Join our GetWinter Hikes designed to get you into winter hiking. This is a series of progressively harder winter hikes leading up to a small 4,000 footer.

This trip's focus is to get you familiar with using traction for steep and icy trails. This is an attractive ridge and valley route; good views from Noon Peak and especially Jennings Peak [3,460 feet]. The open rocky nubble of Jennings has great views south over the Smarts Brook valley and east to the wilds of the Sandwich Range. 

We will climb up using the Sandwich Mountain Trail that immediately crosses Drakes Brook and then steeply climbs to a lookout off Noon Peak at 1.7 miles overlooking the Waterville Valley village area. From there, it follows a curving, gradual ridge towards Jennings Peak. At 2.7 miles it intersects with Drakes Brook Trail and follows right up to the bare summit of Jennings Peak where there are terrific views North and West. On the return, we will come down the gradual Drakes Brook Trail that follows the brook along an old logging road.   

Round trip mileage is approximately 6.5 miles with 2,050 feet elevation gain. It is steep climbing up to Noon Peak where the trails can be very icy so we REQUIRE traction devices for this trip [MicroSpikes, Stabilizers, Yaktrax,]. It is a gradual descent down via Drakes Brook Trail. Approximate time to complete the circuit is about 4.5 to 5.5 hours.

Due to uncertain weather, you should be prepared with layers of warm clothing and winter gear. No cotton clothing. Make sure to bring snowshoes [we have some to borrow so let us know]. You can reserve and rent snowshoes from your local outdoor outfitter such as REI, EMS, or from Ski Fanatics off Exit 28 on I-93.

For this trip, we'll be having lunch on the summit. Please know your ability before signing up. Winter hiking is more demanding than three-season hiking. Please read the disclaimer above.

After the hike we can hang out by the fireplace at my house in Waterville Valley for pizza/beer (sharing costs). Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.

Come enjoy a terrific winter day hike in Waterville Valley!

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.