Recent reports (4)
Solo winter ascent of Owls Head via Black Pond bushwhack and Brutus herd path on 2/24/25, with steep snow conditions and excellent traction from microspikes. Reporter encountered soft base snow in a well-packed trench, found the Brutus bushwhack extremely steep, and encountered no other hikers despite good weather bringing traffic.
bushwhackdeep-snowslide-routesnowsnowshoes-requiredsteep
Hiked the Hancock Loop on February 10, 2024 in the White Mountains. Started with bare boots on a frozen, slippery trail before switching to snowshoes; encountered mist from melting snow on the ridge with warm temperatures around 57°F by day's end.
frozen-groundsnowsnowshoes-requiredsteepwet
Three hikers completed a winter ascent of Carrigain via Sawyer River Road on February 3, 2024. Lower elevations had packed snow suitable for bare-booting, while higher sections required snowshoes. Wind on the exposed ridge was stronger than forecast, but generally pleasant conditions with sun and minimal wind below treeline on descent.</summary>
<parameter name="confidence">High
coldexposedhigh-windsnowsnowshoes-required
On January 28, 2024, hikers completed the Willey Range loop (Tom, Field, Willey) with good trail conditions and surprising views of the Presidentials and surrounding peaks despite a cloudy forecast. The well-packed trail was in good hiking condition with minimal snow/ice mentions, and views opened up at multiple summits throughout the day.
dry