This would also be my first time out on a trail on skis! I had decided that for some Winter White Mountain hikes skis were the way to go on the long approaches on closed forest service roads.

I never skied before a couple of weeks ago when I got the skis. I have been practicing in the yard and at the athletic field at the college, but needed to get some 'real trail' experience before tackling anything major. I have been having some boot fit issues so short local runs are the best place to find these out and resolve them. I think I finally have that sorted out... I hope.

Climbing and flatish sections are a breeze and with little effort one can cover a surprising amount of ground. certainly way more efficient then plodding along on boots or snowshoes. However, my inexperience shows when going downhill! I have trouble controlling my speed and on a couple of occasions threw caution to the wind and just went for it!

What appeared to be a gentle climb on the way in I knew would be somewhat speedier on the way out. I wasn't prepared for quite how much speedier! I did get down without falling but remember thinking that it would hurt if I fell! Good incentive not to fall :)

The grades on this trail are far steeper than anything I'll be tackling in the Whites for a while so I feel prepared. As experience grows I'm sure I'll be itching to take on some more daring backcountry stuff... bw warned!