MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY
Guided Overnight Expedition
to the Summit of Mount Washington

This unique experience combines the challenge of a winter ascent of the Northeast’s highest peak with the rare opportunity to spend the night on the summit inside the Mount Washington Observatory’s legendary mountaintop weather station. We’ll climb Mt. Washington’s eastern flank, aiming to be above treeline around noon. From there, we’ll cross the desolate landscape of the Alpine Garden, where the winds are often at their fiercest, and head up the summit cone.

Once on top, we’re given access to the Observatory’s weather station, where we can find our comfortable bunk beds, change clothes, and relax in the station’s comfortable living quarters. After a family-style dinner with the Observatory crew, we may have time to tour the weather station and learn about the important research conducted there before we head for the bunks. A fortifying breakfast gets us up and going before we head back out into the weather and begin our descent. If you’re fascinated by the extremes of weather, or even if you just want to watch the sunset from 6,288 feet, this trip is unlike any other you’ll ever experience.
Our guides have logged hundreds of Mt. Washington winter ascents over the years. Each one of them knows this notoriously unpredictable mountain well and has the training and experience to lead you to the summit successfully and with an unforgettable story to tell.

Skill Level: Beginner

Length: 2 days, 1 night

Prerequisites: No mountaineering experience required but a good level of fitness is essential

Meeting Location

North Conway Eastern Mountain Sports

Gear List

Being properly dressed is essential to enjoying your outdoor adventures. Cotton has no place in your winter layering system: it keeps you cold if you sweat and it takes a long time to dry out. Synthetic fabrics or wool keep you warmer when they become wet with sweat and certain synthetic base layers are designed to wick the sweat away from your skin to keep you drier and warmer. In order to make your experience more enjoyable, please do not wear any cotton as layering pieces. Also, remember, you have to carry all your clothing with you, so packing efficiently is important. If you can’t wear it all at once, you don’t need to bring it. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504.

click here for required gear list

Itinerary

Included/ Not Included

Trip Includes: mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, dinner & breakfast, 1 night lodging, guided 2 days on Mt. Washington

Not Included With Trip Fee: Climbers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. See gear list for required gear and clothing. You will be responsible for the following: lunch, transportation, personal gear and clothing

Policies

Due to commitments with the Mt. Washington Observatory, we must impose a strict cancellation policy for this trip. For any cancellation we receive 30 days or more prior to the trip’s scheduled departure, there is no financial penalty. There will be a $25 fee for any cancellation received 30 to 15 days prior to the trip. Cancellations made 14 to 8 days prior to the start of the trip will result in a $125 forfeiture. If you must cancel with 7 days notice or less, there is no refund.

The weather on the mountain plays a strong role in our summit attempt and in our descent. As a result, we have had one or two trips over the last several years that were unable to return to the valley on schedule. In the unlikely event that we need to spend an extra night on the summit, there will be an additional charge of $195 per person. Because of this remote possibility, you should allow a greater cushion of time in your travel plans, or consider purchasing Travel Insurance

If you do not reach the Observatory due to physical conditioning, severe weather, or other unpredictable situations, you will be refunded half the total cost of the trip.

**EMS Climbing School does not provide any transportation unless otherwise specified.

**For participants 17 or younger, a parent MUST sign a waiver form for EACH days course.

If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504. We will be more than happy to review our cancellation policy with you.