How to Climb Mt. Washington

During the winter months, Mount Washington is usually covered in snow and ice.

Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast United States, and many people claim that it has the "worst weather in the world." Climbing Mount Washington can be very challenging, especially during the winter months. For those who do wish to climb it, there are a variety of trails to choose from. People who want to see the summit but do not feel prepared to climb the mountain have several guided transportation options for getting to the top.

Things You'll Need

• Parking pass
• Weather-appropriate clothes
• Winter mountaineering equipment (e.g., crampons, ice axe)

Instructions

Climbing the Mountain

1. Research the many trails on Mount Washington to decide which would be best for you. Tuckerman Ravine Trail is one of the shortest and most popular trails at 4.2 miles. Some trails are longer than Tuckerman but are a slightly easier climb, while others provide a bigger challenge for more experienced hikers.

2. Get a parking pass. Many of the parking lots for the most popular trails require parking passes. The prices vary, and depend on whether you want a seasonal pass or a daily pass. As of 2001 a daily pass cost $3.

3. Carefully climb the mountain. Consider what season it is; in winter you will need winter mountaineering equipment, but you can usually find snow-free hiking trails from May until October. Summer often means low visibility on the summit, but the skies are usually more clear during winter. Some people choose to take a different trail down the mountain than they did climbing up to gain more hiking experience and to see different scenic spots of the mountain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not feel prepared to climb the mountain yourself, consider taking a guided trip via train or automobile. The Cog Railway offers scenic train rides from May 1 until Nov. 28, weather permitting. The Mount Washington Auto Road offers guided automobile tours from early May until Oct. 24 and can also give tours in a "snow coach" during winter months. The Mount Washington Observatory provides EduTrips that include transportation to and from the summit via snow tractor, several classroom sessions and/or outdoor field trips, tours of the Observatory and the summit area, meals, overnight lodging and a certificate of course participation.

• Consider camping on the mountain to avoid overexerting yourself. There are campsites at established campsites at the Hermit Lake Shelters, the AMC Lakes of the Clouds Hut, and the Harvard Cabin.

• The Mount Washington Observatory puts the following warning on their website:

• Any individuals planning a trip to the summit in winter must plan their trip accordingly, and must be in good physical shape, be properly clothed, have the relevant winter mountaineering equipment (such as ice axe and crampons) and know how to use it, must be alert to avalanche and other hazards, and must be willing to head back down the mountain should conditions deteriorate.

• If a storm arises on the mountain, visibility can be limited.

• Winds can be so strong on Mount Washington that it can literally knock you over. The wind can also blow big chunks of ice.

References

• SummitPost.org: Mount Washington
• The Mount Washington Cog Railway: schedule
• The Mount Washington Auto Road: schedule
• The Mount Washington Observatory: FAQ