Trail of the week: Backcountry time on the 'Sherbie'

By Marty Basch

The advisory said it all."The Sherburne Ski Trail is open with new snow and full coverage," wrote Snow Ranger Christopher Joosen in his avalanche advisory the other day posted at www.tuckerman.org.December's snowy start got backcountry action off to an early, but January's thaw put some of the brakes on. But February has been kind and the Sherburne Ski Trail was the place to be for Pinkham Notch non-lift service skiing.The downhill ski and snowboard route features nearly 2,000 feet of vertical accessed by your own internal combustion engine via the 2.4 mile trek up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail behind the Appalachian Mountain Club Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Then it's down the "Sherbie". Charles Proctor is the man who designed the trail, cut in 1934, and named after ski racer John H. Sherburne Jr. Many people think of the trail only during the spring onslaught to Tuckerman Ravine. That's too bad. It is a fine outing in its own right, and an excellent route for those who feel comfortable advancing to an intermediate to advanced level skiing or riding. Telemarkers love it, and rock skis aren't a bad idea sometimes. There can be an assortment of snow conditions from blissful powder to windblown hard pack. There are views across to Wildcat and Carter Dome, as well as plenty of curves. Notable is the ominous Deadman's Curve near the final section of trail where a skier was killed in the 1930s following a collision with a tree. Hike to Hojo's, grab a snack, and then hit the "Sherbie" down to the parking lot. It's the season to do it.