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Mount Washington Winter Climb
Book online at rei.com/adventures or call 1-800-622-2236
Highlights
Trip Dates:
2008 Classic Winter Climb
- Jan 5–7
- Jan 19–21 MLK Weekend
- Feb 1–3
- Feb 16–18 Sold out
- Feb 29 – Mar 2
- Mar 14–16
2008 Observatory Overnight
- Mar 9–10
- Apr 11–12 Closed
Price:
2008
REI member: $425
Non-member: $465
Additional Fees:
Single supplement: $100 (Classic Climb only)
Total Days: 2 or 3
Group Size: 2-10
Activity Level: 1 2 3 4 5
Levels explained 
- We have active trips for every skill level, novice to expert. These guidelines will help you select the level of adventure that's right for you.
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1 2 3 4 5 Relaxed: Adventure travel at its most relaxed pace.
Activity: 1-3 hours most days
Distances: walk less than 3 miles most days
Surfaces: flat terrain
Elevation change: little to none
Altitude: less than 3,000 ft
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1 2 3 4 5 Easy Active: Great for newcomers to active travel.
Activity: 2-5 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10-30 miles most days
Surfaces: flat or rolling terrain with some possible steeps
Elevation change: up to 2,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 6,000 ft
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1 2 3 4 5 Moderate: For outdoor novices and above.
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 10 miles most days, cycle 20-40 miles most days
Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 3,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
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1 2 3 4 5 Moderate Plus: Trips rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] are recommended for travelers seeking both moderate [3] and vigorous [4] activity levels. Please refer to daily trip itineraries for specifics.
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1 2 3 4 5 Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers with basic skills.
Activity: 5-8 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days, cycle 30-50 miles most days
Surfaces: mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
Experience and a doctors release may be required
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1 2 3 4 5 Strenuous: A trip for experienced and very fit travelers.
Activity: 10+ hours/day
Distances: Hike 12 or more miles most days, cycle 50 or more miles most days
Surfaces: remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails with loose features.
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: may well exceed 14,000 ft
Experience and a doctors release are required
Accommodations:
Classic Climb ---
Red Roof Inn, Plymouth, NH, 2 nights
or
Observatory Overnight ---
Mt. Washington Observatory, NH, 1 night
Mount Washington Winter Climb
REI Adventures offers two options for those looking to attempt a winter ascent of legendary Mt. Washington. Our Classic Winter Climb is a 3-day program, featuring a skills day and attempt at a neighboring summit before we climb and descent Mt. Washington on the final day. Those looking for a different kind of climb can try our new 2-day Mt. Washington Observatory Overnight, ascending the peak on the first day and descending on day two after spending the night in the Mt. Washington Observatory on the summit of New England’s most iconic peak.
Mount Washington Winter Climb – Classic Climb Itinerary:
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Day 1 Arrival and check-in
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Arrive at your leisure at the Red Roof Inn in Plymouth, New Hampshire this evening. Dinner tonight is on your own. There are many local restaurants near your hotel. Rest well tonight before our first day of climbing instruction tomorrow.
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Day 2 Orientation, skills, and attempt a neighboring peak!
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After continental breakfast at the hotel we gather in the lobby at 8:00 am for an orientation and gear check. We then set out for a day of skills development in crampon and ice axe use, self arrest, and navigation as well as considerations for personal clothing, equipment and food selection. After returning to the hotel, head out for dinner on your own this evening. There are restaurants in Plymouth near our hotel. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day—energy bars and drinks, etc.
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Day 3 Mt. Washington summit attempt
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We wake early today and gather once again in the lobby to leave for Mt. Washington and commence our summit attempt. We plan to ascend the winter route, via Tuckerman’s Ravine. Lions Head is our first objective at 4800 feet. We anticipate substantial wind and extreme cold at Lions Head. If we make Lions Head, we assess current weather, climbing conditions, and the group’s condition and then make the decision on continuing up the mountain if everything seems favorable enough. It is another 1.5 miles and another 1400 feet of gain from Lions Head to the summit. The summit cone is the other area where we very much anticipate substantial wind. We will be climbing between Lion’s head and the summit for three to five hours, typically. The winds usually are out of the west/north west, while we will be climbing on the east side of the mountain, which may afford us some wind protection through sections of the climb. As we climb, our guides continue to offer coaching and instruction on climbing efficiently and safely. Expect high winds today and ample opportunities to test your newfound skills and willpower as we press for the summit. We expect to be back by around 6:30pm, so if you are flying out, plan accordingly (for example, plan to fly out of Manchester no earlier than 9:00pm). Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day, energy bars and drinks, etc.
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Note on Itinerary
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Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. The final route and schedule is left up to the discretion of the guides, and is based upon trip member’s skill, interests, and weather conditions. Hotel accommodation options in Plymouth are limited, and we’ve selected our accommodations for comfort, cleanliness, convenience, and affordability.
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Single Travelers
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If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a very limited number of single rooms available on most departures.
Mount Washington Winter Climb – Classic Climb Itinerary:
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Day 1 Arrival and check-in
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Day 2 Orientation, skills, and attempt a neighboring peak!
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Day 3 Mt. Washington summit attempt
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Note on Itinerary
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Single Travelers
Mount Washington Observatory Overnight Itinerary:
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Night Before Optional night
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Since we will meet at 8:00 am on day one of your trip, you may need to arrive the night before our trip begins. Hotel night stays are not included in the cost of this trip. To make a reservation at the Joe Dodge Lodge, which is located at the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center where we will meet on the first morning of the trip at 8:00 am, call (603) 466-2727. Be sure to make your reservation as far in advance of departure as possible.
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Day 1 Climb to the summit
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Your trip begins today at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitors Center. We’ll meet on the first floor at the weather observation and conditions forecast area no later than 8:00 a.m. where your guides will greet you and begin outfitting you with the gear needed to set out for the summit today. As we begin our ascent via Tuckerman’s Ravine, guides will offer instruction in crampon and ice axe use, self arrest and other important considerations for clothing, equipment and food selection. As we climb, Lions Head is our first objective at 4,800 feet. We anticipate substantial wind and extreme cold at Lions Head. If we make Lions Head, we assess current weather, climbing conditions, and the group’s condition and then make the decision on continuing up the mountain if everything seems favorable enough. It is another 1.5 miles and another 1,400 feet of gain from Lions Head to the summit. The summit cone is the other area where we very much anticipate substantial wind. We will be climbing between Lion’s head and the summit for three to five hours, typically. The winds usually are out of the west/north west, while we will be climbing on the east side of the mountain, which may afford us some wind protection through sections of the climb. As we climb, our guides continue to offer coaching and instruction on climbing efficiently and safely. Expect high winds today and ample opportunities to test your newfound skills and willpower as we press for the summit. At the top, look forward to a hot dinner and a tour of the famous Mt. Washington Observatory. It was here that the world record highest wind speed in history was recorded at 231 miles per hour in April, 1934. We spend the night in the observatory tonight before making our descent in the morning. Dinner included. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day, energy bars and drinks, etc.
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Day 2 Descend from the observatory
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After breakfast at the observatory we gather up and assess weather conditions for our ascent. If the weather today is too extreme to allow us to descend, our group may be forced to spend another night at the observatory awaiting a window of time that will provide an opportunity to descend. If we are forced to overnight at the Observatory an additional night, a fee of $100 will automatically be charged the following business day. Such an arrangement may also significantly impact your return travel plans, which may need to be adjusted accordingly. For this reason, we very highly recommend travel insurance for this trip. See “Travel Insurance” information below. In the absence of extreme weather conditions, we set out in the morning and descending the route that we climbed, returning to our vehicles where we’ll offer one another congratulations and say our goodbyes. If the weather allows for our descent as planned today, we expect to be back at the Visitors Center by around 2:00 p.m. today, so if you are flying out, plan accordingly (for example, plan to fly out of Manchester no earlier than 7:00 p.m.). Breakfast included. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day, energy bars and drinks, etc.
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Note on Itinerary
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Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. The final route and schedule is left up to the discretion of the guides, and is based upon trip member’s skill, interests, and weather conditions. We may opt to ascend a different route or to cease ascending at any point along the way if conditions warrant and this decision will rest with the guides.
Important: If we reach the observatory and weather on Day 2 is too extreme to allow us to descend, our group may be forced to spend another night at the observatory awaiting a window of time that will provide an opportunity to descend. If we are forced to overnight at the Observatory an additional night, a fee of $100 will automatically be charged the following business day. Such an arrangement may also significantly impact your return travel plans, which may need to be adjusted accordingly. For this reason, we very highly recommend travel insurance for this trip. See “Travel Insurance” information below.
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Single Travelers
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Sleeping accommodations at the Mt. Washington Observatory are shared bunkrooms. These common spaces do not provide the opportunity for anyone to request private accommodations. Single travelers are welcome and there is no additional single fee for this climb.
Mount Washington Observatory Overnight Itinerary:
+ Show Details
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Night Before Optional night
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Day 1 Climb to the summit
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Day 2 Descend from the observatory
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Note on Itinerary
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Single Travelers
Important Information about Air Travel:
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm that the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Price Includes:
Professional instruction and guiding, lodging and meals as described in the itinerary, group climbing equipment, permits.
Not Included:
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; optional night’s lodging before or after the trip; energy foods and energy drinks (see equipment list for guidelines); guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Closest Airport(s):
Manchester, NH: Manchester Airport (MHT), 65 miles
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.
Qualifications:
This trip is rated Vigorous (4) as climbing the peak involves carrying a daypack (10-20 lbs.) over very steep, snowy/icy/rocky terrain in potentially very challenging weather conditions for many hours continuously. The climbing portions of the trip involve travel on very steep terrain and at altitude, which is physically demanding. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your overall enjoyment is your overall fitness level.
Weather:
You may experience very cold temperatures, fog, frequent cloud cover and high winds. Climbers should come prepared with every piece of equipment indicated on the gear list below and should maintain an awareness that the environmental factors are part of the challenge of the climb. Climbers should also maintain the understanding that weather may turn us away from our objective at any time, and that the final call is left to our instructors and must be adhered to by all group members.
General Information:
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Mount Washington Winter Climb
Having the proper gear is vital to your comfort and overall enjoyment of the seminar. Attached is a gear list that has been specifically designed for this trip. We often get asked if all items appearing on the list on the following page are really required. Our guides assert that climbers must arrive prepared as indicated, but please keep in mind that not all gear will be required for all departures. The weather and terrain conditions on Mt. Washington at the time of your arrival will dictate what clothing and equipment you will be required to carry with you during the day and what (if anything) can be left behind. If you do not already own all of the necessary gear and are not certain if you will participate in mountaineering trips on a regular basis, please consider renting.
Weather
You may experience very cold temperatures, fog, frequent cloud cover and high winds. Climbers should come prepared with every piece of equipment indicated on the gear list below and should maintain an awareness that the environmental factors are part of the challenge of the climb. Climbers should also maintain the understanding that weather may turn us away from our objective at any time, and that the final call is left to our instructors and must be adhered to by all group members.
Gear Checklist
Provided Gear
- Climbing boots: Double plastic or leather waterproof climbing boots
Luggage
- Backpack - internal frame 3,000-5,000 cu. inch
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping bag - rated to 20-30 degrees F (for Observatory Overnight climbs only)
Outerwear
- Parka (MANDATORY): Either down or synthetic fill, rated to 10° F. A parka in addition to the waterproof shell jacket and other required upper-body layers. May be worn over all other layers, primarily on rest breaks and occasionally while climbing.
- Waterproof, breathable shell jacket with attached hood (ponchos not acceptable)
- Waterproof, breathable shell pants with side zippers allowing for easy on/off over boots
Clothing
- Midweight wool or fleece jacket/sweater
- Midweight, thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool (no cotton)
- Wool or fleece pants (early/late season)
- Synthetic long-sleeve shirt
- Hiking socks and liner socks – 2 pairs of each
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and use when not climbing
Clothing Accessories
- Neck gaiter & face mask or balaclava or all 3
- Gaiters, mid-calf length minimum
- Expedition gloves with liners
- Expedition mittens with liners
- Bandana for sun protection
- Headlamp, spare batteries & bulb (no flashlights)
- Sunglasses with dark lenses and side glare protection, often called glacier glasses
Travel Accessories
- Lunch items for each day (easily packable, non-perishable, energy bars and real foods)
- Energy snacks and powdered drinks
- Two 1-quart water bottles (no hydration packs as the tubes freeze easily)
- Two water bottle insulators (to prevent freezing)
- Sun block and lip balm w/high SPF
- Ski poles/trekking poles, preferably adjustable
Optional Field Gear
- Camera and film, spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
Things to Consider
- We recommend thin liner socks under your regular, thicker hiking socks. The liner sock should be made of a non-absorbent wicking material, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- COTTON KILLS! Once cotton clothing becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax. Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer garments should fit easily over your layers without binding or bunching up.
- To protect your face and neck while climbing you will want to climb with a combination neck gaiter and face mask or with a balaclava. If you are very concerned about wind/cold, you may wish to bring all of these items.
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