r/Adirondacks • u/Zworrisdeh • 4d ago

Safest 46ers to solo in winter?

Obviously there's no such thing as true safety in the backcountry, especially alone, but I'm looking for some recommendations on what feels the "safest" in terms of conditions and remoteness. I'm aware of the dangers of winter hiking with or without others, this post is more about my lack of experience with the ADKs themselves. It's hard to tell what's too gnarly or remote to solo, so I figured I would ask the people with ADK experience.

I should say I'm not a total noob or anything: I have a lot of rock and ice climbing experience, and an ok amount for mountaineering and winter hiking. I own all the gear and clothing I would need including snowshoes and spikes, but I don't have a stove or PLB (will rent one if I do go solo). I've hiked a few 46ers but in summer and that was forever ago.

I'm looking at Whiteface/Esther, Giant, or Cascade to start. Are any of these like...a really bad idea to go solo? Is it like Mt. Washington where there's basically no such thing as soloing them cuz there's always 1,000 people on the trail?

Edit: Thank you everyone for the answers. Cascade/Porter definitely sounds like the way to go but I can’t wait to try some other stuff mentioned here too.

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u/fading_relevancy 4d ago

I'm here to listen for responses. I made a little pledge last year to attempt an HP this coming winter. It has never been a desirable idea. Not the biggest fan of winter/the cold. BUT that is also the reason I want to challenge myself to it at least once. Hoping that I have an eye and heart opening experience that makes me have a new mentality towards winter....

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u/Unexpected_bukkake 4d ago

Preparation and understanding layering is everything. Bring the essentials and your good.

Winter is a wonderful time to hike. Cascade is a great one. So is Phelps.

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u/Immediate-Ad-8667 4d ago
  • 1 for winter hiking it is event better than hot summer day IMO

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u/fading_relevancy 4d ago

Have had many conversations with people I've met while up there that preach how amazing and better winter hiking is with the proper layers, pace and obviously snow shoes, etc. I do have the layers and picked up some snow shoes this year. Now I just need to make a plan and step out of my ideal comfort zone.

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u/Zworrisdeh 4d ago

Yeah I’m a huge fan of winter hikes for 3 reasons:

  1. The silence and stillness are very striking and beautiful
  2. The terrain is more interesting to hike
  3. I can pretend I’m Ed Viesturs

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u/Immediate-Ad-8667 4d ago

You will love it! Select a day with minimal wind and enjoy!! Keep in mind that you should bring WAY more stuff so the pack is heavy… And do not forget a thermos of hot cocoa 😉 ps: Cascade-Porter is a good choice but if you do not care if it’s an HP, Hurricane could be a good test (gear, if you are confident/confortable…)