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MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY OVERNIGHT
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Preparation and proper equipment is required (see equipment list)
Exclusive tour of the Mount Washington Observatory included
Ice axe, crampons, plastic double boots are provided
Rental packs and sleeping bags available upon request at additional cost
Expect wind speeds in excess of 70mph and temperatures 20 below zero
1 dinner and 1 breakfast will be provided
Weather station inside air temp ranges from 65-75 degrees F
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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 6288 feet, this trip is unlike any other you’ll ever experience. Space is limited.
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$475 per person on these dates
2011 dates coming soon!
Start/ End: Day 1 starts 7:30am. Day 2 ends approximately 4pm. Groups will meet at the North Conway EMS on day 1
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Includes: ice axe, plastic double boots, crampons, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
Does Not Include: transportation, personal gear and clothing
Prerequisite: no previous mountaineering experience is required, but a good level of fitness is essential
Driving Directions
Local Information Guide
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Equipment List for Mount Washington Observatory Overnight
EMS Climbing School Provides: ice axe, plastic double boots, crampons, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
You Provide: (Required) On this trip, you will be going above treeline and will be exposed to the elements. In this environment, it is essential that you pay closer attention to being dressed appropriately for your personal safety. Dressing in layers works the best. This way, you can take off or add on any layers to adjust to the changing environment as you heat up and cool down. Wearing your “winter coat” or heavy “snow pants” is not the best choice when trying to dress in layers. Most likely, you will overheat when being active and you’ll end up sweating and expending more energy than needed.
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. We expect that you will be dressed and ready to go upon arrival to your lesson.
* indicates rental item from the climbing school or retail store. Call 800-310-4504 to discuss rental needs. Not all EMSCS locations are equipped with rental gear. Please inquire at the time of your reservation.
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Base Layer
(2 tops and 2 bottoms)
Light to mid-weight synthetics, snug fit and close to skin, eg. EMS® Techwick®.
Over-Base Layer
(top and bottom)
Light-weight fleece or heavy-weight EMS® Techwick®. Power-Stretch and micro-fleece are ideal materials for this layer. No heavy, 300 weight fleece trousers—you will be over-dressed.
Insulation Layer
(jacket only)
200 to 300 weight fleece, heavy weight soft shell or Prima-Loft sweater
Uninsulated Waterproof/breathable Shell
(jacket and pants)
EMS System III, Gortex®, or similar waterproof/breathable material. Jacket MUST have an integrated hood. Flimsy “stow-away” nylon hoods are not adequate. Full side zip pants are helpful.
"Over-It-All"
(jacket)
A.K.A. "Puffy" --Hooded, Down or Prima-Loft Jacket.
Gloves/Mittens
(2 pair)
1 pair ski/ice climbing gloves and 1 pair of Mittens. Waterproof/breathable is ideal.
Fleece Hat
*Backpack
2,000 to 3,000 cubic inches
*Sleeping Bag
40 degree. You will be sleeping bunk style on a mattress. Temperature inside will be 65-75 degrees F.
Wool/Synthetic Socks
(2 pair)
*Gaiters
These should fit around your entire calf as well as fit over your pant layering system and a plastic ice climbing boot. Summer hiking gaiters will not fit over plastic boots and leg layers.
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Balaclava
*Ski Goggles
1 pair required but 2 pair is helpful
Neoprene Facemask
No “windproof” face masks. MUST be neoprene for the best prevention against frostbite.
Headlamp
With spare set of batteries
Lunch
For each day. Peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pepperoni…whatever you normally eat on the trail. Temps may be well below freezing, so choose food accordingly, and make sure you can open it and eat it with gloves on.
Snacks
For each day. Trail mix and energy bars
Water 1-2 liters
Use a wide-mouth Nalgene plastic bottle. No thin plastic Poland Spring bottles, water bladder hydration systems, or metal water bottles.
Sunwear
Sunglasses and Sun-block
Personal Toiletries
Keep these to a bare minimum
Optional Items
Camera
Light-weight thermos (1 liter max, with a hot drink in it)
Water Bottle Insulator (old "clean" socks work well)
Change of base layer clothes
Camp booties
Primaloft pants or heavy fleece pants for evening wear
Hand/Foot Warmers
Ear plugs
Trekking Poles
Money for Souvenirs! (Climbing School t-shirts, travel mugs, ceramic mugs and water bottles available)
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Missing anything on this list?
Don't forget your 20% discount EMS coupon that comes with your Climbing School confirmation letter!
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