TUCKERMAN INFERNO PENTATHLON
2025's race was one for the history books! Stay tuned for 2026's race date!
TUCKERMAN INFERNO PENTATHLON
2025's race was one for the history books! Stay tuned for 2026's race date!
ABOUT THE RACE
Welcome to Tuckerman Inferno - a Swiss-inspired adventure race in the White Mountains of NH
People have been dreaming of it, and we're finally bringing it to you. A world-class SkiMo race in the birthplace of Ski Mountaineering in the United States. The race format has three up and two down stages that can be tackled as an individual, dynamic duo, or relay team. While the actual course will be determined in the week leading up to the race, the five stages will include a hike/skin to treeline, an alpine snow climb with a single pitch of fixed line, a ski descent with a section of giant slalom gates, a second alpine snow climb, and a final ski descent all the way to Pinkham Notch.
A Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation Fundraiser
Compete to support a great cause! All proceeds from this event support the Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation. This event is a major fundraiser for the foundation whose mission is to support the Mount Washington Avalanche Center by enhancing and expanding avalanche education opportunities, advocating for responsible and sustainable backcountry recreation in New Hampshire’s unique alpine ecosystems, and expanding the reach of US Forest Service avalanche forecasts and messages.
The Course
Stage 1: Pinkham Notch to Treeline
Ascend from the Pinkham Notch parking area up the Tuckerman Ravine trail to the Mount Washington treeline.
Miles: 2.6
Elevation Gain: 2,368
See Race Rules for additional detail about each Stage. The exact course may change based on race day weather and snow conditions.
Stage 2: Treeline to Summit
Mount Washington Treeline to the summit (or as high as conditions permit) with a technical ski mountaineering component (tying into a fixed line).
Stage 3: Descend to Hermit Lake Shelter
Descent from the Mount Washington summit to Hermit Lake Shelter, including a section(s) of gated Alpine Ski Racing.
Stage 4: Hermit Lake up Hillman Highway
Stage 5: Hilman Highway to Pinkham Notch
Descend Hillman’s Highway to the Sherburne Ski Trail to the race finish at Pinkham Notch.
Our Partners & Sponsors
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Required Equipment By Stage
Stage 1: Pinkham Notch to Treeline
- Skis are optional for relay teams.
- Solos and duos must carry all the gear necessary for Stages 2-5
Stage 2: Treeline to MW Summit
- Beacon(transmitting), probe, and avalanche shove
- Crampons and a self-arrest tool (ice axe, whippet, or similar)
- Locking Carabiner
- Harness and Rope ascending device - International Mountain Climbing School will provide harnesses and material for a Prusik loop at registration if you do not have these items (thanks IMCS!)
- Helmet
- Insulating layer, weather-blocking layer
Stage 3: MW Summit to Hermit Lake Shelter
- Skis or a Snowboard appropriate for skiing steep expert-level alpine terrain
- Beacon(transmitting), probe, and avalanche shovel
- Helmet
- Insulating layer, weather-blocking layer
Stage 4: Hermit Lake Up Hillman's Highway
- Beacon(transmitting), probe, and avalanche shove
- Crampons and a self-arrest tool (ice axe, whippet, or similar)
- Helmet
- Insulating layer, weather-blocking layer
Stage 5: Hilman’s Highway to Pinkham Notch.
- Skis or Snowboard appropriate for skiing steep expert level alpine terrain
- Beacon(transmitting), probe, and avalanche shovel
- Helmet
- Insulating layer, weather-blocking layer