>>1689720I've done it twice in December.
First time: Air temp hi of -10 / Summit winds 40 sust. gusts up to 60
Second time: Air temp hi of 15 / Summit winds 50 sust. gusts up to 90
Both times needed ice axe and crampons. You'll most likely be taking Lions Head Winter Route if you're going from Pinkham Notch. You will want an ice axe for self arresting and vertical-ish climbing sections. Above tree line you need an ice axe for self arresting if it's icy at all.
If it's icy or deepish snow you'll need crampons. I had crampons both times. You need them for climbing up sections of Lion's Head Winter Route, especially if it's icy.
It's possible in March, and if you go up Ammo, you could get away with microspikes and no ice axe. Everything is weather- and condition-dependent. And since the weather changes constantly, you won't have a good idea of what to bring until one day out, and even then plans may change.
