Failing to ski down Moosilauke had stuck with me, and I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied unless I figured out a way to ski something. Tecumseh (aka Waterville Valley) looked like the best option to give it a try, and it worked out great. I loved the idea of sneaking onto Waterville Valley via the Tecumseh Mountain Trail, and when I eventually crossed over to the ski trails, I went completely undetected by staff and guests alike. And I got in some great turns!
The Mount Tecumseh Trail
I couldn’t believe that the day I picked to carry my skis up a mountain, it was actually snowing! Deep within my blood I could feel the call of a thousand Viking warriors shout, “to Valhalla!” Oh, this was going to be a good day.
Summiting Tecumseh
Even with skis on my back, at this point in the adventure I was starting to get in pretty good shape, and the ascent felt a lot easier than my other climbs. I set my pack down for a little break, and perhaps to admire it, but I didn’t linger long. I was too excited to collect my reward!
Mount Tecumseh Ascent Details
- Route: Mount Tecumseh Trail – A relatively short but steady climb through the forest with moderate switchbacks and some rocky sections. This is one of the easier routes to a New Hampshire 4000-footer, making it a great option for hikers in all seasons. If you’re bringing your skis with you, once you cross the Sosman Trail over the ridgeline (.6 miles), you’ll pop out onto Waterville Valley’s ski trails. For my descent, I chose Tippecanoe, Lower Tippy, and then Lower Periphery.
- Elevation Gain: 2,163 Feet
- Miles to Summit: 2.5 miles
- Total Distance: 3.1 miles to get to the ski mountain
- Trailhead Location: Mount Tecumseh Trailhead at Waterville Valley Ski Area, located off Tripoli Road in Waterville Valley, NH.
Mount Tecumseh Hiking & Skiing Resources
If you’re planning to hike or ski Mount Tecumseh, these resources will help:
- 📍 Peakbagger.com – Mount Tecumseh – Track your 4000-footer progress, log summits, and check elevation data.
- 🎿 Waterville Valley Ski Resort – Official resort site for lift access, trail conditions, and skiing information. It also has a webcam showing the current conditions.
- 🌦 Weather & Trail Conditions – Mount Washington Observatory – Useful for checking forecasts and real-time conditions in the White Mountains.
- 🗺 AMC Trail Maps – It’s always a good idea to carry a reliable map, especially in winter.
📸 Want to see photos of other 4000-footers? Click here: 4000s by 40 Visual Companion
📖 Curious about what it’s like to climb all 48 of NH’s 4000-footers? Grab a copy of 4000s by 40 and explore the stories behind the summits.