To the summit of Mount Chocorua

When my friend, and excellent macro photographer, Mike Tully invited me to trek up Mount Chocorua with him and Chris Parent (his friend and hiking partner) back in 2017, I was intrigued. But having never done any winter mountain hikes before, I was also apprehensive. Maybe even scared.

Chocorua is a 3,490 foot mountain in the White Mountains, and the eastern most peak in the Sandwich Range. In the summer is a relatively easy hike for all ages. In the winter however — when its granite peak is crusted in ice — it a bit more of a challenge.

Mike offered many winter hiking tips from Mike, assured me I had the proper gear (enough layers, crampons, show shoes, etc.), and promised spectacular winter wonderland views. So I decided to go.

From a photography perspective, the hike was fantastic. It was overcast for most of the climb, but as we neared the top of the mountains, the clouds began to part and the sun dotted the landscape in warm light (above).

As a challenge, the hike was easier than I anticipated. Hiking on (mostly) packed down snow in winter was much easier on my aging knees than trekking over the more unforgiving roots, rocks and mud in the other three seasons. But the summit was too much for me.

The ice-encrusted granite peak required a couple of pieces of equipment I did not have that day: one pick-axe and a pair of balls. Sure, I could have borrowed Mike or Chris’ axe after they summited, but I couldn’t muster the balls. So I stood back with my camera.

Below is a shot of Mike and Chris (kinda morphed into one) picking their way to the granite summit.

Thanks for stopping by!