Has anyone out there done a Presidential Traverse, winter or otherwise? I'm planning to head out there in January, and wondering what people think as far routes, exit points, past experiences, etc?

I'm also wondering if anyone has a good suggestion for somewhere to find a ride from our ending point back to our car. I think the AMC shuttle doesn't run in winter, but I may be wrong.

If you haven't already found this forum, try viewsfromthetop.com . It is a very thorough and friendly bunch, and you'll get expert info on the Presi Traverse issues you asked about.

As markv says, VFTT is a great resource ... I've been a member there for quite some time. Unfortunately, for a variety of issues that have come up over the years, the owner of the site now requires new members to be sponsored by a current member ... preferably with the two actually knowing each other.

I did a north-to-south summer traverse about five years ago. And while it was a cool thing to do, a winter traverse is in a different league. Most folks go north-to-south in either winter or summer since the southern part of the traverse is much easier to tackle when tired. Also, if you are blessed with good weather and conditions, it is not uncommon for winter climbers/hikers to make better time than summer hikers across the range as the terrain can be much less rugged when smoothed over by ice and snow.

Here is a link on VFTT to a traverse completed by Tim Seaver including another link to pictures from his own site:

http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27346&highlight=presidential+traverse+winter

FWIW, Seaver is a stud who is well-known for his accomplishments in the Northeast ... so individual results may vary. Fitness is key. Good luck!!

Ken Rossiter trains folks in this area, and may be a good source for preparation for the bigger snow peaks out west. 802 535-1496