Tuckerman Ravine

Tuckerman Ravine is a mountain valley on Mount Washington's southeast face with slopes ranging from 40 to 55 degrees. The formation collects natural snowpack that can reach depths of around 100 feet in some winters.

The first documented ski descent occurred in 1913 when Dartmouth students ventured down its slopes, launching the sport in eastern North America. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built trails throughout the area, opening it to wider public use.

The ravine takes its name from Edward Tuckerman, a Harvard botanist who explored the area in the 1800s. Today it draws people who value steep skiing and the tight community of those who seek challenging mountain terrain.

Most visitors start at the AMC Visitor Center at Pinkham Notch and follow a trail that leads to the ravine base in a couple of hours. The terrain is steep and exposed, so proper gear and mountain experience are important for safety.

The ravine benefits from a natural wind pattern that Mount Washington creates throughout winter. Strong gusts funnel snow from the surrounding peaks directly into the valley, meaning it fills with snow even when nearby slopes stay bare.