Mount Moosilauke doesn't sound like much at first--at only 4,802' it hardly seems to compare to the 13ers and 14ers we climbed in New Mexico and Colorado (or the 12-, 11- or 10ers for that matter). But when stacked up against the peaks in the Northeast, it's one of the biggest. It's has almost 3000' of prominence--more than Mount Harvard in Colorado or Santa Fe Baldy in New Mexico--making it the 3rd most prominent peak in New Hampshire and 13th in the Northeast. That plus the elevation (14th in NE) gives it a combined rank of #7. It is one of the few peaks in the east to actually break treeline.
Our route was Southbound on the Appalacian Trail which goes directly over the summit. We started at 10:30 AM at the mountains key col--3000' below the summit. Both of us were using brand new snowshoes and the first quarter-mile or so was spent getting used to the feeling. It wasn't long, though, before playtime was over and the real climb began.
I can't remember ever hiking a trail that was so steep for so long. It was made doubly difficult due to the snow and ice. Every step i took up I seemed to slide right back down. At one point there was even rebar nailed into the rock to aid the climber. I honestly didn't think we'd make it to the top.
We didn't really get any pictures of the steep climb, but occasionally we had a good view on the way upAt about 1.9 miles in, the halfway point, we came out of the gulley and onto the ridge and the trail started to mellow out. The rest of the day was thoroughly enjoyable. First we were treated with and ever more bizarre world of the snowcapped peak. From about 3500' to 4700' the scenery went from beautiful to jaw-dropping:
As we approached treeline we could easily see that the walk-in-the-park was over. Everything was covered in a thick layer of wind-blown ice. We could hear the wind howling as we put on all of our layers, hats and gloves (those of us that had brought gloves). We started huffing the last 100' to the summit, following these bizarre formations. 
I think they were at one time cairns marking the trail. We passed one every 100' or so. As you can see, the summit was a total grey-out and we could barely make out the sky from the icy slopes. We seemed to reached the summit (marked by a sign that seemed more ice than wood) at about the same time as everyone else--a different group approached from all three summit trails at the same time. That worked out because we could snap a picture of both of us at the top.
Notice the near camoflauge dog in the corner. He huffed it up the mountain with a bell and little dog boots. Poor guy needs some doggles.Because of the conditions--30 mph winds, constantly being bombarded with ice, zero visibility and numbing cold--we only stayed at the top for less than 5 minutes. On the way down we took our time a little more, no longer being in a rush to get to the top and back before sundown. Hre are a few more pics:
The steep first half that was so miserable on the way down now provided a wonderful snow-sliding adventure on the way down (Ace got a video, but I think it's too big to put up here). After sliding down nearly 2000' of mountain to the trailhead we drove down to North Woodstock to the Woodstock Station and Brewery to unwind with some delicious food and fresh craft beer. We decided to call off a second peak and drove back to Jersey/NYC. I came in, hit my bed and passed out.
In summary, Moosilauke was one of the most fun climbs i've ever done. I can't wait to do some more winter peaks. My new snowshoes, TSL Over the Top 30's, worked great. I take back everything I've said against the peaks in the Northeast. They can definitely hold their own. I can't wait to try some more.
Song: "Hard Sun" by Eddie Vedder
-U
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