Mount Lafayette...?

Submitted by Sky-Grey t3_10gl6oc in newhampshire

Me (f25) and my boyfriend (m24) are avid hikers and we're just starting to cross the line to mountaineering. We're looking at hiking Mount Lafayette in New Hampshire at the beginning of February. That being said we've done some winter hiking around Michigan as that's where we're from but nothing with a lot of elevation. We know that we need to pick up some heavier winter gear for hiking up to and at that elevation. But because we're kind of inexperienced when it comes to hiking at elevation I have some questions...

  1. Is mount Lafayette going to be too much to handle at the beginning of February for a first trek?

  2. What kind of experience is needed to do something like this?

  3. Is the trek a good beginner climb for people looking to get their feet wet when it comes to mountaineering?

  4. Does anyone have any tips on how to go about the transition from hiking to mountaineering?

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LuckyMacAndCheese t1_j53j7u7 wrote

I probably wouldn't do Lafayette or the Franconia Ridge as a first winter hike. There have been a few deaths up there recently from inexperienced/ill prepared hikers...

Look into Mount Pierce or Mount Jackson, both 4kers with nice views, both get above treeline but not excessive. They are solid first winter mountain hikes, as you can duck back into the shelter of treeline relatively easily if needed (if you didn't quite dial your gear right, or the weather turns).

You might also want to head over to r/wmnf for good tips.

As for breaking into mountaineering, agree with poster who suggested a guide or taking a mountaineering course.

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surfunky t1_j58bunn wrote

I would second Mt. Pierce. I led an outdoor club trip with high schoolers up there and it was manageable as long as you are well prepared. I suppose that’s all relative… but if you have to ask what that means then you aren’t ready…

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Moose835 t1_j53irk0 wrote

For your last question; I would take a mountaineering course or join a climbing gym and learn to climb, I recommend this as it would teach you valuable rope handling skills for your future endeavors.

Just a heads up, the whites seem to be chewing people up without remorse lately, what ever you do, don't be afraid to turn around, the mountain will be there tomorrow.

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Umbert360 t1_j582440 wrote

Yeah haven’t three people died on that ridge already this winter? Lafayette’s tough in the winter, for me it was tougher than Washington but that really depends on the conditions. Anything above tree line can turn bad quick in the winter, especially on the Franconia Ridge where bad weather comes blind over Cannon

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Alphatron1 t1_j5gyjhc wrote

So. My dad used to make us do Franconia ridge trail with only a gallon of water and a can of herring (I’m really not joking). I don’t remember any need for ropes has anything changed? My girlfriend and I have been meaning to Climb it for the last few summers but every time we get up to the whites there’s some issue and we tend to do easier hikes. I thought it would be a good one (Lafayette) for her because it’s not as open and bald like monadnock. This is all summer hiking btw.

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Moose835 t1_j5h1rus wrote

The ropes are in reference to ops interest in mountaineering, Franconia ridge has no need for ropes. Herring!? That's quite the trail snack. I don't particularly care for most the trails because they all seem similar to me, my go to trails are welch dickey loop and caps ridge on mt Jefferson. Probably wouldn't be your girlfriends cup of tea as they're both pretty exposed.

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Alphatron1 t1_j5hqlqm wrote

Yeah I’ll keep those in mind for the future. The story I tell everyone is the time we went to Acadia. And she was all excited for something called the beehive. Then we saw it from the park loop road then did the trail around the base with the dogs. It’ll get her up there one day.

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Cullen7777 t1_j53f38p wrote

Lafayette is more of a hike than a mountaineering route. IMO you should do more winter hiking before you try mountaineering. That will give you time to dial in your basic clothing, equipment, and safety systems.

I hired a guide for my first course. After that I did meetups and met various partners through messages boards

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Cullen7777 t1_j53flge wrote

There’s quite a few guide services in the Mount Washington Valley that offer an intro to mountaineering as well as guided ascents of Mount Washington or some of the routes in Crawford Notch. Synnott Mountain Guides is run by a friend. Give them a try.

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Sky-Grey OP t1_j53hdai wrote

If we wanted to do more winter hiking before mountaineering would you recommend Lafayette?

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Cullen7777 t1_j53i91u wrote

It depends. Do you have whiteout navigation experience? If the answer’s no, then be very careful about the weather forecast. It’s doable, but you need to hit good weather. Also, just because the forecast doesn’t call for snow doesn’t mean there won’t be snow available for wind transport…pay attention to forecasted wind speeds. Have a backup plan. Most importantly remember the mountain will be there in the future.

Mount Washington Observatory publishes a daily Higher Summits Forecast.

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NckMcC t1_j55vex3 wrote

you should probably be tackling a couple of these in summer time first before you consider an attempt in winter. 22 people died in the Whites in 2022. It’s a different planet up there!

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[deleted] t1_j53wzrp wrote

If you want to feel comfortable, hire a mountaineering guide to teach you some basics. I also recommend Synnott.

The elevation is not a big deal… but the weather/temperature above treeline can be an issue.

Experience: do you know when you’ll need crampons versus microspikes in various terrain? Do you know what to do/how to navigate in whiteout conditions? Do you factor in windspeed and windchill when looking at weather forecasts? Do you know when an ice axe is necessary, and how to self-arrest? Do you carry an emergency shelter when winter hiking? Goggles? Do you own boots that can take a crampon? Do you know what a rest step is? French technique?

Honestly, some of what I’m saying is overkill (the only times I’ve self-arrested while winter hiking in the Whites have been for fun/practice) but it’s also a good comfort level/knowledge base for beginner mountaineering. You can definitely teach yourself, lots of info online. But it’s also nice to pick the brain of an expert and have someone talk you through various scenarios, if you are willing to spend the money.

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itsMalarky t1_j59v1a0 wrote

Agreed on all points here.

​

I mentioned knowing how to self-arrest as well, and yeah...it's overkill. Only time I've ever had to do it was in Tucks when I slipped and started sliding down the headwall on my belly....but knowing how definitely made me feel more confident and prevented me from panicking.

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[deleted] t1_j5a3pyn wrote

Washington’s ravines are absolutely places where it could come in handy! And peace of mind/confidence is always worth it.

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no0bslayer9 t1_j54a2kw wrote

I think Moosilauke is a reasonable first winter hike if you really haven't done much in the Whites before. It is relatively easy going up Gorge Brook with a well defined trail, and if bad weather comes it is fairly sheltered in the trees most of the way, and a quick run down to the treeline from the summit. It is not mountaineering.

If you want a mountaineering hike in the Whites, things like Flume Slide, North slide in the Tripyramids, the Chimney in the Osceolas, or some crazy shit on Mt Washington would be my go tos. But I wouldn't do that without some guided practice.

That said, Lafayette kicks ass and if the weather is good it is hard to beat.

Bring usual winter gear like gloves, microspikes, goggles, hand warmers, and an extra extra shirt. Dry clothing can make all the difference.

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itsMalarky t1_j59v4mb wrote

Ah man, Flume Slide would be fun as hell in winter....bet that's kinda spooky too.

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SasquatchGroomer t1_j54ttye wrote

Go with more experienced hikers (more experienced with winter hiking, and more experienced in the White Mountains). Hire a guide service if you don't have experienced winter hikers in your social circle.

Start with shorter hikes to gain experience.

Do not underestimate the impact of wind once you get above the tree line.

Trust me, you're already underestimating the impact of wind once you get above the tree line.

You're probably still doing it, aren't you?

Take a few minutes to meet one of the nice people who will have to carry you of the mountain if you f#$@ things up. https://youtu.be/YtRLk7FjdVc

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itsMalarky t1_j59u8ye wrote

Mt. Lafayette isn't mountaineering....it's hiking.

That said, I would not recommend Laffy or the Franconia ridge as a first winter hike for beginners. People die all the time up there during whiteouts. You'd want a really good weather forecast, the right gear, and knowledge on how to navigate a whiteout.

Actual Mountaineering would be something like Kings Ravine, Flume Slide, or Tuckerman's. And if you want to do that you should honestly start with an avalanche safety course, a mountaineering course (they host them all the time), and know how to use crampons and an ice axe (ex: know how to self-arrest with an axe).

It's no joke... last time I was up in Tucks someone died the same day.

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[deleted] t1_j5a5gpl wrote

[deleted]

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itsMalarky t1_j5d7hz7 wrote

This was a couple years back -- someone fell into a crevasse created by one of the streams near center gulley (if membory serves). After a 40-50ft fall I'm pretty sure he was washed down into the stream running under the snowpack, where he drowned. Very sad.

I actually haven't been up since.

And yeah, apologies...I wasn't really trying to be needlessly semantic here. Appreciate you clarifying for OP!

>also if you do book a guide, it will help you clarify your needs!

perfectly said!

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WhiskyIsMyYoga t1_j569o4a wrote

Take a course at international mountain equipment first. Rope handling, ice and terrain knowledge, weather knowledge, equipment familiarization, and the general climbing knowledge is worth it.

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