Mt Washington, NH at 6,288ft is the highest point in the northeastern United States and is know as having “the worlds worst weather”. We will start our climb at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (elevation 2000ft) and spend the next five hours hiking steadily upwards. We will make our way up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, and take our first break of the day at the start of the Lions Head Winter Trail (3500ft). We will change layers, and put on crampons for the next section of trail, likely leaving them on until we return to this spot in the afternoon. We will ascend the Lions Head winter route with crampons and ice axes, passing the technical “crux” of the route, with the aid of ropes if necessary. We will exit the steeps, and treeline, at about 4200ft. We are now in the “alpine zone”, and we will quickly start to get the brunt of the wind and cold. We still have about 2000ft of uphill climbing before we reach the summit. We will take our final planned uphill break at the Lions Head outcrop (5100’). From here we will make our final decision about heading to the summit. If we are already cold and tired here, it will only get worse as we go upward. We will likely don facemasks, googles, and all of our extra clothing here for the final push to the summit!
During our ascent we will discuss how to layer for wind and cold, how to wear and use crampons and ice axes, pacing, and more! If you want to experience what mountaineering is all about, then join us and come climb Mt Washington! No matter the weather, it will be a trip you won’t forget!
MEETING LOCATION
We recommend meeting the night before your climb to try on boots and review all necessary gear. If possible, we will meet at International Mountain Equipment in North Conway, NH (2733 White Mountain Highway - North Conway, NH 03860). IME has a great selection of New and Used equipment, and is an awesome resource to pick up any last minute needs. If you will not be in the area before they close (6pm), that is fine!
For our climb, we will meet at Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. We will enter the awning into the basement/bag room, and gear up there. Once we are settled, we will start our trek upwards!
DO I NEED ANY CLIMBING EXPERIENCE?
You do not need any climbing experience, but you should be comfortable and capable of ascending 1000ft/mile at a comfortable pace, and covering over 8 miles in a day in adverse weather while carrying a pack. If you want additional training please consider signing up for our 2-day Intro to Mountaineering course, and then join this course to climb Mt Washington on the 3rd day!
COST
$225 per participant