We describe the Presi Traverse as a perfect arena in which to apply skills you’ve already learned – but not a good place to learn them. If you don’t have much mountaineering experience above treeline, or if you haven’t done much winter camping, we recommend you consider one of our other mountaineering programs to prepare. Or, contact us directly to discuss whether the Presi Traverse is a good option for you.
The definition of a true traverse varies, but most would agree that the trip should include a trip up and over each of the mountains in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range. The most popular trek is approximately 21 miles and includes the following summits:
- Madison
- Adams
- Jefferson
- Clay
- Washington
- Monroe
- Eisenhower
- Pierce
The trek is normally done from north to south, starting at the Appalachia trailhead on Route 2 in Jefferson and following Valley Way to the Madison Hut. Most parties want to bag all the summits along the way, but it is possible to do the traverse without hitting all the summits, making it slightly easier and quicker. At the end, after summiting Pierce, you follow the Crawford Path down to Crawford Notch, emerging just across the street from the AMC Highland Center. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can extend your trek after Pierce to include Mt. Jackson and or Mt. Webster (including the latter brings the total distance up near 28 miles).
In winter the trip is usually done in three days, with two nights spent out in tents along the way. You can expect your pack to weigh upwards of 40 lbs, so training with some weight on your back should be considered essential preparation. Winds can sometimes gust up to 70 or 80 mph, so proper face protection including mask and googles is essential.
You’ll learn how to select a safe and protected camping spot, how to dig in, build snow walls, windbreaks, etc. In certain conditions we sometimes leave the tents behind to save weight, and instead dig snow caves or quinzees.
Cost (per person) for the three day traverse (including equipment):
- 1 person: $1415
- 2 person: $1010
- 3 person: $875
- 4 person: $745
- 5 person: $665
Cost includes equipment, such as: boots, crampons, ice axe, snowshoes, stove/fuel, tent. Course participants are responsible for personal gear/clothing, food, sleeping bag and pad. Sleeping bags and selected clothing items such as shell jackets and puffy jackets may be available for rent. If you are interested, please fill out our contact form and we’ll send you our winter gear list.
