Volunteering at our Summit Facility
Observatory Tower
Volunteers are a key element in the smooth operation of the Observatory's famous mountaintop facility. Our Summit Volunteer Program is one of the most popular benefits of being a member of the Mount Washington Observatory. Members from all over the country participate in this program and find it to be a rewarding and educational experience.
Each week, as many as two volunteers are on duty at the summit, with the primary responsibility of planning and preparing daily meals for the Observatory crew and visitors. Volunteers meet the crew at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road at 8 AM on Wednesday morning, and return to the base at approximately 5 PM the following Wednesday.
Typically, volunteers prepare only dinner for the crew, which consists of three observers, one or two interns and up to two volunteers. In addition, we often welcome overnight guests to the Summit, for which the volunteer would prepare breakfasts and lunches. The maximum number of staff, volunteers, interns and guests is seventeen.
Volunteers are expected to help with general clean up, as well as other projects, depending on your skill set. Painting, carpentry, plumbing, etc are all part of the routine maintenance our facility requires, and we welcome your talent!
Because life at 6,288 feet is an experience you can't get just anywhere, we do ensure that there is free time for our volunteers! Hiking, skiing and enjoying Mount Washington sunrises and sunsets all should be part of your volunteer experience.
STEP ONE: Membership
Summit volunteer work weeks are only available to current members of the Mount Washington Observatory. The first step in scheduling a volunteer work week at the Observatory is to ensure your membership status is current. If you've lapsed, please renew! If you're not yet a member, please join us!
STEP TWO: Apply for a Volunteer Work Week
The next step is to complete and submit a Summit Volunteer Application and return it to the Observatory. Your name will be placed on our waitlist after your membership status has been verified. Please note applications from non-members will not be considered. Our list contains dozens of names, and the time it takes to get called fluctuates due to people's availability to fill the open weeks.
STEP THREE: Complete and Submit a Health Disclosure Form.
In the event of an emergency on the mountain in which you are not able to give direction regarding your treatment, your safety and that of others may depend on the accuracy and completeness of this important form. This is even more important in wintertime, when healthcare is hours or even days away due to weather.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In winter, the NH State Fire Marshall's Office has one very basic requirement of spending an overnight at the summit: You must be able to "self-evacuate" in the event of an emergency. That means that you must have the physical ability to walk, in extreme conditions, down the 8-mile Auto Road to safety. On the Health Disclosure Form, there is a place for you to attest that you meet this requirement.
STEP FOUR: Getting Scheduled
Step four is to be scheduled for a summer volunteer work week! The summer season offers the new volunteer an introduction to the workload and living environment, in a season when our visitor numbers and weather conditions are gentler than the highly desired winter season.
After successfully satisfying the summer week, you may volunteer for a winter week, and get a chance to experience our famous extreme weather! Due to the program's popularity it may not be in the same year as your summer experience.
Are you ready for a truly unique experience atop Mount Washington? Go ahead and submit a Summit Volunteer Application.
Please feel free to contact our Summit Volunteer Coordinator at (603) 356-2137, extension 230, or via our volunteer contact page for additional information.
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