Few hikers get the chance to touch the Katahdin summit sign in winter! Join us for a single day 16 mile round trip to Baxter Peak via the Abol Slide Trail. This trip includes a 4 mile ski/snowshoe to Abol Slide Campground, a 1.5 mile snowshoe to the base of Abol Slide, 2.5 miles in crampons or snowshoes to the summit, and returning by the same route. Full winter gear is necessary and required equipment includes snowshoes with cleats, full crampons, self-arrest ice-axe, and climbing helmet. This hike is very challenging due to terrain, weather, snow conditions, and duration: a day trip to the Katahdin summit may last between 12 and 15 hours. It is intended for very experienced winter hikers with a high level of fitness who can demonstrate proficiency for Baxter State Park permitting requirements. Hikers should be prepared to have flexible schedules: this trip will have a primary weekend of March 6 and 7, 2010 with a summit attempt on either day as weather permits. If weather does not cooperate on the primary weekend, a secondary weekend of March 13 and 14, 2010 will also be planned, with a summit attempt on either day as weather permits. Night before Millinocket accommodations will be arranged.
