On December 1st we headed up Mt. Washington for the first time in awhile. We definitely have some work to do getting used to the cold and wind again. What we would consider balmy in mid winter felt like the coldest day to date on the mountain. We met Ashwin and Shyam, brothers from New Jersey who left their storm battered home state for some time away in the mountains. Unfortunately they experienced an illness the day before their climb. With their 6 hour drive fresh in their memory, they decided to give it a shot anyways. We headed up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail in cold, snowy conditions that stayed with us throughout the climb. The previous night 9 inches of snow blanketed the mountain. We tackled the wide, low angled Tux trail in 2 sections and were at the Lions Head junction in great time. The wear and tear of climbing Mt. Washington soon took hold of our climber who was coming off the illness. He fought on to treeline. Unfortunately the clouds prevented much of any view except for the occasional break to see the Boot Spur ridge or the trails on Wildcat. We climbed halfway to Lions Head before leg cramps took hold of our recovering climber and ended the climb. Corey started the descent with him as Brett tagged Lions Head with the second brother. Corey led slowly down to the Hermit Lake shelters and the duo hung out in the shelter waiting for the others to catch up. Once everyone was reunited, the descent continued.

It was a great day on the mountain, as most are, and a perfect climb to get back into the weather and terrain of Mt. Washington.

Well it’s been quite awhile since our last post and we have been steadily busy throughout the summer and fall. We had three great seasons on the rocks! The temperature is now settling into the 40’s most days, which if the sun shines, is still rock climbing weather. As we enjoy our last few days rock climbing this year, we turn our sights towards this winter! We have big plans and a winter that is shaping up to be busy and full of adventure.

This fall Corey started the AMGA process and took part in the 3-day AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course. He had a great time interacting with other wilderness professionals and picked up some new information. Soon after the course he signed up for the exam to become a certified SPI. He passed his exam with high marks earlier this month. His sights are now set on the Rock Instructor Course!
We now offer Ice Climbing! We are super excited to bring beginners and intermediate climbers out to the cliffs and waterfalls of New England this winter! If you have never tried ice climbing, it’s sure to be a memorable adventure! We will be offering both top-rope climbing sessions (just like rock climbing this summer) or multi-pitch climbs.

As always, Mt. Washington is sure to lure many people from far and wide with its notorious winds and prominence. Come on out and test yourself against the “Beast of the East”. Mt Washington is never a disappointment in the winter. It is a full on adventure above treeline.
Finally, and the biggest news of all! Negotiations are in place that would greatly enhance the experience for all NEM clients and friends. Nothing is set in stone but stay tuned because you will want to know when/if it happens!
If you haven’t liked our Facebook page, please do so now! We will be offering great deals all winter and last minute booking deals at 50% off!! Tell your friends and also follow our blog to stay up to date with NEM as the winter season unfolds.

Check out our new online store! We have shirts, patches, stickers, hats and keychains! Support us so we can continue to do the job we love to do! Thanks in advance!

FASHIONABLE NEM GEAR FOR YOU, YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY!