when do people start going up there!

[knucklefuts]

doing tucks for the first time this year when are people going to start skiing up there, and also can anyone come and tube safely some of the videos i have been watching look trecherous thanx.

[skicdave]

The season for Tucks is March, April, May. Not very busy in March however in comparison to mid April thru end of May.

Tubing in late season can be quite dangerous! As you will notice in some of the videos on the site, rocks begin to show more by mid May. As well late spring avalanche debris (car size blocks of ice and such) may litter the ravine floor. Basically use common sense and don't climb too high before sliding down. Its also dangerous when the ravine is full of people! Of course the crowd at lunch rocks will offer much encouragement to the foolhardy so beware!

I've noticed the rangers seem more interested these days in warning people bringing up tubes and slide boards. I don't know if this practice is now discouraged... maybe someone else will have some input on the tubing topic.

[vyni]

first timer myself as well; making the journey on either the first or last weekend of may.
had heard of the ravine last summer, and recently thought to look into it.
it sounds like an incredible experience.

i just now realized that last weekend in may is memorial weekend: whats the ravine like on a holiday weekend? opinion: more or less fun?

i've ordered some new equipment to help tackle the adventure, and had a question for you other boarders: what have you been riding up there? i have my eye on a board i've riden once before (a burton supermodel 181) which would surely be more appropriate than the old morrow 161.5 i have been riding. the morrow is due to be replaced, as i get smoked on glides, but i have a feeling a slight drag isn't going to be an issue on this trip... lol.
binding wise, among the equipment i have ordered are klutch boots and switchX bindings, though i'll likely carry in my strap-ins as well.
my concern here is the idea of walking into such a challenging trip with gear im 'familiar' with, but perhaps not 'personal' with yet.

my brother and i will be making the journey together, both of us having carved for the last 10 or 11 years. regardless of what we consider experience, we'll likely spend this first trip getting familiar with the area (no initial intentions of trying to take it from the peak, nor any serious play on the headwall until we get comfortable with the conditions). up until this trip we've done nothing but race around on hardpack.

lodging: i'm spoiled i guess. i'ld have a hard time sleeping up there when i know a heated room, hottubs and cable isn't far away... we'll probably walk out and back in overnight.

another question: how are the people up there?
if i carry in extra gear, can i set it aside somewhere without the worries of someone taking/tampering with it? if so, surely an easy solution to my dilema above would be to take on the extra weight and carry both boards in.
recommend anyplace to stash it?

in another post i read you'ld find it intresting to see some 'time4tuckermans' logos or indications: i'll slap a strip of ducttape on whatever board/boards i take along with 'vyni - t4t' on it. if ya see me, say hi, and i'll be glad to tell ya how many bones i've broken so far...

nice job on the site by the way. has helped me alot already!

[<tenseven>]

Vyni,
Every year I've gone in May and often on the Victoria Day weekend (Canada). It's busy but thats when it's the most fun.
Skicdave is the guru and will advise you best but I don't know if you'll be wanting to bring your best, new stuff to Tuckerman's.
There's plenty of lodging options in the area on both sides of the path. Camping to 5star hotels...whatever suits you.
As far as the people...no probs. Every one there, for the most part, is on the same page and appreciates what the whole area has to offer.
I know I haven't answered all your questions but maybe I've added a little insight.

[skicdave]

I'd agree with Tenseven,

No need to get picky about which skis and board you bring, especially in the spring when your skiing corn. Your better off with your old 'rock skis' or board. As well, if your going in early May, chances are all or some of the Sherburne skiout to Pinkham will be open. You'll be thankful you don't still have a price tag on your board as you hop over rocks and slide over grass and mud looking for patches of snow.

If you go the last weekend of May, there is a good chance a lot of the headwall we be exposed, so your options are more limited than earlier. Also the floor of the ravine starts to show thru. ie lots of big ugly, hard rocks become exposed in late spring so be cautious! I'd definately wear a helmet.

Any weekend (mid April thru end of May) when its warm and sunny is the most 'fun'. There will be more people skiing as well as more people at lunch rocks to encourage those brave soldiers who have to prove themselves on the headwall :eek:

You can leave your pack at lunch rocks while you board. Bring a friend or two who are just going to hike and watch. They come in handy as your personal watchdog :)

[vyni]

very good point on the gear, i thank you both.
no need to rip up the new stuff, but i will take the stepins (strapping on at some of the pitches i'm reading might be just a pain).

i decided to do it the first weekend of may after i looked at the 1999 pics on the tuckerman.org site. they had may 9th and may29th pics; alot of difference between them:

click to view the tuckerman.org may 9th, 1999 pic (http://www.tuckerman.org/photos/pic00012.jpg)
click to view the tuckerman.org may 29th, 1999 pic (http://www.tuckerman.org/photos/Pic00019.jpg)

i noticed less drastic changes some of the other years, but why let it all to chance.

i'm really looking forward to this. if i lived closer, this sounds like something i'ld do several times each year, but it's a decent 'hike' from here.
making this an annual expedition sounds great none the less.