks. ever seen someone carry a snowboard up and ride down?!

@@MattCookOregon Hi Matt. The lower section of Hood is a ski resort. People do leave their ski or snowboards at the Hogs Back so they can ski down, nice if you can do it! A few carried their skis/boards to the summit, I am not sure where they ski down. Couldn't do it on the Pearly Gates, narrow and too many climbers in the way.

Hiking Whitney is not a technical climb. Permits were not easy to get, we had a 1-night permit. Spending some time above 8000’ will help with headaches and you will probably sleep better on the mountain. We climbed Boundary Peek (13147’) that week (see video) then spent a night at the Portal (8900’), hiked to Trail Camp (12,000’, 6 miles), camped the night, left the tent and some gear at the camp, then hit the summit (14,500’, 4.7 miles) and down, stopping to pick up our camping gear and on to the Portal (10.7 miles) the same day. Much of this is carrying an overnight pack some distance and dealing with the altitude. So, strength and fitness are critical for making this fun. Recommendations for the Whites…I expect you mean the NH White Mountains (my home mountains). We hike almost every week all year. The Presidential Range will give you a good workout although not get you used to the high elevation. Carry the pack you expect to take to Whitney, work up to a Southern Presi Traverse (Monroe to Jackson), then a Northern Traverse (Madison to Washington), then the full range, Madison to Jackson, about 20 miles. Comfortable with that and I think you will enjoy your trip!

Thank you, it was an incredible experience. Of the videos I have posted, this one seems to get the most interest. Climbing Rainier the year before (video posted) allowed me to see this one better . COVID has limited our climbs, but we are going to Gannett this July. Expect a video! We are several years older now, still mountaineering. Keep moving.

If you look, the climber in the red jacket has a quiver of flags on his pack. These flags can be placed in the snow to mark critical above treeline trail locations, such as where the trail goes below treeline, which can be used to find the way back.

A day like this can get the adrenaline going but needs to be taken understanding the risks. This was an experienced group with members that know this mountain range very well and was capable of self rescue if needed. Be skilled, hike with skilled people you can trust. The challenge is satisfying!

@@MrRobertz2012 would sure love to be taken along some day.

The hikers on this trip were all members of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Experience varied from a few years to more than 10 years of winter climbing in the White Mountain, most in the second category. All were carefully vetted. My recommendation is to join an organization like the AMC, get the training and experience on hikes of increasing difficulty. Leaders want to know the background of participants as safety depends on everyone.

Using the wide angle lens on the GoPro allows me to shoot mostly hands free. The lens does make the mountain trail look steeper at times. However, if it looks steep on the video, it generally is. The upper part of this trail has some dramatic drops, they are not vertical and the trail can be walked as long as the traction is good. I have a "respect" for heights but have learned to trust my feet. I hope you give it a try.

@@MrRobertz2012 Thanks for the reply, I think I'll give it a shot!

Thanks. Hope you had a chance to climb it. Sitting here in NH it sounds like the western states are melting in the heat.

I am sitting here recovering from a broken leg from a mountain slip. Thanks for making me feel good! Give it a thumbs up if you like. This is one of my best videos, wondering if you have watched any of my other mountaineering videos at MrRobertz2012?

Trail breaking is exhausting but good for the soul! You probably can't tell from the video but when breaking is difficult we rotate the front, with the one in lead going to the back of the line every 50 to 100 steps, it amazing the difference! Some love breaking trail and migrate constantly to the front especially when the going gets tough. The group was strong and I was highly motivated that day to get the summit as long as we were in our safe zone. If out of shape or in a small group, deep snow can get you in trouble. I have found myself waste deep in snow saying "turn around while you can." A note to ALL that COVID put a damper on our big mountain expeditions, nothing this year. Also, I broke my leg in March misjudging the surface on the Tripyramids South Slide, looked like packed snow, it was ice. Expect to be back in the Whites by September.

@MrRobertz2012 - Wow, the video is incredible. Bummer on your Tripyramids experience! How did you get off that mountain with a broken leg, yikes! Sounds so painful.

How the heck did you know where the trail was? That was EPIC. congrats

Thanks, and give the video a thumbs up if you like. Get an AWD/4WD vehicle and take your time, we had to use rocks to fill in some ruts to assure ground clearance. Expect to take it to the car wash after! Hope you have good weather for the climb!

Well, I can't say where people would place this on their "fun" scale. For this group of experienced winter hikers, it was all Type 1.

I appreciate all comments on my videos as I hope they are enjoyable to watch and provide information about climbing mountains you many not have experienced. I don't understand this comment about getting there on a "cow." Responding seriously, it would be against Park rules and highly dangerous for a cow to climb the glaciers on Rainier. Perhaps I have misunderstood.

Thanks Joel, hope you gave it a thumbs up and checked out my other mountaineering videos at MrRobertz2012 on KZbin. Expect to do Gannett in July.

There are outhouses at Camp Muir, 10080'. After that you are required to pack out all your solid waste including your toilet paper, the "blue bag" policy. There was a small area set aside for the "outhouse" at the Ingraham Flats camp site. Privacy is given by maybe a snow wall and the respect of your fellow mountaineers. Basically, pee into the hole in the glacier, poop on the ground, pick it up in a plastic bag and put it in your pack, carry it down. Best to let it freeze first if you can. Think of picking up after your dog. If this policy was not in place the mountain would be covered in waste. People were respectful of this policy when I was there.

@@MrRobertz2012 I was thinking about hiking up there too but No Thanks anymore. The thought of storing waste and bringing it back is just gross. The volcano eruption will clean it out. I don't have dogs so it can't train me to pick up after it poop.

Hi Karre. I have had this question several times and my bottom line is the better shape you are in the more you will enjoy this. Arrive not in great shape and you may be one of the 50% that don't reach the summit. You can't control the weather but don't let your conditioning be the reason you don't summit. If you are going on a guided climb, I understand you will carry about 30 to 35 pounds up to your high camp, so workout with this. If you are self guided and multi-day, expect to carry 55 to 60 lbs. Get your legs and cardio in the best shape possible by running, biking, elliptical or other workouts. Push it hard but don't injure yourself. If you have mountains you can get to, hike with the heavy pack. If you are not familiar with winter hiking take a winter hiking class, glacier travel if possible (the Rainier guides will go over this). If, like me, you live near sea level, see if you can arrive several days in advance and day hike up the mountain, I recall we went to about 7000' which is below the glacier. We also try to sleep as high as we can before a climb. Paradise Inn is at 5400'. This won't "acclimate" your body much but we find it helps with the headaches. Enjoy the climb and drop a note after you summit!

Samuel, I am aware of the deaths in the White Mountains, I try to learn from each and am saddened by all. Even experienced hikers can get into trouble, especially in winter. We were a very experienced group, I hope the video portrays the difficulty and risks that can be encountered along with the value of having a strong team to stay safe.

I have not been to Mt. Adams. At 12,227' Adams is taller than Mt. Hood's 11,237' so you will experience climbing at altitude. Both include glaciers, Adams should give you some experience using the equipment needed to climb snow and ice. I have read that "The South Climb (or Lunch Counter Approach) of Mount Adams is the one that requires the least amount of technical expertise. However, ice axes, trekking poles, and crampons or microspikes (depending on the season) are required to summit." From this I expect Mt. Hood is steeper than this approach to Adams. As with any mountain, there are alternative ways to the top which may require different skill levels.