If you’re looking to train for bigger alpine objectives, Smugglers Notch is THE place. Many people think Mount Washington’s Huntington Ravine is the only place to go for Northeast alpine training, and in certain conditions it is a good option, but when conditions are solid, Smugglers Notch is superior.
This reel shows the progression of our day, and demonstrates some of what makes Smuggs special and superior.
First, there’s the time spent approaching versus training. Ascent and descent times to the Huntington classroom are typically minimum 4hrs. At Smuggs, it’s more like 2hrs. This is primary when winter daytimes are 8-10hrs.
Second, Mt W is, as the mwobs webpage says, “home to the worst weather in the world.” While that looks hardcore on a bumper sticker, it often doesn’t lend itself to a productive training environment. Smuggs weather can be wicked, for sure, but it’s generally more manageable than Huntington.
Third, lower avi hazard. Learning to manage avi hazards is an important part of alpine training, but training in Huntington is more likely to get shut down completely, or curtailed due to avi hazards. Smuggs definitely has avi hazards, but they’re less likely to close or curtail the learning.
Lastly, there is less time pressure to hit the Alpine Gardens and descend. Most Smuggs routes allow you to take the learning at the pace necessary, and descend when advisable. Plus, this allows time to practice valuable technical descent skills, skills not typically in the Huntington ascent curriculum.
This is not meant to disrespect The Ravines—everyone should experience their grandeur—but I’m always one for the dark horse and, more so, for maximizing learning, so I think it’s time for a shout out to Smugglers Notch as an awesome alpine training ground. More aspiring Northeast alpinists—and guides training aspiring alpinists—need to put it on their radar.
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