Mount Osceola

Trail: Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail

Conditions: Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes

“Spikes car to both peaks all the way back to East Peak then BD Crampons down to the Greeley Pond Trail. Then bareboots out to the trailhead. Greeley Pond is a mix of snow, ice, bare ground, mud, semi exposed bog logs. The snow is more consistent on the Mt Osceola Trail but still a mix of snow ,ice and a few exposed rocks. On the ridge between the peaks the snow is deep enough for snowshoes but too rough, uneven, postholed, and narrow for SS. There's a little snow and ice left in the Chimney so I used the Bypass up and down which was dry low with ice on the upper section. I was happy to have my full crampons for the descent although the ice softened in the afternoon so sharp spikes (definitely NOT rock spikes) would probably be ok. But full crampons was the best choice!”

Trail: Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail

Conditions: Ice - Blue, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow/Ice - Postholes

“I think we all know that hiking partners can make or break a hike and I am ridiculously fortunate to hike the best folks. We walked the road to the trailhead and immediately donned snowshoes. There were faint boot tracks which must have occurred prior to the past 2 storms. The snow depth increased as we ascended and we had to watch for postholes hidden by the snow. The steeps were a challenge. The snow depth was about 6 inches or so and it hid the ice well. We found all of it for you. Snowshoes did well for traction as long as we found a base of packed snow or softer ice. It was slow going as we looked for the safe spots for our feet and we contemplated our options for descending while we were still going up while conditions were fresh in our minds. The stretch between the 2 peaks had quite a bit more snow and still had hidden postholes. We found all those too. Thanks to Luke for joining me on this one and fueling us with gummy worms and PB balls and for the most excellent company on what could have been a slog of epic proportions but instead was... The. Best. Day. Ever.”

Trail: Greeley Ponds XC Ski Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail

Conditions: Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches

“absolutely gorgeous day with amazing views, Moose and Prezzies in full regalia, Winnipesaukee shimmering in the distance. the snow was dream like, hard packed, fairly cold day but ill take the reprieve from the last couple of outings of mashed potato party . spikes door to door, Snowshoes went for a ride [PLEASE WEAR SNOWSHOES OR SKIS IF USING XC SKI TRAIL], K10's or similar would have made the hike a bit more safe, very deliberate steps in the steeps, no slip-ups today but it only takes one to ruin your day or worse. did the re-route of the chimney to the right on the ascent and the one next to that on the descent. enjoyed the solitude today, saw a group of 3 that were coming down from their sunrise hike, seemingly in good spirits, ledges were fantastic, great nook to eat lunch and get a wind break, having not climbed the O's since 22' its wonderful to see it again and just as magical.”