Quick Details
Person
$ 825
Two people
$ 1450
Spend a Winter Night on the Northeast’s Highest Summit
Mount Washington sits at the crossroads of three major storm tracks and rises dramatically from the surrounding lowlands to 6,288 feet. It’s known for extreme weather, and conditions above treeline can be as serious as anywhere in the world.
The summit is home to Mount Washington State Park and the Mount Washington Observatory, based in the Sherman Adams Visitor Center, which is typically closed to visitors in winter. Working in partnership with the State Park and Observatory, we offer a rare chance to combine winter mountaineering with a behind-the-scenes tour of the weather station, led by Observatory scientists.
With our guides, you’ll climb and descend the mountain while learning the basics of winter mountaineering. No previous experience is required, but you should be physically prepared and well equipped for a rigorous day.
You’ll stay overnight in the Sherman Adams building, normally reserved for State Park and Observatory staff, and you may have the chance to watch the sunset and sunrise from the top of the Northeast. It’s a rare way to experience a mountain few people ever see after dark.
Please note: Conditions on Mount Washington can change quickly. If weather prevents us from safely reaching the summit on March 13, 2027, we’ll move the trip to our pre-reserved make-up weekend, April 3-4, 2027, and all deposits and fees will transfer. Please hold both dates in your schedule, and call with any questions.
This trip needs a minimum of 6 people to run.
Learn Basic Mountaineering Skills:
- Ice axe basics: balance, support & safe carry
- Crampon footwork and technique
- Step-kicking & efficient movement on snow
- Layering & pacing to stay warm and comfortable
- Intro to terrain choice, navigation, & basic hazard awareness
What’s Included:
- Mountaineering boots, ice axe, crampons, helmet & harness
- All rental gear is included — even cold-weather clothing if needed
- Small ratios for personalized instruction
- Overnight bunk accommodations in the Sherman Adams Visitor Center, part of the NH State Park
- Hot dinner and breakfast with State Park and Observatory staff
- Tour of the legendary Mount Washington Observatory weather station with resident scientists
What’s Not Included:
- Lunch & snacks for the ascent and descent
- Choose high-calorie, easy-to-eat foods to keep energy up throughout the day
- Two liters of water (pro tip: one liter of a warm drink in a thermos is great for staying warm)
Meeting Location & Schedule:
Day 1 — Saturday, March 13, 2027
- Meet at 2733 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH
- Arrive by 8:00 AM for gear check, outfitting & guide introductions
- Review weather / conditions
- Climb to the summit
- Arrival at the Sherman Adams Visitor Center
- Tour of the weather station with Observatory scientists
- Hot dinner with State Park and Observatory staff
- Co-ed bunk accommodations (participants provide and carry their own summer-weight sleeping bags, or available to rent)
Day 2 — Sunday, March 14, 2027
- Hot Breakfast in Sherman Adams Visitor Center
- Descent from the summit
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Mount Washington Observatory Overnight – Gear List
Clothing is as important as your boots and ice axe. Hypothermia is one of the most common causes of injury in the White Mountains, and being properly dressed is essential to enjoying your day.
Technical equipment for your course is provided by IMCS. Please bring any clothing from this list that you already own. An asterisk (*) marks other items available from IMCS at no additional fee, though size and fit may vary.
Most items on this list (except long underwear) can be purchased at IME. IMCS guests receive 10% off new gear at IME the day before, the day of, and the day after their course. The discount does not apply to consignment items.
Technical Equipment
- Mountaineering Boots*
- Helmet*
- Harness*
- Crampons*
- Backpack—45-50 liters with comfortable hip belt
Feet
- Wool or synthetic socks that come up to mid-calf or higher
- Toe warmers (optional if you run cold)
Legs
- Thermal layer—Synthetic or wool long underwear, your guide will let you know the day of your program if a thermal layer is necessary given the weather, conditions, and objective.
- Moving layer—Soft shell pants recommended but skiing specific uninsulated hard-shells with good ventilation are also an option.
- Shell—Waterproof with with full or ¾ length side-zips (not necessary to have a second pair if you are using shells as your primary moving layer)*
- Gaiters—Should fit around the entire calf and be able to fit over a mountaineering boot and pant layers.*
Torso
- Base layer—long-sleeved wicking layer, lightweight wool or synthetic
- Lightweight insulation and wind protection—many options work here such as a fleece or lightweight softshell, our preference is for the latter*
- Mid-weight insulation—down or synthetic insulated jacket (hood preferred)*
- Waterproof shell—single layer, no added insulation*
- Belay Jacket—Heavy duty down or synthetic parka, must be large enough to fit over all other pieces (here are a few examples: Black Diamond, Patagonia)*
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Midweight gloves
- Heavyweight mittens or gloves with waterproofing (i.e. ski gloves)*
- Hand warmers (optional if you run cold)
Head & Face
- 2 x winter hats—one that will fit under a helmet
- Facecoverings—one lightweight buff, and one balaclava
- We recommend OuterU products, their faceglove Flex is perfect for keeping your cheeks and nose sheltered, and their Bala is a great component for colder days. The faceglove is available at IME.
- Sunglasses
- Goggles *(limited IMCS availability)
- LED headlamp and spare batteries
- Sunscreen
Food and Hydration
- Two liters of water with insulation such as the Outdoor Research water bottle parka, or a heavy-duty sock. One of these could be a thermos with a warm beverage.
- NO camelbacks as the tubes will freeze even when in a neoprene liner.
- Small thermos for hot drinks—optional but recommended
- Food—bring items that are quick and easy to eat on the go and have high caloric value. We will not stop for a formal lunch but rather be eating on the go throughout the day. Avoid fresh fruit and other items that have the potential to freeze. Plan 2000- 3500 calories each day
Personal
- Medications
- Trekking poles—optional, collapsible and lightweight
Overnight Gear:
- Indoor “lounging” clothes & footwear — think very light weight!
- Summer weight sleeping bag (one fitted sheet and a pillow will be provided). [*IMCS only has a small selection of these summer sleeping bags available]
- All necessary toiletries (the bare necessities). Showers are not available; water is a limited resource on the summit.
- One extra pair of socks / underwear. Plan to wear the same long underwear for the ascent and decent.