Is the top open to winter climbers?

[Brad]

This may be true, but I think members are supposed to pre-arrange a winter visit.

And bring a snow shovel to help.

[Steve M]

And bring a snow shovel to help.

If I'm hiking to the summit in winter I don't think I want to be hiking with a snow shovel...I'll just borrow their's.

[Knapper]

So working on the summit here are my two cents. The summit is closed to all hikers. The only way to gain access to the building is:

1. Edutrips
2. EMS guided hiking trips
3. Day trips through the obs
4. Become a volunteer on the summit
5. Work with the observatory or one of our partnerships
6. Work something out with state park - it is their buildings not ours

I read on this thread saying we give tours to members. This can be accomodated but, you must make contact with the summit staff or valley staff well in advance before hiking (weeks not hours). If things are ok'd, we will let you know how to proceed. But this is not a common practice of our members, most wait til summer. And member or not, we will just boot you out if you barge in without prior arrangement.

Another thing I want to touch on in the statement that we let people in in emergency situations. I want people to understand that emergency means broken bones or other extreme medical situations. If you start late and arive late, we will usually boot you down the auto road, weather permitting. If you planned improperly, there is always the chance we may bring higher authorities in that may charge fines or want compensation. We like to say we are the "Break Glass in Case of Emergency" set up.

As for setting up a cocoa stand, I tried that as an intern and had a few takers but I have only seen this done twice in my time here as something to fill the time. So it is not a regular occurence.

[Brad]

Ryan, good recap. We might just have to change the cocoa stand to Mountain Blueberry coffee and there would be a few takers from this forum right away.

Another way of defining emergency - an event you would never want to dream about being in - ever.

[JimS]

Great Recap Ryan...

The truth is that the building is closed. Closed means closed. Exceptions are as listed!

I would add though, that when members did schedule visits well in advance, I always enjoyed the company, the trail conditions and the stories of the walk up. So if you are a member, and you do schedule well in advance, you should definately take advantage of this member perk!