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TUCKERMAN INFERNO

Race Day - March 20, 2027

Compete to support Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation

TUCKERMAN INFERNO

Race Day - March 20, 2027

Compete to support Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation

Tuckerman Inferno - a Swiss-inspired adventure race

A scenic landscape featuring mountains, a lake, and a clear blue sky.

A world-class SkiMo race in the birthplace of Ski Mountaineering in the United States.

While the actual course will be determined in the week leading up to the race, the full skimo race 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.

NEW CATEGORIES: In 2026 we are bringing back the Inferno Classic - a top to bottom alpine ski race - and introducing the Inferno Vertical for those looking to race to the top and descend at their leisure.

SUPPORT MOUNT WASHINGTON AVALANCHE CENTER FOUNDATION

Compete to support a great cause! All race proceeds go to 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.

HELP US MEET OUR 2026 FUNDRAISING GOAL!

In 2026, participants who register early can fundraise their $250 registration minimum through a personal Pledge page. All participants can raise additional funds through their Pledge page. Share your page with friends, family, and supporters to help us reach our $50,000 fundraising goal.

Top fundraisers earn prizes and a guaranteed entry in 2027.

Donate for a participant or a team to help us reach our goal!

Donate Today

RACE COURSE FOR 4/11

Inferno Course Plan

Stage 1: The Climb

Start: Pinkham Notch lawn (base of Sherburne Ski Trail).
Route: Follow the Blanchard Loop around the Visitor Center, then ascend Tuckerman Ravine Trail.
Mid-Point: Pass around the perimeter of the Hermit Lake Shelter courtyard (follow volunteer directions).
The Climb: Proceed up Lobster Claw Gully and follow the Alpine Garden Trail to the East Fields (Summit Cone).
Uphill Finish: The climb ends at the “Height of Snow” (start of the GS Course).

Phase 2: The GS Descent

The Run: Descend the East Fields through bamboo gates.
The Pitch: Depending on conditions, the course will traverse into either “The Lip” or “The Right Gully.”
The Floor: Gates continue down to the floor of Tuckerman Ravine for the transition.

Phase 3: The Second Climb (Technical Choice)

After reaching the Ravine floor, racers must choose their path back up:

Podium Route (Technical): Climb a fixed line through Chute Variation South.
Non-Podium Route: Take the booter up Left Gully (ineligible for podium).

Both routes traverse the snowfield to the top of Hillman’s Highway.

Phase 4: The Final Descent

Route: Descend Hillman’s Highway to the Sherburne Ski Trail.
Finish Line: The race ends at the last crossover before the snow runs out (currently Crossover #3).

Division-Specific Info

Vertical Division

Finish Line: The race ends for you at the top of the East Fields (start of the GS course).
Safety: You must scan your timing chip at the main finish line on your way down so organizers know you are off the mountain.

Classic Division (Shortened "Inferno")

Start: 9:30 AM at the top of the East Fields (90-second intervals).
Finish: The floor of Tuckerman Ravine.
Safety: Like the Vertical division, you must clock out at the final skimo finish line to confirm you are off the mountain.

Duo Racers

Hand-offs: You may tag in/out at any designated timing point.
Requirement: The physical timing chip must be handed off during the transition.

Split Time Locations

Split 1: Entrance to Tuckerman Ravine.
Split 2: Height of Snow (East Fields).
Split 3: Tuckerman Ravine Floor (End of GS course).
Split 4: Top of Hillman’s Highway.
Finish: Last crossover from Sherburne to Tuckerman Ravine Trail.

2026 RACE CATEGORIES

INFERNO SKIMO

An epic backcountry ski mountaineering race (SkiMo) with 5,500 feet of vertical gain across two climbs and descents.

INFERNO SKIMO DUO

Same course as the Inferno Skimo but split with a relay partner.

INFERNO CLASSIC

The original INFERNO! An epic top to bottom alpine ski race. Get yourself and your ski gear to the top at your designated start time. Race down the GS course on Tuckerman Ravine and down to the parking lot. First start time is 9:30 AM with 90 second intervals between participants.

INFERNO VERTICAL

Race to the top of Mt. Washington on skis. Descend at your own pace/trail/mode.

Race Information

2026 Inferno Orientation and Q&A

Race director Jake Risch and Inferno Champion Josie Fisher discuss the ins and outs of the 2026 race course, equipment, weather conditions and more. If you are racing or are interested in racing this video is a must see to prepare you for this epic and fun race!

Required Technical Equipment

International Mountain Climbing School owner explains what equipment is required for the fixed line and above tree-line for the Tuckerman Inferno Race.

Risk Mitigation: How we keep you safe

Jake Risch discusses how his team of volunteers helps keep racers safe during the Tuckerman Inferno.

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

Required Equipment

Beacon(transmitting), probe, and avalanche shove
Crampons and a self-arrest tool (ice axe, whippet, or similar)
Locking Carabiner
Harness - International Mountain Climbing School will provide several harnesses at registration
Sling or Lanyard to attach harness to the fixed line
Rope ascending device: e.g. Tibloc, Ascender/Jumar, Prussick. This is in order of what was most effciently last year. Material for a Prusik loop will be available at registration.
Insulating layer, weather-blocking layer

TUCKERMAN INFERNO

TUCKERMAN INFERNO

A World-Class SkiMo Race on Mount Washington