Gulf of Slides Trail

Skin from the Pinkham Notch side on the dedicated Gulf of Slides Ski Trail, which branches south from the main Tuckerman access. Once you leave the summer hiking traffic, the track climbs steadily through dense forest toward the gulf, generally following the drainage with a well-established skintrack in mid-winter.

Expect a narrow, winding trail with typical White Mountains hazards: water bars, exposed rocks, and low brush, especially early and late season. Several small brook crossings low on the trail can be thin or open during thaws; in good coverage they’re usually bridged or frozen but still worth a cautious look on the way out.

Above treeline the trail spits you out at the base of the Gulf of Slides bowl and gullies. From here most parties transition to boot crampons and follow the established booter up the chosen gully, then ski back to the trail and descend the same way. The terrain is avalanche-prone and not forecasted by the Mt. Washington Avalanche Center, so you’re fully on your own for snowpack assessment and timing.

This zone sits in the Presidential Range of the White Mountain National Forest under USFS management; seasonal or emergency closures have occurred in the past, so check current White Mountain National Forest and local backcountry reports before committing. More info: White Mountain National Forest.