Mount Washington: 6,288 Feet of Perfection
This is the big one - the tallest mountain in the Northeast! Mt. Washington towers over its neighbors at an elevation of 6,288ft. It is known for erratic weather and extremely strong winds. A climb of Mt. Washington is a serious undertaking. Participants can expect an 8-10 hour climb up the Lion Head Trail or one of the many other routes that lead to the summit with a large portion of the day above tree line. Participants should be prepared, in good physical shape with prior hiking experience.
CLIMB DETAILS
Length: 8-10 Hours
Guide-to-Client Ratio: 1:4
Difficulty: Strenuous
When: May - October
Type: Mountaineering
PRICING
1 person: $375 per person
2 people: $300 per person
3 people: $275 per person
4 people: $250 per person
5+people: Call for rates
RENTAL GEAR
Most of the required equipment [listed below] is available for rent from our affiliate mtnGEAR. NEM climbers will receive an exclusive discount of 20% discount on all rental equipment and clothing.
Add An Additional Day of Preparation
Mount Washington can be intimidating in any month. Add a day of preparation to your summit climb. Upon completion of our Mountaineering Skills Course - jammed packed with excellent skills and information - you will feel confident and ready to take on the northeast’s highest peak.
Convenient, Affordable lodging available at The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering. Spend the night for just $45 per person!
PRICING
1 person: $400 per person
2 people: $300 per person
3 people: $225 per person
4 people: $175 per person
5+people: Call for rates
For your adventure you will need one lunch and several snacks for each day. Staying hydrated and well-fed is important.
Nutrition
Your “lunches” are taken in the field throughout the day during short 10 to 15 minute breaks. We suggest crackers, pizza, candy bars, jerky, chips, cookies, trail mix, fruits, Gu, energy bars, and hard candies. Drink mixes such as Gatorade and Kool-Aid help flavor your water. Add peanut butter, cream cheese, hard cheese, or pepperoni for additional calories and taste. If you enjoy bread items, bagels work well. Include some salty snacks to replenish lost salts.Hydration
To help prevent cramping and heat related injuries, you will need at least 2 liters of water per day. Water is preferred, but other liquids such as gatorade help replace electrolytes and work well, too!Don’t go over the top
When planning, don’t bring any items that require extensive preparation or cooking. We are able to provide you with boiling water on overnight adventures, but do not have the ability to actually cook food items.
Our goal is to make your mountain adventure as memorable and comfortable as possible. To do this, you must be properly prepared. We provide all of the technical gear that you will need for an awesome adventure. However, we ask that you please bring your own clothing - including but not limited to: a base layer for top and bottom, climbing or snow pants, some insulating layers and jackets, socks and warm gloves or mittens. When selecting clothing for your adventure, choose synthetic materials, wool, or fleece as cotton will absorb sweat and freeze - increasing the chances of hypothermia.
For your convenience, we have the mandatory gear available for rent! We also have a small selection of clothing available for rent if you are missing anything listed above. Upon completion of registration, you will receive a welcome packet via email with a gear rental form that you will complete and return to reserve the gear you need for you adventure!
Mandatory Items |
Guides Pick |
| [ ] Pack with Waist Strap: A 3000 cu. in. pack is the recommended size for one day climbs. Your pack MUST have a waist strap. A backpack will not suffice. | Camp M4 |
| [ ] Insulated Parka: This item becomes of highest importance when we are faced with poor weather. This should be an expeditionary-type heavy parka that extends well below the waist and above the knees. Goose down is recommended versus synthetic fill. It does not have to be waterproof, but that is a nice feature. The parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day and as an emergency garment if needed. When sizing a parka, allow for several layers to be worn underneath; buy it large. The parka must have an insulated hood. | |
| [ ] Crampons: 10-12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering. | Camp Stalker Universal |
| [ ] Ice Axe:The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5’8″, use a 65 cm. axe; 5’8″ to 6’2″, use a 70 cm. axe; and taller, use a 75 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground. | Camp Neve |
| [ ] Headlamp: | Petzl Tikka XP2 |
| [ ] Trekking Poles: Optional but recommended. Lightweight and collapsible. | Camp Backcountry Carbon |
| [ ] Mountaineering Boots: Insulated plastic boots are the preferred choice for ascents on Mt. Rainier. They provide the best insulation as well as a more rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Leather mountaineering boots that have completely rigid soles are also adequate, but they will need to be insulated and may still result in cold feet on summit day. Lightweight hiking boots without insulation are not acceptable as they don’t work well with crampons, or in very cold or wet weather. | Scarpa Inverno |
| [ ] Gaiters: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing. | OR Crocodile |
| [ ] Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm and thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet. | Camp Race Hat |
| [ ] Goggles: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights. | Smith Scope Pro |
| [ ] Balaclava/Neck Gaiter: Optional but recommended | Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch |
| [ ] Heavy Insulated Glove/Mitten: Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove. | Marmot Expedition Mitt |
| [ ] Sun Glasses: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses. | Julbo Dolgan |
| [ ] Goggles: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights. | Smith Scope Pro |
| [ ] Hardshell Jacket: Goretex outer layer to block rain and wind. | Marmot Precip |
| [ ] Hardshell Pants: Goretex outer layer to block rain and wind. | Marmot Precip |
Please read through the following frequently asked questions and answers. These will help you prepare for your trip and get a better understanding of what to expect. Questions pertaining to Mountaineering immediately follow and Ice Climbing questions are further down. Thanks!
WINTER: The boots and parka are your two key pieces of gear. Avoid cotton at all costs. Instead wear wool, synthetic materials, and goose down. When considering your backpack, make sure it is an appropriate size and it must have a waist strap. School bags are not appropriate for our climbs. You will need: Synthetic Base-layer tops and bottoms, wool socks, ski or soft-shell climbing pants, light insulating jacket (synthetic or down), hard-shell jacket (waterproof), and a super warm down parka or ski jacket. You will also need gloves AND mittens as well as a warm hat, gaiters, goggles for above tree line, sunglasses, and balaclava. Your footwear needs to be warm, waterproof, and crampon-compatible for above tree line climbs. For below tree line, four-season hiking boots or winter boots work well.
SUMMER: From May – October we are able to cut down on a few items. Hiking boots or sturdy trail-runners are acceptable footwear. Dressing in layers is still a valid practice. You will need: lightweight wool socks, trekking pants, wicking t-shirt, wicking long sleeve shirt, light down or synthetic jacket, waterproof hard-shell jacket, waterproof hard shell pants (for rainy days), lightweight gloves, warm hat and sunglasses. For the beginning and end of this season, you may want to include synthetic base-layers.
SUMMER: Hiking Boots or Trail Runners.
What Should I Wear?
When considering clothing, you have to think in layers. You should be able to wear every layer that you bring at the same time.WINTER: The boots and parka are your two key pieces of gear. Avoid cotton at all costs. Instead wear wool, synthetic materials, and goose down. When considering your backpack, make sure it is an appropriate size and it must have a waist strap. School bags are not appropriate for our climbs. You will need: Synthetic Base-layer tops and bottoms, wool socks, ski or soft-shell climbing pants, light insulating jacket (synthetic or down), hard-shell jacket (waterproof), and a super warm down parka or ski jacket. You will also need gloves AND mittens as well as a warm hat, gaiters, goggles for above tree line, sunglasses, and balaclava. Your footwear needs to be warm, waterproof, and crampon-compatible for above tree line climbs. For below tree line, four-season hiking boots or winter boots work well.
SUMMER: From May – October we are able to cut down on a few items. Hiking boots or sturdy trail-runners are acceptable footwear. Dressing in layers is still a valid practice. You will need: lightweight wool socks, trekking pants, wicking t-shirt, wicking long sleeve shirt, light down or synthetic jacket, waterproof hard-shell jacket, waterproof hard shell pants (for rainy days), lightweight gloves, warm hat and sunglasses. For the beginning and end of this season, you may want to include synthetic base-layers.
What Size Backpack Should I Use?
Please bring a 30L-50L pack for the Spring-Fall and a 40L-60L pack for the Winter. Your pack must have a waist strap and chest strap and designed for day hikes and backpacking.Will kind of footwear should I wear?
WINTER: Mountaineering Boots for above tree line and Winter Boots for below tree line. You never bring both. It will depend on the specific climb.SUMMER: Hiking Boots or Trail Runners.
Do I need any prior experience?
You do not need prior experience to join us! We will be sure to take your experience level into consideration when planning which climbs we will attempt.Can you recommend climbs for me?
We would be happy to recommend the appropriate hike/climb for you based on your goals, comfort level and experience level. Feel free to contact us for a recommendation.Do we hike in bad weather?
This depends on the hike/climb we have planned. We usually will go out in the rain and snow. Lightning will reschedule or end our climb. Please plan for all weather conditions. We may just alter the plan based on the weather forecast.What are Microspikes?
Microspikes are a traction device that will fit over your boots. The small spikes that sit on the bottom of the boot allow for better traction and secure foot placements. We will provide these if the climb/hike calls for them.How Long are the hikes?
Some take 2 hours to the top and some take 6 hours. There is a wide range based on accessibility and trail conditions.DO I NEED SNOWSHOES OR CRAMPONS?
Many trails other than the Tuckerman Ravine Trail require snowshoes in the Winter. Above tree line often requires crampons. In the Winter only, you will likely need at least one of these if not both.AM I SUPPOSED TO TIP MY GUIDE(S)?
Tips are never expected, however if you think your guide did a great job, tips are welcomed and appreciated. A normal tip is 20% of the guide fees or $20 per guide per day.WHAT HAPPEN IF I DAMAGE MY RENTAL GEAR?
We offer rental gear insurance for $10. This covers any damage or loss that may occur to your rental gear. Without the insurance, you are responsible for the lost or damaged item(s).HOW CAN I PAY FOR GEAR RENTALS?
We accept all forms of payment including cash, personal check, credit and debit cards. Rentals must be paid for beforehand or on the day of the climb.WHAT ARE “MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS?”
These are boots that are designed specifically for snow and very cold weather. They are often composed of an internal insulating boot and an exterior plastic or leather boot. Hiking boots and winter snow boots are not suitable for Mt. Washington or the high peaks of New England in the winter. You will not need these for peaks that do not go above tree line.WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
We recommend The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering. For your convenience, we offer co-ed, hostel-style accommodations on site. The cost is $20 per person. To maximize your climbing experience, we recommend that you stay in the area the night before your climb.IS THERE A DEPOSIT TO SECURE MY SPOT ON A CLIMB?
Due to the nature of our business, we require payment in full upon booking. Large groups are encouraged to contact us prior to booking as deposits are accepted. You will also need to complete a health form and liability waiver to participate. WILL THERE BE PEOPLE THAT I DO NOT KNOW ON MY CLIMB? Unless you book a private climb, you will most likely be climbing with others. Don’t worry though…climbing creates bonds and friendships.WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
All NEM programs meet at 7AM sharp at The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering, which is 1 mile north of Storyland on Rt. 16 in Glen, NH.
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GENERAL POLICIES
NEMs Adventure itineraries are subject to change or be adjusted based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, terrain, group dynamics and many other factors. NEM has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including the discretion to change program schedule or itinerary, and change guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather or route conditions. In such a case, an NEM credit for the full value is given; however, NEM cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations). NEM reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a trip at any time if NEM determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program. This includes being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.SUMMIT ATTEMPT
Northeast Mountaineering cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit or complete the objective you have signed up for. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities or the abilities of others may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire party will have to turn around without reaching the summit. Your program fee entitles you to one mountain experience on your specified dates.MINIMUM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Most of our programs do not have a minimum enrollment. If you are the only one registered, it will likely become a private outing. For our Waterfall Rappelling adventure, we must have at least 50% enrollment (3 people) to run the adventure. In the event of low-enrollment, we will reschedule your adventure to another date. If another date cannot be accommodated, you will receive an NEM credit.RISK MANAGEMENT
Safety is NEM’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in the mountains but they cannot eliminate them. NEM guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that maximize your experience without compromising the necessary margin of safety. Please clearly understand that mountaineering and all other mountain adventures are inherently hazardous sports. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of these sports, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in these activities.NEW ENGLAND ADVENTURES
Payment in full is due at the time of booking. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check.BEYOND NEW ENGLAND INCLUDING MOUNT RAINIER
A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person secures your reservation but may vary - please check your specific adventure. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check. Final payment is due 1 month [30 days] before departure. For your convenience, we can work out a monthly payment plan.INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES
A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person secures your reservation but may vary - please check your specific adventure. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check. Final payment is due 1 month [30 days] before departure. For your convenience, we can work out a monthly payment plan.CANCELLATION FOR NEW ENGLAND PROGRAMS
Up to 30 days before your adventure: Full Refund will be issued 29 days - 72 hours before your adventure: Full Refund in the form of NEM credit Within 72 hours of your adventure: No refund will be issued* In the event that you have a positive COVID-19 test and need to cancel within 72 hours, you will be issued an NEM credit for your adventure.CANCELLATION FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS & OUTSIDE OF NEW ENGLAND
Up to 90 days before your adventure: Full Refund will be issued 89 days - 30 days before your adventure: Participant will be responsible for paying 50% of the total balance. If the balance is paid in full, participant will receive a 50% refund in the form of NEM credit. Within 30 days of your adventure: No refund will be issued and participant will be responsible for paying the full balance.* *Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment. If NEM cancels your adventure due to weather or another unforeseen reason, you will receive an NEM credit.CHANGE OF DATE
Date changes are subject to availability. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 7 days prior to your adventure without incurring a date change fee. Date changes may be requested between 7 and 3 days prior to your departure date for a $25 fee per person. There are no date changes allowed within 72 hours before your adventure.COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
In the event your guide or a fellow NEM guide or staff has reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 or they are otherwise feeling unwell they will attempt to get a COVID test in time for your adventure or course. In the event of a positive test or the absence of results, your course or adventure will be rescheduled or you can opt for an NEM credit to use at your discretion. Refunds for travel, lodging or other costs associated with your adventure will not be refunded or reimbursed.
We are proud to work with the Department of Agriculture, the White Mountain National Forest and the Androscoggin Ranger District where we are authorized outfitter guides.
