JOIN US AT ZEALAND FALLS HUT FOR OUR 3rd ANNUAL TRIP
After having such a great time in 2024, how could we not return again in 2025? This trip is a solid day tour into the hut for intermediate skiers carrying gear---expect a 7-mile gradual uphill gain from the parking area at RT 302. PLEASE READ THE WHOLE DESCRIPTION.
TRIP DESCRIPTION AND SIGN UP INSTRUCTIONS
The hut provides a full kitchen, bunks, bathrooms, and potable water; we carry all food, clothing, sleeping gear, trash, etc appropriate for winter camping in the Whites. We expect to reserve 22 spots and will have a mandatory meet-up/gear check before the departure date.
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Once you have made the reservation through the AMC, please fill out the form below and instructions will follow once we get closer to the date. Note: This will include an introductory zoom.
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Once you have registered fill out the meal questioner, trip intake form and emergency contact form below!
Or email David O'Neil at skimountsnow@hotmail.com if you have any questions before registering.
Make a reservation by calling the AMC
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You can call the AMC at 603-466-2727 OPTION 1 , Mon-Sat 10-5, and ask to reserve into group reservation.
Our number is # 710595 “Western Mass Backcountry Alliance”. They will hold the space in the group block until Jan 13. Any unreserved space will be released back to the public at that time. You can still make a reservation after that time but there is no guarantee room will be available. AMC Member rates are currently $ 30/$ 50 for Fri/Sat respectively. Nonmember AMC rates are an additional 20%. Guests are welcome to join and immediately receive the member rates when they call.
This is a WMBA/CTA group tour into Zealand Hut and not a professionally 'guided' event. WMBA serves as an organizing body for group logistics related to the Zealand Hut tour, but no person associated with WMBA will be 'leading' the tour. WMBA assumes no responsibility for risk or injury of participants during the course of the ski tour. As such, there is no fee charged by WMBA associated with participating, beyond the cost paid directly to the AMC. Group meal costs will be totaled and divided between all participants.
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We look forward to a great
weekend with you!
Details, Gear list and tentative itinerary
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Where
Zealand Winter Plowed Parking Lot
On the north side of NH 302, a quarter-mile east of the trailhead, approximately 2.3 miles east of Twin Mountain
What
Friday, March 14
We’ll meet up and start at the gated/ unplowed Zealand Road. Possibly dividing into 2-3 sub groups, each with radio. Continuing (3.2 miles) to the start of Zealand Trail.
Crossing the Zealand River bridge, we’ll continue 2.7 mi. along the Zealand Trail Arriving below the hut, we’ll need to remove skis and bootpack gear up a short, steeper pitch. Relax. We’re home!
Saturday, March 15
Tour to Thoreau Falls and Shoals Pond Hike Mt Zealand
Ski adjacent Caretakers and Zeacliff Glades
Gaze out the window with hot coffee and good book
Sunday, March 16
Breakfast, pack up and exit Rally to ski a nearby GBA zone
Packing List and Essential Gear
Personal first aid kit and medications
Emergency kit (map, compass, knife, and firestarter)
0° - 20° sleeping bag (rating should be appropriate for temperatures) Backpack (approximately 40-75L)
Backpack rain cover or a contractor trash bag inside
Wide mouthed water bottles (2 - 1 liter bottles or substitute 1 for a thermos) Insulated water bottle carriers
Headlamp and extra batteries Sunscreen and lip balm (UV preferable) Hand/foot warmers
Nordic backcountry/telemark, AT skis and poles Ski boots
Helmet
Goggles and/or sunglasses Winter gaiters
Traction (microspikes should suffice) Face mask (balaclava)
Slippers or footwear for indoors (floors are often wet from gear and cold)
Notes:
WMBA will provide a paper copy of a map to each group member
Essential Apparel
Fleece/wool hats (bring backup) Fleece/wool/synthetic gloves (bring a back up pair) Pair of mittens
Pair of glove liners Neck gaiter
Shell top and bottom - windproof/waterproof breathable and fits over all layers Insulating layer - down or fiber parka preferably with a hood
Over base layer - fleece/synthetic top and bottom
Base layer - wool/synthetic top and bottom (bring backup for hut/emergency) Socks - wool/synthetic (2-3 pairs)
Underwear
Notes:
1. Bring comfortable clothing for relaxing at the hut.
Recommended / Optional
Closed cell foam pad for sleeping on and or sitting on Down pants preferably zip off
Face mask (neoprene)
Ear plugs (essential for light sleepers) Travel pillow
Book, journal and pen Moleskin
Electronics (phone, camera) and charging gear Electronic navigation
Earbuds for electronics Basic toiletries and sanitizer
She-wee or similar for the ladies
Group Gear
Water treatment First aid Emergency bivy Navigation
Fire starter with supplies Repair supplies and tools Shovel(s)
Rope
2-way radios
Personal Food Snack/lunch
Nut Butters Cheese
Breads
Cured meat Candy bars Fruit
Trail mix Instant soups
Freeze dried meals Energy gels/chews Electrolytes
Group Meals/TBA
Friday: Dinner Saturday Breakfast DInner Sunday
Breakfast