Pipeline Gully

Pipeline Gully is a steep backcountry ski line dropping into the Great Gulf on the north side of Mount Washington, within the Great Gulf Wilderness of White Mountain National Forest. Access is typically from the Great Gulf Trailhead on NH 16; once parked, follow the Great Gulf Trail up the valley toward the headwall before branching toward the line from the floor of the cirque, depending on your chosen ascent route and snow coverage.

Expect committing alpine terrain with a pronounced gully feature, overhead exposure from the Mount Washington headwall, and frequent wind loading. The line sits in a serious avalanche environment with complex runout and no easy escape once you drop in. Snowpack is heavily affected by prevailing westerly and northwesterly winds; firm, icy surfaces and wind slab are common, and the gully can hold consequential ice and rock debris.

This is advanced terrain for parties with solid steep-skiing, crampon, and ice-axe skills, plus full avalanche rescue gear and current avalanche education. Treat it as a full-value alpine objective: start early, build extra time for the approach and bootpack, and be ready to turn around if stability, visibility, or overhead traffic from the summit cone are not in your favor. Check current avalanche and weather forecasts for the Presidential Range before committing.

More area and access information: White Mountain National Forest.