Finally!  Here is some info about the AMC ski trip near Pinkham Notch on Feb 23-24. There were several questions that I hope are addressed below. Feel free to contact me or another leader about any questions not addressed. You'll need to mail a check to register and please provide additional info so we can better plan our trip. If you are registering a friend, we need their email or phone number as well so everyone can read the trip details and gear list.

Harvard cabinHarvard Cabin FAQs
  1. What ski tours and experience level is needed?
  2. What type of gear is needed?
  3. Who are the leaders for this weekend?
  4. What is Harvard Cabin like?
  5. How do I register for this trip?
  6. What is the cancellation policy?
What ski tours and experience level is needed?
We plan to offer three ski options each day: an advanced-intermediate backcountry tour, an intermediate-plus backcountry tour, and track skiing at a touring center (such as Jackson). The trails we ski will depend on conditions and the interest of participants. The backcountry tours for this weekend will be rated "most and more difficult." Expect to descend some steep pitches (telemark turns not required), climb some long hills, and negotiate stream crossings and blowdowns. You should be capable of skiing black-diamond trails at ski touring centers and have the stamina to spend 6-7 hours on the trail. You and the leader need to assess your ability for the appropriate tour du jour. Jackson touring center and Great Glen are great backup plans if conditions are icy or your ability doesn't match the tours. Please be honest and candid about your fitness and ability levels. Nobody wants you to overextend yourself or hold the group back. There are plenty of good options available here. Here is a proposed itinerary if conditions are good.

For Sat, (1) Wildcat valley backcountry tour, (2) Connie's Way backcountry tour from Pinkham Notch, and (3) Jackson or Great Glen touring center. For Sun, (1) Sherburne trail backcountry tour, (2) Great Gulf and Hayes Copp trail backcountry tour, and (3) Jackson touring center. The leaders might choose a different tour depending on conditions and group preferences.
    Wildcat valley tour ascends the Wildcat chair lift and skis down the backside, down a narrow trail and eventually links into Jackson area; a 6.5 mile tour and a total decent of 3000'. The most difficult part of this tour is the decent off the top and requires ability to control your speed on a narrow backcountry trail and deal with blind turns. Blowdowns are a problem here so you need to be able to stop suddenly and negotiate around these obstacles. This is considered an advanced-intermediate trail since most of the slopes are moderate steepness, but all the backcountry obstacles and variable snow conditions will apply.
Connie's Way backcountry trail begins at Pinkham Notch and heads north 3 miles to the Mt. Washington auto road. The trail is full of ups and downs with a net 250' down on the way out. There are 3-4 stream crossings. This is a popular ski trail so it is likely to have been skied. Tour difficulty: intermediate-+ because of a few steep places.
The Sherburne trail also starts at Pinkham notch and climbs up a steep, wide road (Tuckerman Ravine trail) that requires skins or possible boot pack up, depending on snow conditions. This trail climbs about 2000' in about 2 miles to Hermit Lake, where we might continue further up, depending on conditions and group preferences (and equipment). The descent is often a packed trail similar to an intermediate ski trail (blue square) at a resort, except there are no groomers so the snow is whatever is on the ground. There are some steep pitches and natural obstacles, such as water bars, rocks, and moguls. Consider this an advanced or intermediate tour, depending on snow conditions
The beginning of the Great Gulf is wide and gentle. Gradually, the trail narrows and steepness increases with several stream crossings. The final pitch brings you to the scenic "Bluff" with views of the Presidentials. Elevation gain 950'. On the way down, we'll explore the rolling ups and downs of the  Hayes Copp Trail maintained (sometimes groomed) by the Forest Service. Tour difficulty: advanced intermediate because of the steep pitch getting up to the Bluff.

What type of gear is needed?
Backcountry tours will require backcountry skis and boots. The Sherburne trail tour requires telemark or alpine touring gear.
Backcountry skis are wider than track skis and have metal edges with a more robust binding. Backcountry boots are similar to light hiking boots and must fit the binding on your ski. Contact a leader if you're uncertain about which skis you have and contact Cindy if your skis don't have metal edges.

Who are the leaders for this weekend?
Jeff Barrell (jbarrell@yahoo.com)  (Hm) 617-964-1246
Phil Mecagni (pmecagni@hotmail.com)
Cindy Bates (cbates@smith.alumnae.net) (Hm) 617-325-9967
Ben Klass (ben.klass@cognex.com)

What is Harvard Cabin like?
The cabin is ~50 meters off the highway about 6 miles before Pinkham Notch. The cabin can accomodate 25 persons with a common room, kitchen, and sleeping loft. You'll want a Warm  sleeping bag for Friday night because the cabin is unheated during the week. There is a well inside and outhouse outside (conveniently separated). Everyone in the group will be involved with preparation or clean up of at least one meal. A detailed list of things to bring will be sent with trip details.

How do I register for this trip?
We need $65 (AMC members) or $75 (non-members) paid to Cynthia B. Bates and the following info. This covers lodging, breakfasts, and dinner Sat night (not lunches).
Mail to: Cindy Bates
1532 Centre St  #3
Roslindale, MA
    02131

What is the cancellation policy?
This trip is going regardless of weather or conditions. Nobody really wants to cancel a trip, but emergencies do happen. We'll  refund your full deposit with 7 days notice prior to Friday night (22nd), no questions asked. We can refund 25-50% of your deposit if you cancel during the week prior to the trip, depending on whether food has been purchased already. There are simply no refunds for no-shows. Please let Cindy know ASAP (call her) if you have to cancel.