Advice about Tuckerman's

[SKIQUATTRO]

how many laps can one get in at tucks? thinking early/mid april...

 

[from_the_NEK]

how many laps can one get in at tucks? thinking early/mid april...

If you get a real early start (e.g. start ascent from Pinkham before 8:00am) and you are in decent shape, 2-3 runs is a good day. The third hike can take a while since by that point you will be pretty tired. Remember you don't have to go all the way up every time. If you are in excellent shape and hike a lot, you may be able to squeeze out a couple more laps. However, be sure to save a little something for the ski out down the Sherburne which is tyipcally a 2500 vert bump run in the spring). I have burned up my legs in the bowl and had to ski out while experiencing nasty leg cramping.

 

[SIKSKIER]

Kind of like that owl asking how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

 

[David Metsky]

If you get a real early start (e.g. start ascent from Pinkham before 8:00am) and you are in decent shape, 2-3 runs is a good day.

Oh, you can get a lot more than that if you are in good shape and transition quickly. I know folks who've done 7-8 many times. I've done 4-5 over in GOS and I'm slow. You need to get out early, and keep moving.

 

[Angus]

Yeah, I've skied Right Gully, Lobster Claw, then skied Left Gully, then half of Left Gully climbed back up/over and skied Hillmans - problem is by 3PM the slopes get in shadows and snow begins to freeze up. Plus, if you get up early especially until mid-May (or later), the slopes are frozen from night temps. On the way down, stop at Hojos, eat/drink/rest and then ski down Hillmans - it's a great trail.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

when is the best time (month) to go...

 

[Cannonball]

when is the best time (month) to go...

It obviously changes year to year and day to day. But in general:

Jan-March = Good snow, higher danger, few other people around for safety, skins/snowshoes likely required, cold, short days.

April = Progressing through the month: increasing traffic, increasing stability, longer/warmer days. Full ski out on Sherburne usually still an option.

May = Warm, long days. Tons of company. Generally good stability. Undermining is the major hazard. Freeze/thaw an issue. Sherburne ranges from fully open -> partially closed -> fully closed.

June = Long hike for short ski. Sherbie is done.

etc....


For a first timer I'd generally recommend late April. It seems to balance safety with fun and quality. But be prepared for anything at anytime.

 

[snowmonster]

Unless you love crowds or are actually competing in it, avoid the Tuckerman Inferno, which this year is from April 15-17. Even if the Sherb is still open, it'll get bumped up and scraped after that weekend. Also, if you head to Tux during that sweet spot when everyone is heading there because the ski lifts have stopped turning (mid-April to mid-May), be sure to get there early or else you might have to park at Wildcat and walk to the PNVC.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

Thx all