Multi-Day
Survival in the White Mountains

Saturday > Drive into the White Mountains and Snowshoe Trek

We depart New York City on Saturday morning and drive into the heart of the White Mountains, the most majestic in the Northeast. Along the way, we will stop for lunch and bathroom breaks.
Our journey begins at Franconia Notch, a narrow valley eroded by geologic forces over millions of years. The Franconia area is home to countless lakes, high peaks, cascading waterfalls and wildlife of all kinds. After a brief introduction into winter travel, we will polish our snowshoeing techniques and begin the 1,000-foot ascent along the trail. After just 1.5 miles, we arrive at our simple lodge on the shores of Lonesome Lake. You will surely be impressed by the comforts and ease of backcountry living with hot drinks and a hearty dinner prepared by your Outdoor Bound guide. In the evening, you may read or play games by the fire, or just sit and enjoy our good company. If we’re lucky enough to have clear skies, the winter constellations will not disappoint.
Everyone will be asked to carry a portion of the food to our lodge—so make sure you have a medium or large backpack. Don’t worry though, your guide will do all the cooking!

Sunday > Snowshoeing and Quigloo Construction

After a warm breakfast, we will pack lightly and strap on our snowshoes again for a quick morning hike. Along the way, we will investigate the plethora of animal tracks and listen to the spirited winter birds that brave the White Mountain winters. Our main objective today is to build several Quigloos, or snowcaves. Prepare to shovel! Snowcave construction is tiring work, but offers endless creativity, playfulness and pure fun. You will become versed in snowcave site-selection, construction, safety and even have a chance to use your shelter tonight if you wish! Your Outdoor Bound guide will also demonstrate various tools to staying warm, making potable water, cooking and best of all, leaving no trace of our presence once we head home. Throughout the day, you can expect a high-calorie trail lunch and plenty of snacks to keep our bodies well-fuelled for the journey. Tonight, we return to the cozy lodge where we will dine, entertain, and relish over the accomplishments of the dayAfter dinner, you can hang by the fire while reading a good book, share the incredible company at the lodge or just hit the hay for the night. If you wish, Outdoor Bound invites you to bunk up in your Quigloo for the night (quite comfortable, really).

Monday > Snowshoe and Pack Out

Today, we pack up and head back to civilization via part of the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Cascade Brook is aptly named for its steep sections of (now frozen) waterfalls through a remote valley rarely used by winter travelers. Fear not though, for you will be a seasoned snowshoer by day three of this mountain trip. Once back at Franconia Notch, you can see the remains of the Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire’s famed icon of freedom. This natural stone outcropping, shaped like a giant face in the cliffs, collapsed in 2003; today, there are wide-ranging discussions around the possibility of its reconstruction. After a final farewell to the White Mountains, we will load up and head back home, returning to Manhattan around 8:00 PM.

Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

1. Activity

   How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

2. Distances

   You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

3. Surfaces

   What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

4. Elevation Change

   The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

5. Altitude

   The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

1. Activity

   1 – 3 hours

2. Distances

   Walk or hike less than 3 miles

3. Surfaces

   Flat terrain

4. Elevation Change

   Little or none

5. Altitude

   Less than 3,000 feet

Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

1. Activity

   2 – 5 hours

2. Distances

   Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 1,500 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 6,000 feet

Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above

1. Activity

   4 – 6 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 2,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 10,000 feet

Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Experience required.

1. Activity

   5 – 8 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 3,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 14,000 feet

Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).

1. Activity

   10 plus hours per day

2. Distances

   Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 4,000+ feet per day

5. Altitude

   May well exceed 14,000 feet