Imagine trying to ski down the side of a barn and you'll have some idea of the sensation skiers get schussing the steep runs of Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington.

It's a spring ritual at this glacially carved bowl on the Northeast's highest peak, and recent sunny skies and spring temps brought out the faithful, the fanatic, and the merely curious to make the trek to the ravine this past week.

Many ascended to the bowl this past weekend so they could descend atop skis and snowboards and earn bragging rights for negotiating some of the most extreme skiing terrain in the East.

Given its location on the lee side of the mountain, Tuckerman Ravine functions as a huge snow collector, the repository for most of the snow that lands on the summit and is transported to the bowl on the wind.

While a handful of experienced skiers may seek out the steeps in winter, Tuck's is a place best left for spring, when avalanche danger subsides somewhat. Avalanche danger is a constant concern in the ravine, even in spring, and U.S. Forest Service snow rangers issue avalanche reports that are posted on the web and at the Tuckerman Ravine trailhead and at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

As of March 26, 45 inches of snow was recorded at the snow stake. The U.S. Forest Service avalanche advisory for that day noted that some crevasses have already opened up, and undermined snow was also a concern. "Warm temperatures and rain are going to increase some hazards in the ravines over the next couple of days," the advisory said.

"Couloir" magazine editor and publisher Craig Dostie is known as a proponent of backcountry skiing where you must "earn your turns." As he and countless other skiers and boarders can attest, anyone taking on Tuckerman earns his or her turns.

Tuckerman Ravine is a backcountry ski area managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Access is by foot. There's no chairlift, no snowmaking, and no lodge to duck into when the weather turns bad.

Skiers need to carry their gear -- skis, food, extra clothing -- on their backs as they slog up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail 2.4 miles to Hermit Lake at the base of the ravine, a trip of about two hours. The trip to the bowl, and up the headwall, requires more climbing, still.

Most runs in the ravine range in steepness from 35 degrees to 55 degrees on the legendary headwall, making skiing here more challenging than your favorite double black diamond trail.

Skiers hike as far as their nerve allows, click into their skis, and head down. Not all who climb to the ravine take on the steeps. Many make the trip simply to watch others test their mettle on the ravine's challenging runs.

U.S. Forest Service snow rangers and Appalachian Mountain Club shelter caretakers provide information to ravine visitors and work together, along with the Mt. Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol, on search and rescue missions.

Skiers are advised to be aware of potential hazards in the ravine and heed the warnings of snow rangers.

Before heading up the trail, skiers are advised to stop in at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at the trailhead to check the weather forecast, trail conditions, and U.S. Forest Service avalanche advisory, which are posted in the center. AMC staff and volunteers can also provide information and tips on making the trek to Tuck's.

The visitor center is also where tickets for overnight accommodations at the Hermit Lake Shelters can be purchased. Joe Dodge Lodge at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center also offers overnight lodging.

In addition to checking avalanche conditions, ravine visitors should also be alert for falling ice. Hundreds of tons of ice form on the lip of the ravine, and when it melts in spring, car-sized chunks often break off and hurtle to the bowl below. Skiers and spectators should seek shelter behind large boulders in the event of falling ice.

Undermined snow and crevasses are also hazards in spring, and skiers should keep an eye out for such conditions and stay clear of them.

Because the bowl acts as a huge, natural reflector, skiers should slather on the sunscreen to avoid sunburned skin.

Weather is unpredictable on Mt. Washington, so visitors should be equipped with multiple layers of clothing to keep them warm and dry.

Tuckerman Ravine is the site of the seventh annual Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon, set for April 21, and organized by the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine. More information is available at www.friendsoftuckerman.org.

For more information on trip planning, check www.outdoors.org or call the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at 603-466-2721.

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• View Avalanche Advisory >>

- Rob Burbank is the AMC Public Affairs Director