Winter Presidential Traverse v3.0 — 10 Peaks day hike
🥾 North to South | Full-Day Winter Mountaineering Challenge
Join us for a demanding winter traverse of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, summiting all 10 peaks from north to south (SOBO). This is a serious endurance challenge in exposed alpine terrain, planned for a favorable winter weather window.
📅 Date — TBD, Weather Window Dependent
The date will be selected when a suitable weather window develops. We will monitor the forecast for wind, temperature, visibility, snowfall, and trail conditions before committing. The route may be shortened, modified, or canceled if conditions are unsafe. Completing all 10 peaks is the objective, but safety takes priority.
🚗 Meeting Point & Start Plan
Meet: Saco Lake parking area, by 3:30 AM
Carpool: Drive together to the Appalachia Trailhead
Hike start: Approximately 4:30 AM
Direction: SOBO (north to south), aiming to summit all 10 peaks
Please arrive on time with all gear packed, food and water ready, and winter equipment accessible. The early start is essential for maximizing daylight on this long winter traverse.
Transportation coordination: We will coordinate drivers and available seats in advance. Please confirm whether you can drive and how many passengers you can accommodate.
Important: The schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change. We will confirm the meeting time, trailhead logistics, and go/no-go decision once a suitable winter weather window is identified.
🏔️ Route — 10 Peaks, North to South
Mount Madison — 5,367 ft
Mount Adams — 5,774 ft
Mount Jefferson — 5,712 ft
Mount Clay — 5,533 ft
Mount Washington — 6,288 ft
Mount Monroe — 5,372 ft
Mount Franklin — approximately 5,000 ft
Mount Eisenhower — 4,760 ft
Mount Pierce — 4,310 ft
Mount Jackson — 4,052 ft
Distance: Approximately 20 miles.
Elevation gain: Approximately 9,000 feet.
Duration: The traverse may take 14–18+ hours depending on conditions and group pace.
🎒 Minimum Required Gear
Clothing and insulation
Insulated, winter-compatible mountaineering boots
Moisture-wicking base layers
Warm midlayer and substantial insulating jacket
Waterproof/windproof shell jacket and pants
Warm hat, neck protection, and insulated gloves or mittens
Spare gloves and dry insulating layers
Traction and mountain travel
Snowshoes appropriate for deep snow and winter terrain
Microspikes or other traction for suitable icy trail conditions
Trekking poles with snow baskets
Safety and navigation
Headlamp with spare batteries or backup light
Map and compass, plus GPS/offline navigation
Fully charged phone in a warm pocket
Emergency bivy or equivalent emergency shelter
First-aid kit, whistle, and fire-starting supplies
Eye protection and sun protection
Food and water
Sufficient food for an exceptionally long, strenuous day, plus emergency reserves
Insulated water bottles or a winter-capable hydration system
A plan to prevent water from freezing
Equipment must be appropriate for the actual forecast and terrain. Snowshoes, traction devices, crampons, and an ice axe are not interchangeable; the final equipment requirements will be confirmed before the hike.
👣 Who Should Join?
Experienced, physically fit winter hikers only. Participants must have prior experience with winter mountain travel, exposed ridgelines, navigation, and their own equipment.
Be prepared for severe wind chill, rapidly changing weather, limited daylight, and a demanding sustained pace. Everyone must be willing to turn around or abandon the objective if conditions deteriorate.
This is not a beginner hike. Each participant is responsible for arriving properly equipped, prepared, and capable of handling the conditions.
Let's aim for all 10 peaks in one unforgettable winter traverse—when the mountains give us a safe opportunity.
Final go/no-go decision, start time, route, and equipment requirements will depend on the weather forecast, trail conditions, daylight, and group readiness.
⚠️ Assumption of Risk & Organizer Disclaimer
Participation in this winter Presidential Traverse is entirely voluntary and at each participant’s own risk.
Winter mountaineering involves inherent and potentially life-threatening hazards, including but not limited to severe weather, extreme cold, high winds, ice, falls, injuries, hypothermia, frostbite, exhaustion, getting lost, and delayed or unavailable emergency rescue.
The organizer is not responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, accident, or other harm that may occur before, during, or after this event, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Each participant is solely responsible for evaluating their physical fitness, experience, equipment, and ability to undertake this hike; making their own decisions; carrying appropriate supplies; and accepting the risks associated with winter mountain travel.
The organizer makes no guarantee regarding weather, trail conditions, summit success, route completion, or participant safety. The route, schedule, or event may be changed, shortened, postponed, or canceled at the organizer’s discretion.
By participating, you acknowledge and voluntarily accept the inherent risks of this activity. You are responsible for your own safety and conduct throughout the event.
If you are unwilling or unable to accept these risks, do not participate.