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View Full Version : Getting to the top in February


MikeywUSCG
01-04-2009, 08:57 PM
Hello All!!

A few summers back, my Uncle led my Cousin and I on a hike to the summit of Mt. Washington. I distinctly remember how it was around 80F or so at the bottom, and 20F or so with overwhelming winds at the summit. I've been wanting to go back ever since, and the hopefully the opportunity will come my way in the next month or so.

I say this because I'm planning a ski trip to Cannon Mt in Feb, and from what I understand, Mt. Washington isn't too far away from Cannon Mt. I am not experienced enough to try and hike to the top, however, I would love to get there somehow. Can someone please provide some information about how to do so... is the road to the top still open? Is the observatory open? Is it even worth it?

Thanks!!

Mikey
mtruman
01-05-2009, 10:44 AM
The only way to the top in winter is hiking (or by the snow cat if you are on an Observatory EduTrip). There are many posts here on hiking Mt Washington in winter and it definitely is not something to be taken lightly. Come back in summer though (perhaps July 25th would be a good date). Look for Seek the Peak references here if the date doesn't ring a bell...
Bill O
01-05-2009, 11:25 AM
It probably wasn't 80 and 20, but the temperature difference can be extreme.

The road is not open in the winter. You can do a day trip to visit the observatory by snowcat or an overnight trip if you have time. You don't need winter hiking experience but you need proper equipment and you need to be physically able to hike down if something happened to the snowcat.
JimS
01-05-2009, 08:20 PM
Can't beat these day trips in winter:
http://www.mountwashington.org/education/daytrips/

The auto road will also bring you to treeline, for less of a time commitment, but that's three miles to the summit. Still a great experience:
http://www.mountwashingtonautoroad.com/Page-27.html
mtruman
01-05-2009, 09:16 PM
Can't beat these day trips in winter:
http://www.mountwashington.org/education/daytrips/

The auto road will also bring you to treeline, for less of a time commitment, but that's three miles to the summit. Still a great experience:
http://www.mountwashingtonautoroad.com/Page-27.html

Wow - I had no idea that there was a "snow coach" in winter! Going to have to check this out the next time we're up there. I really want a winter EduTrip which I pointed out to "Santa" again tonight. My birthday is coming up in March so perhaps there's another shot...
RI Swamp Yankee
01-06-2009, 01:27 PM
Just put on a set of these "snow tires" and you are all set for Winter.