The Baldfaces (Advanced)

The Baldfaces (Advanced) Event Organizer: Paul-William, cell 508-885-45-two-two

Read the entire description and disclaimer, respond to the RSVP question and double check your response to make sure it went through. Everyone will be waitlisted until responses are screened. Please follow through with the RSVP or I will regrettably skip over your RSVP. If you are having difficulty with the RSVP interface, message or call me (the RSVP question is also shown below* for your convenience).

Responses DO NOT carry over from one event to another--you must fill them out each time. Please have your preferences for this Meetup set to receive messages from other members in case I have further questions for you.

=== WHAT WE'RE DOING ===

We're going to hike The Baldfaces (3,570 & 3,610ft), two dramatic rocky peaks on the east side of the White Mountains. Views from these peaks are among the finest in the White Mountains. This very challenging winter hike involves nearly 4 miles of above treeline travel and will require the use of crampons with front points (along with mountaineering snowshoes and microspikes). If you sign up for this event, you agree to bring the proper gear to the trailhead with you, NO EXCEPTIONS. 52WAV

DIFFICULTY: ADVANCED. DISTANCE: about 10 miles. PACE: Moderate, 2.0mph on average; we will stop for breaks, views, and to smell the roses. ELEVATION GAIN: 3,700ft. HIKING TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking-- we may not finish the hike until after sunset--bring TWO headlamps with spare LITHIUM batteries for the cold. • Put your name on the waitlist if you would like to go. I will add people that respond thoroughly to the RSVP question(s) AND have done similar hikes within the past three months.
• No Guests--have your guests sign up and RSVP, please.
• No dogs--(due to steep, icy ledges).
• This trip limited to 10 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers
• What the group will expect of you: Humanity humility and cooperation. This is a social experience. We hike together/stick together as a group at the pace of the slowest member. Positive/cooperative attitudes are welcome.
• Medical issues/ disclosures: YOU are responsible to disclose to the event organizer any medical issues, allergies, medications or other issues that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event or affect any 1st aid treatment in the event of an emergency. You must convey this information to the event organizer in advance AND keep a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. You must also include an emergency contact and phone number as part of this information.
• Rain or shine event. Difficult weather may cancel and/or modify the event. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather until forecasts solidify 24 hours before the event--mountain weather predictions can change rapidly. I will post FYI updates on weather in the days preceding the event, derived from multiple forecast sources.

=== REQUIRED GEAR ===

NOTE: If you show up without the required gear you will be turned away at the trailhead. NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

WINTER GEAR--READ CAREFULLY. Bring it or stay home; test, fit it & know how to use it before you set out:
• Light traction: Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons (knockoff brands are totally unacceptable).
• Mountaineering crampons--10-12 spike crampons with long front points.
• Mountaineering snowshoes: Not all snowshoes are the same - some are designed for steep terrain with potentially deep snow while others aren't. These are the acceptable brands and models: Tubbs Flex ALP, Flex VRT, Flex TRK, or Mountaineers; MSR Lightening, Revo, or Evo; TSL Symbioz Elite or Expert; Atlas Aspect, Endeavor, or Series 10/11/12.
• Boots must be insulated and designed specifically for winter use (summer or 3 season boots aren't acceptable). Due to the type of terrain/distances involved, hard plastic mountaineering boots ARE NOT recommended for this hike.
• Clothing/ Misc: Full rain shell, insulated mittens, goggles, gaiters, face mask, balaclava, warm hat, insulated water bottles (hydration sacks & hoses do not work well in cold so do not bring them), sleeping/bivy bag for emergencies, trail map, 2 pair of headlamps with spare lithium batteries (for the cold), sunglasses for snow glare, multiple clothing layers and extra socks. Bring enough food & water to get you through the day. Emergency hand warmers are strongly recommended. Refer to this link for a full list of items needed for a winter day hike: http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf ]

=== DETAILED ITINERARY & DIRECTIONS===

We meet at the Baldface Circle Trailhead in Chatham NH. NOTE: YOU MUST APPROACH THIS TRAILHEAD FROM THE SOUTH--THE NORTH END OF ROUTE 113 IS CLOSED IN THE WINTER. We park and hike the loop clockwise, descending Bicknel Ridge Trail to close our loop.

===*RSVP QUESTION===

"What comparable hikes have you done in the last three months? Briefly describe them. Indicate you have the required gear."
You must answer this question in 250 characters or less--Meetup deletes longer responses without notice. If you need to tell me more, message me please.

=== Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer ===

As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code (http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/hiking/hike-safe.cfm); you have consulted the appurtenant hiking guides and maps; you have informed the event host/organizer of any medical issues or other limitations you may have that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event, you understand that the organizers and event hosts of this activity are volunteer facilitators; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons. (In other words, you may be hiking with us but you alone are responsible for your personal safety. The host of this event is a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).

May the Force be with you.

Your event host reserves the right to alter the itinerary before or during this event based on prevailing circumstances and conditions. Your flexibility is appreciated and required. The itinerary of this trip is a Hobson's Choice.