Katahdin Mountain Winter Ascent
Conquer Katahdin, New England's most challenging peak and experience the stunning winter scenery of Baxter State Park. Led by IFMGA certified guides, this mountaineering adventure will be a formidable yet rewarding challenge where you'll be able to admire Maine's incredible alpine scenery as you learn and review essential winter camping and mountaineering skills.
2 Days
Jan - Mar, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
* Embark on a winter alpine ascent in Katahdin
* Ascend the Maine's highest mountain
* Learn and practice winter camping and mountaineering skills
Description
Katahdin is New England's most challenging winter ascent, and its remote location and arctic environment also make it one of the most rewarding in the United States.
Join us and conquer the highest mountain in the U.S. state of Maine, at 5,269 feet (1,606 m). It is the centerpiece of Baxter State Park, and is a popular destination for climbers all over the world.
This two-day trip begins with a half-day snowshoe or ski to a winter camp at the base of the mountain. There, you will learn and review basic winter camping and mountaineering skills. The next morning, you will start early to make the summit and return to the trailhead by early evening.
Katahdin is a formidable mountain in any season, but winter adds a whole new layer of difficulty. Extreme cold, strong winds, and frequent snowfall can make the climb challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. If you're seeking a truly challenging and rewarding winter mountaineering experience, Katahdin is the place to be.
This trip is physically demanding, but it requires no previous winter climbing or camping experience. You should, however, be capable of hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing 12 miles in a single day over variable terrain, with elevation gain of around 4,680 feet.
Test your limits as you ascend this unique and formidable mountain. Contact us today and secure your spot on this incredible journey!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Permit and entrance fees
- Crampons
- Mountaineering boots
- Ice axe
- Skis
- Camping equipment cooking utensils
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Abol Campground
9:00 AM: Meet at Acadia Mountain Guides / Alpenglow Adventure Sports office at 92 Main St. in Orono.
Discuss equipment, ensure proper boot fitting, organize gear, and set out for Abol Bridge.
Snowshoe or ski to Abol Campground - 5.5 miles. The guide will determine whether to boot-pack, snowshoe, or ski to the campground based on conditions and participant experience. Participants with backcountry / off-trail ski touring experience may use skis if approved by the guide.
Relax in camp with options to learn basic skills.
Go over the ascent plan.
Enjoy dinner and rest for the night.
Day 2: Summit Day
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast and a 7:00 am departure for the summit.
Allow approximately 8 hours for the ascent (weather permitting). In most conditions, this is ample time to reach the summit.
Descend back to camp for soup and drinks, pack up your gear, and begin the snowshoe or ski back to Abol Bridge.
Equipment you will need to bring
**Make sure to bring the following items:** * Lunch snacks * Personal lightweight Sol style bivvy sac or heavy-duty plastic bag * Headlamp with spare batteries * Unbreakable bowl, insulated cup, & spoon * Personal toiletries, sunscreen, & lip balm * 2 Insulated, wide-mouthed, water bottles or thermos * Large, sturdy pack approximately 40L (rentals available) * 2-4 nylon stuff sacks to sort and organize gear * Day pack approximately 30 – 35L capacity (rental available) * 20-degree sleeping bag (rental available) * EVA 1/2” foam full-length ground pad (rental available) * EVA 1/4” foam pad 3/4 length or ThermaRest ground pad (rental available) **Recommended: * Snowshoes in good condition (provided if necessary). Touring skis with guide approval * Adjustable Ski poles (optional, provided if needed) * Mountaineering ice axe (provided if needed) * Crampons (provided if needed) * Climbing helmet (provided if needed) * Avalanche equipment (provided if needed)**
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain?
You should be in good physical condition and be able to handle challenging terrain and elevation changes. But you don't need to have any specific winter climbing or camping experience.
How will accommodation be handled?
We will be camping in Baxter State Park. Participants must bring their own winter sleeping bag and pad, but rentals are available.
When and where will we meet?
We will meet at 9:00 AM on the day of the trip at the Acadia Mountain Guides / Alpenglow Adventure Sports office, which is located at 92 Main St. in Orono.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own?
Please bring the following:
- Lunch snacks
- Personal lightweight Sol style bivvy sac or heavy-duty plastic bag
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Unbreakable bowl, insulated cup, & spoon
- Personal toiletries, sunscreen, & lip balm
- 2 Insulated, wide-mouthed, water bottles or thermos
- Large, sturdy pack approximately 40L (rentals available)
- 2-4 nylon stuff sacks to sort and organize gear
- Day pack approximately 30 – 35L capacity (rental available)
- 20-degree sleeping bag (rental available)
- EVA 1/2” foam full-length ground pad (rental available)
- EVA 1/4” foam pad 3/4 length or ThermaRest ground pad (rental available)
Will I be able to rent equipment?
Yes, rental of equipment will be available on site.
What's included in the price?
*Professional guided ascent by Registered Maine Guide with specialized winter alpine and avalanche training
*All group and emergency gear provided
*Baxter State Park camping fees
*Dinner (day 1) and breakfast (day 2)
What is NOT included in the price?
*Lunch/trail snacks
*Guide gratuities
*Review the equipment list provided by your guide to see what specific gear you need to bring.
*Transportation to/from Abol Bridge trailhead is not provided. *Carpooling is suggested.
About the guide
E-S Adventure Guides
4.70
(36)
Mountain Guide
One of our certified guides will take you skiing and climbing to some of the best spots in North America. In the USA we offer trips in California, Colorado, Maine, Alaska, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Vermont. And in Canada, you'll find tours in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
Languages
English
What people are saying about E-S Adventure Guides
David
5.00
Great guides and great snow!
Peggy
5.00
Will was great wise and fun to spend the day with.
Phillip
1.00
Guide cancelled within 48 hrs and I was unable to find someone else and so far I’ve not been refunded. Put a small dent in my otherwise great trip to Revelstoke.
Lucie
5.00
All perfect
Amanda
5.00
Guide was very experienced and very patient with us. We learned alot and he tried to fit in all the knowledge he could in one day, super awesome. A little tough going back and forth to get the trip set up hard to tell if the site is sketchy until you see reviews but all worked out. Ended up with an awesome day with an awesome guide. Overall pretty satisfied and thankful!
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