Overview
Mt. Washington, standing a mere 6,288’ is home to the world’s worst weather. Holding the highest ever recorded ground level wind speed record at 231 mph, it is an often underestimated mountain and its track record tells the tale. Mountaineers have been adventuring, training, and testing their skills on this mountain since its first recorded ascent in 1642.
The most common route up the mountain in winter is via the Lion’s Head trail which involves the use of ice ax and crampons. Once above the treeline we will see what mother nature has in store for use. It can be blue skies with views into three adjacent states and Canada or blowing snow and the view you would get from inside a snow globe and everything in between. This trip is a great experience in itself or as a precursor to bigger mountains like Denali, Rainier or the Grand Teton.
No experience is necessary but a moderately high level of fitness is required for this trip. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, your guide would be happy to discuss your experience with you. This route involves over 4000’ of elevation gain and loss and is approximately 8 miles round trip. Typical trip time is from 9-11 hours.
Trip Planner
Pricing
1:1 $450
2:1 $300 per person
3:1 $240 per person
Schedule
Email Winter@themountainguides.com to check in on availability
Equipment
Be prepared to be out moving around in cold temperatures. Wear clothing made out of synthetic materials or natural products made such as wool or down. Cotton products are not acceptable. Clothing should be able to layer without encumbering your movement. If choosing down it must be kept dry.
UPPER LAYERS
- Top Long Sleeve Synthetic or Wool: medium to expedition weight long underwear
- Puffy Jacket: synthetic light weight down Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket
- Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear A-therm Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cloudseeker Jacket
- Insulated Jacket– Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Supercharger Jacket
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear 32 Degree Not So Tight
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Firefall Pants
- Socks: Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.
HEAD AND HANDS
- Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Cyclone Glove
- Hat: medium weight that will fit under a helmet
- Buff/neck gaiter
FOOTWEAR (Please contact us if you need boot rentals)
- Boots – Should be rigid/step-in compatible, well insulated and plastic or hybrid. Boot should be specific for climbing ice
- Gaiters – Tall
- Crampons – Rigid with appropriate front points
TECHNICAL ICE CLIMBING EQUIPMENT – If you do not have an item/items on this list, please contact the office with enough time for us to arrange something for you.
- 1 Mountaineering axe
- Harness
- Helmet
ACCESSORIES
- Back Pack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 35 Outdry Pack
- Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
- Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
- Ski Goggles
- Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Headlamp-Extra batteries
Travel
We meet our guests in different locations around the Northeast based on where we will be climbing and where they have chosen to stay. Many people enjoy staying in or around North Conway, NH as it is close to most of the venues, has many lodging options, shopping, restaurants, and skiing close by. The closest airport is Portland, ME (1hr, 25 min) and Logan Airport in Boston (2hr, 45 min) is often the cheapest and has more options for flights. Public transportation is not well developed here and having a vehicle to drive is necessary. There are several other options around the area and we would be happy to help out with suggestions for other itineraries. Please email cheyenne@themountainguides.com if you have questions or would like more information.
Talk To Us
Here you’ll find online tools and information about joining us for a trip of a lifetime! To sign up for a trip, or if you have any questions, please call us. Listed on the left side of these pages are links that you may find useful, including printable forms and policies concerning a trip with TMG. We encourage ALL prospective climbers to read our Preparation advice. Our office can help place you with others who are looking to climb.
