Winter Mountaineering on Mount Washington

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Mount Washington, New Hampshire, please refer to New Hampshire’s COVID-19 guidelines for out-of-state visitors.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A full day of hiking
  • Transportation to the trailhead

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Glen, NH
  • Accommodations (available at the Bunkhouse for only $30 per person)
  • Meals and snacks

For an additional fee of $40 per person, you can hire a professional photographer to accompany you and take pictures of you on your adventure.

A winter climb of Mt. Washington is a serious undertaking. Participants can expect an 8-10 hour climb up the Winter Lion Head Trail or one of the many other routes that lead to the summit—with a large portion of the day above the treeline. You will experience changes in elevation, steep descents, and challenging switchbacks. Participants should be prepared, in good physical shape with prior hiking experience. Keep in mind that the winters on Mount Washington can be extreme and you should be prepared for exposure to high winds and arctic temperatures. You’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Daypack with waist strap (around a 30-40L pack)
  • Crampons
  • Ice ax
  • Waterproof helmet
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Light insulating layer/softshell top
  • Hardshell jacket with hood
  • Insulated parka
  • Synthetic climbing pants
  • Hardshell pants
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Warm wool or synthetic hat
  • Ball hat/sunhat
  • Buff/neck gaiter
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Medium weight gloves
  • Heavy insulated mitts
  • Gaiters
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Most of the required equipment can be rented from your guide’s affiliate at a 20% discount. If you need to rent any equipment, contact us to make arrangements.
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

Mountaineering in Mt. Washington can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has mountaineers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Mount Washington, most people fly into Portland International Jetport in Maine. From there, you can rent a car and take a 2-hour drive to Glen, or take a bus to Naples American Legion and take a taxi, which will take you around 2h15min total.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide’s Bunkhouse in Glen, NH, or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.