The Winter High Peaks

(Insight & tips from guest blogger Spencer Morrissey)

Getting that “W” after your number sure is a big deal - we understand it is an amazing accomplishment. The High Peaks in winter can be very intimidating to some climbers who have limited or no winter experience, others may get a bit too confident in their perceived abilities. However, if you make the correct choices it shouldn’t be overwhelming and your chances of a safe climb, success, and fun increases exponentially. And as always, consider consulting/taking along a Licensed Adirondack Guide.

A great many of the High Peaks in winter are an imposing mission and maybe shouldn’t be your first winter peak. Many of the High Peaks will require 10-12 hours of time in the woods - being cold, maybe wet, and at times exhausted. Many are well over 12-miles during a single day. However, with any mountain in winter there are a few things to keep in mind before you go out: Am I equipped with the correct gear? How am I going to protect myself from the cold? Am I layered properly to stay warm (core, hands, feet, and head)? Do I have the proper nutrition? What’s the weather going to be like? Did I tell people where I was going? (the list honestly goes on and on!). But just as important, you should consider if you have the ability to tackle a High Peak or should get a couple smaller peaks under your belt first.  

Know your limits

The only way to truly know your winter limits is to get out there and do a bit of snowshoeing. Not only that but you also have the chance to try out some new gear that maybe you have never used before, but this is also a good opportunity to see if you have your layering down. The best way to get ready for a High Peak is to do some hikes that are not quite so demanding, and work your way up from there. Maybe consider Noonmark, Hurricane, VanHoevenberg, Pitchoff, or Owls Head. 

Great first High Peaks

Cascade and Porter Mountains are the most climbed of the High Peaks and quite often a person's first - it should be the same in winter. These peaks will get the ball rolling with a shorter hike, with steep sections, and a true above tree line feel and conditions. Phelps Mountain is a bit longer at just around 9-miles roundtrip. But it also is a bit more demanding at the end with very steep terrain. Wright Peak might test your limits for a first High Peak but it’s not out of reach for many first timers. The climb is long and steady with a large amount of time above tree line. The above tree line experience on this guy is unmatched with arctic conditions. Tabletop Mountain would be the perfect first “trailless” High Peak to start with. While the climb and hike are a bit longer than the others it gives you an idea of what the herd paths are like in the winter. 

There are others that you might consider if you feel you're up to a slightly larger challenge like: Esther, Big Slide, Street and Nye, and Upper and Lower Wolf Jaw Mountains. Again these might be better 2nd or 3rd peaks as you build experience, get a grip on your abilities, and a handle on gear and layering. 

Moving on up

Some serious long days will eventually come when you tackle Haystack, Basin, Saddleback, Gray and Skylight, Cliff and Redfield, the Santanoni’s, and Allen. With winter climbs like these it may be required to start before the sun is up and finish long after the sun has gone down, this is par for the course and your headlamp may very well become your best friend.

The good news is a typical winter High Peaks climb will burn you out of 3500-5000 calories in per day. That means - eat up and enjoy good food. Celebrate when you get out and have a worthy meal, your body needs it, and if you plan to go again the following day, your body will need that energy. 

Please be sure to visit each page for the peaks you plan to climb. We have laid them out so that you have an idea of what the most popular winter routes are, what you can expect when you get there, a bit on your typical weather for your above tree line experience, typical trail conditions, special gear needed, and the estimated time to accomplish the climb. The important thing is to be safe while having fun, happy climbing!


Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

 

 

Results for "Winter High Peaks"

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Part of the appeal of Indian Pass are the stunning rock formations.
Indian Pass Trail
Heart Lake, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Summit Rock and Indian Pass is of historical significance for the Adirondack Park and was the key passageway to the discovery of the Tahawus Mine in the Upper Works Region. While the lower portions of this hike, from either direction, are easy to...

  
Balanced Rocks
Route 73, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Balanced Rocks is a very popular destination along the Pitchoff traverse.

  
Eagle Eyrie
Connery Pond Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Eagle Eyrie is a low peak at the north end of Lake Placid that offers a unique view of the Lake and the High Peaks. It can be approached on foot or by boat. The hike starts along an old road and parallels attractive Connery Pond. The trail to...

  
Wright Peak
Heart Lake, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Hiking This Adirondack 46 High Peak is #16 on the list and #1 for wind factor. A B-47 bomber crashed here in 1962, and most of the wreckage remains. Wright peak can also be combined with Algonquin Peak, Rong Peak, and Iroquois Peak for a long day. The...

  
South Meadow
Meadow Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

You may think of South Meadow is simply as a place to park your car when hiking into the High Peaks Region, but it’s so much more than that.

  
Rocky Falls is a gem of a hike.
Rocky Falls
Heart Lake, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This is a gentle walk to a lovely, miniature waterfall. This hike's charm is the easy route and the lovely setting. 

  
Adirondack Rail Trail
400 Old Military Drive, Lake Placid

The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all possible on the well-graded, wheelchair accessible...

  
Whiteface Landing
Off Route 86, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Hiking It's a 2.5 mile hike one way to Whiteface Landing. The trail starts at the left side of the trailhead parking area and soon climbs moderately away from the pond and the private camps on the pond before descending to the shore of the pond at 0.4...

  
Great Falls Loop
Ausable Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This trip offers some of the most spectacular sights of the Adirondacks. You hike it alone or it can be part of a "must-not-miss" side trip to nearby Gothics and Upper & Lower Wolf Jaw.

  
Mt. Jo
Adirondak Loj Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

A great mountain for families and beginners, Mt. Jo's open summit ledges provide one of the best views of the High Peaks for relatively little effort.

  
Cascade Mountain
Route 73, Lake Placid
(518) 837-5047

Cascade is generally considered to be the "easiest" of the 46 High Peaks, but that doesn't mean it's not a challenge! Sweeping views are only reached after ascending almost 2,000 feet...

  
Iroquois Peak
Adirondak Loj Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Hiking Iroquois is the third peak along the MacIntyre Mountain Range and is most often climbed with Algonquin Peak and Wright Peak. The primary route as you see ascends most of Wright and all of Algonquin on the way. Iroquois is one of the High Peaks...

  
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