Winter Visits to Mount Washington

Mount Washington is attractive, even alluring, summer and winter. Winter on the mountain can present a face of exceptional beauty and of real danger, so any winter visit must be carefully planned; any winter visitor must be aware of the hazards and be suitably prepared for them.

Individuals who have visited the Mount Washington area in summer need to know that there are several differences between Mount Washington in summer and Mount Washington in winter. There are massive differences in weather and ground conditions, of course, but there are also significant differences in the level of amenities available to the visitor.

Looking North with Tuckerman Ravine below the summit and the lower part of Boot Spurr in the foreground.

For The Novice Winter Hiker
Even if you are an experienced summer hiker on Mount Washington, the mountain in winter is a very different place.

But I Want To Go Higher
There are no public facilities on the summit in winter. Don't be embarrassed to turn around and head back down if you're feeling tired - turning around is usually a mark of good mountaineering judgment.

Winter Hiking Routes

Winter Overnights
For those who wish an extended experience on Mount Washington, it is possible to overnight in some locations on the mountain.

Winter Weather
Mount Washington's weather has been called "the world's worst", since the fiercest winter conditions on the mountain rival those of the polar regions and the highest mountains on earth.

Driving Routes Around Mount Washington
There are a few roads which are not maintained for winter travel.