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An Icy Start to an Epic Journey

Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, is a winter wonderland of rugged beauty and intense challenges. Lucian and I, along with two friends, set out on a week-long adventure to camp and ski this iconic mountain. What we didn’t fully realize was just how much this trip would test our limits—and teach us valuable lessons along the way.

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The Journey to Roaring Brook

Our adventure began with a grueling trek. With the road to Roaring Brook Campground closed for winter, we had to skin in and drag sleds loaded with gear for miles through the snow. The trek totaled around 15 miles and included a few thousand feet of elevation gain to reach the lean-tos near Chimney Pond.

It was an exhausting day—one of those days where every step feels like a monumental effort. By the time we reached camp, the temperature had dropped to -20°F, and all we could think about was warming up and refueling.

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Life at Chimney Pond

For the next week, we stayed in a lean-to, which provided shelter but little reprieve from the cold. We filled our water bottles from the corner of the frozen lake, where an open section remained accessible. Even simple tasks like melting snow or cooking dinner became significant challenges in the extreme temperatures.

Despite the cold nights, the days warmed up unexpectedly, creating a stark contrast that left us constantly adjusting layers. The lean-to became a cozy basecamp for our daily adventures as we explored different parts of the mountain.

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Climbing and Skiing Katahdin

Each day, we set out to climb new sections of the mountain and ski down its snowy slopes. Katahdin’s terrain offered a mix of steep, technical runs and more playful areas to explore.

On our final full day, we tackled a climb to the summit via a couloir coated in bulletproof hard ice. The ascent demanded focus and precision, making it one of the most technical challenges of the trip. After waiting patiently at the summit, we were rewarded with softened snow in the same couloir, transforming the descent into a magical ride. Skiing through that stunning line all the way back to the lean-to was the perfect end to our week of exploration.

That night, we packed up our gear in preparation for the final leg of the journey.

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The Treacherous Descent

The next day brought a different kind of adventure. We skied down a hiking trail while pulling our sleds—a chaotic and arguably the most dangerous part of the entire trip. Navigating tight turns, steep drops, and unpredictable terrain with the added challenge of sleds made for a thrilling, if slightly nerve-wracking, descent.

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Looking Ahead

As much as I loved the raw beauty and rugged conditions of the lean-to, next time I’d love to stay in the log cabin near Chimney Pond. The thought of relaxing by a roaring fire in the woodstove after a day on the slopes is too appealing to resist.

Every trip to the mountains is a learning experience, and this one was no exception. While we weren’t as prepared as we could have been—lacking extra food and proper camp boots—the journey was a testament to the resilience and joy that comes with spending time in the mountains.

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Final Thoughts

Mt. Katahdin in winter is a true test of endurance, adaptability, and appreciation for nature’s power. From the icy couloir climb to the exhilarating ski descents, the adventure offered a mix of challenges and rewards that will stay with us forever.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. And with the lessons learned, I know it will be even better the next time around.

Have you tackled a winter climb or ski adventure? Share your tips, experiences, or future plans in the comments—we’d love to hear about them!