GORHAM, N.H. -- A climb in a New Hampshire ravine turned treacherous for two hikers who were swept down the mountain by an avalanche, Manchester television station WMUR reported.

According to rangers from the U.S. Forest Service, the hikers came well prepared for an expert-level hike. Both were climbing a steep snow route known as "Dodge's Drop" in Tuckerman's Ravine.

"Dodge's Drop is considered a no-drop zone -- there's a lot of rocks," said Ranger Brian Johnston. "A lot can go wrong up there in a fall."

As they neared the top of the climb, Dan Zucker, of Danville, Vt., said he realized he was on a fresh slab of snow, isolated with a heavy crust, and as he was shifting his weight, the slab let loose, and he was swept away. Fellow hiker Tim Finnochio, of Massachusetts, was also caught up in the avalanche. Their ride lasted half a minute.

"The scrapes, the road rash or snow burn -- whatever you want to call it -- are mostly toward the end where we stopped doing whatever you can do to slow yourself down," Finnochio said.

Officials said their plan was to climb the route and gain access to hiking trails to the summit of Mount Washington. They weren't roped but were equipped with crampons and technical axes.

A crowd at the base of the ravine watched Finnochio and Zucker plummet toward them. When they stopped, the crowd called out to the hikers and got a reply. Both men were still conscious.

"I got turned around headfirst," Finnochio said. "I was doing whatever I could do to slow myself down."

Finnochio passed out in the avalanche, but Zucker was able to document the event, taking nearly three dozen pictures.

The men suffered minor injuries, including abrasions, a broken pinky, a bruised pelvis and a sprained ankle. They were able to drive themselves to a hospital.

U.S. forest rangers said they are surprised the injuries weren't more severe or even fatal.

The U.S. Forest Service reminded hikers to use reliable sources for updates on conditions on the mountain before planning a hike. Tuckerman.org provides safety tips and avalanche advisories for anyone planning to hike in the area.