Food

[Lukin]

We’re hiking Mt Washington for the first time this weekend (10/14) weather permitting. I heard Lion’s Head is the Winter assent so we’re planning on that, however we’ll go with whatever the folks at Pinkham Notch recommend for novice hikers that day. What do you guys like to pack for energy food??

[rockin rex]

Cliff Bars!!!!!!!!!!!! There is none better. Also don't forget a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee. You will be glad you brought it above lions head. Plan on COLD weather and possible snow.

[Brad]

Cliff Bars for sure.

[nevis_highwire]

Pack whatever you like to eat. If you like PB&J, brink PB&J. If you don't like cliff bars, don't bring them. Just make sure it tastes good.

If you sweat a lot, you are going to be craving salty foods.

Some of my favorites are baby-bell cheeses (if I find little wax wrapper up there I will know who did it), pepperoni slices, m&m's, peanuts, pretzels.

[Lukin]

Cliff Bars!!!!!!!!!!!! There is none better. Also don't forget a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee. You will be glad you brought it above lions head. Plan on COLD weather and possible snow.

YOu think Lions Head is the best route? Keep in mind, we run 8 miles a day, however we are new to Mt Washington.

[Brad]

YOu think Lions Head is the best route? Keep in mind, we run 8 miles a day, however we are new to Mt Washington.

I have taken friends up to the summit in the summer - who run 5-8 miles a day. They thought the climb was the hardest thing they have ever done. They were not prepared for it being so hard.

[Lukin]

I have taken friends up to the summit in the summer - who run 5-8 miles a day. They thought the climb was the hardest thing they have ever done. They were not prepared for it being so hard.

Good to know. We won't be afraid to turn around if we have to.

[Brad]

Good to know. We won't be afraid to turn around if we have to.

The key area runners end up being surprised about is the amount of leg lifting is very different.

[KD Talbot]

You say you're novice hikers. Do you have any mountain experience at all? I'm not trying to scare you off but I don't think Mount Washington in October is the place to initially test your skills. You say "You heard" Lion's Head was the winter route. Please get the AMC White Mountain Guide and familiarize yourself with the maps and read all trail descriptions for Mount Washington before attempting to summit. Lions Head is a good destination in and of itself. If you manage to get up Lions Head assess yourselves. Are you exhausted? Wobbley legs? Above Lion Head is above treeline and although the distance is short it is steep and exposed and there is scrambling to do. If you are not used to scrambling, above treeline on Mount Washington is no place to learn. Don't be hell bent on reaching the summit. Many experienced hikers get in trouble on Mount Washington because they think "If I can only make the summit I'll be safe." They still have to get back out. I personally find the descent worse than the climb. My legs are tired and the strain of holding myself back so that I don't pitch headlong down the rocks puts alot of strain on my knees. A trekking pole definitely helps. Also, Tuckerman Ravine loses the sun very early in the afternoon and although it is daylight you feel no warmth from the sun. Last October I experienced 60 degrees on the summit. This year I hiked through rime ice on the summit and 30 degrees with luckily very little wind September 22nd. My sister in law runs marathons and half marathons. When I take her in the mountains she calls it a death march.

[Brad]

I have climbed to the summit of Mt Washington over 50 times in past ummmff years. I hike back into the Headwall in the winter at 35 degrees below zero wind chill. But, I know I am not qualified or ready to summit in October through April-May. Maybe even into June.

Lots of people summit in October but I know well enough how to respect that mountain and the weather it can toss our way. And I would not recommend anyone do their first summit any other time than a nice day in the summer. I have been caught in white-out conditions the first week of August. October could be brutal. Pick your day carefully.