Get a seat at a cool event for a group of geeks before the AWS re:Invent 2024 conference
Mt Washington in Winter
Take Lion Head Winter Route
NH, USA
Difficulty
Medium. 9h roundtrip. Using Crampons and Ice Axe
Duration
3 days
Group size
3-6
Price
$800
Date
Jan 16-19, 2025
Location
NH, USA
Want to go on a similar tour!
Ready for a thrilling winter adventure? Conquer Mount Washington This Winter!
Winter summit attempt of Mt Washington (1917m), winter adventures in the area if weather does not cooperate. We’re planning to take Lion Head Winter Route if weather conditions are good. This will be guided expedition, with professional guide(s) leading us for summit attempt.
Mt Washington is the highest mountain in Northeastern United States. It is also known for one of the highest recorded wind speeds on land of 231 miles per hour (372 km/hour). During summer you can take a car to summit, where in winter the road is closed making it a more interesting adventure. This is also a great opportunity to train winter mountain skills without additional challenges of high altitude, which can be a great way to explore if Mountaineering is for you.
Mt Washington is located in White Mountains, NH about 3h away from Boston Logan (BOS) Airport; Or 1h 30min from Portland, MN International JetPort (PWM)
No experience is necessary but a moderately high level of fitness is required for this trip. 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.
If you’re unsure about your fitness level? Watch the video from with Trip Report!
Not sure if you're up for it? Watch the video from with Trip Report!
No experience is necessary but a moderately high level of fitness is required for this trip. 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.
Want to go on a similar tour!
Adventure Highlights
What’s included?
Accommodation (3 nights at group AirBnB);
2 Dinners and 3 Breakfasts;
Guide Services;
Custom souvenirs.
Does not include:
Transportation to/from the mountain;
Winter Skills Training Class on Friday, Jan 17;
Rental Equipment;
Climb Snack;
Optional Guide Tips.
Daily Schedule
*The program timings are approximate and may change slightly.
Rent a car or Carpool to/from the airport Explore the area for early arrivals
5pm Arrive at Mt Washington Area
6pm - 7pm Have dinner together
7pm Stay together at AirBnB
6am - 7am Have breakfast
8:30am - 3pm Winter Skills Training Class
4pm - 6pm Have lunch together
7pm Stay together at AirBnB
5am Waking up and Weather permit check
5am - 6am Have breakfast
7am Drive to the trailhead to start the Route around sunrise
4pm Return back to trailhead by 4PM
5pm - 6pm Dinner Together
6pm Evening activities. Stay AirBnB
7am - 8am Have breakfast
9am Depart Home; For those departing later in the day, do local winter activities together
Optional:
If you’re looking to learn/improve your mountain skills, using crampons and an ice axe, additional “mountain skills” day is available on Friday 17th. This will cost an extra $200 per person.
Necessary Equipment
1. Non-cotton base layers (top and bottom) 2. Insulating layer (Puffy overcoat, and/or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)) 3. Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and pants (or bibs) 4. Wool and liner socks 5. Warm winter boots Show more
The Mount Washington Observatory
The Mount Washington Observatory, founded in 1932, is a critical research center for studying extreme weather. Operating year-round, the observatory provides real-time weather data, helping to ensure the safety of climbers and tourists. The mountain's weather often mirrors the conditions of Labrador—cold temperatures and snowstorms—making it an ideal location for meteorological studies.
Click on "Book Now" and complete the participant form. After that, we recommend making your advance payment right away to secure your spot. We’ll assemble a team of like-minded geeks eager to explore Mount Washington. Not only will you have an amazing time, but you'll also gain valuable networking opportunities!
You will be accompanied by an experienced Mountain Guide who is fully AMGA/IFMGA certified and has years of guiding expertise. Winter weather in Mount Washington can be harsh. Therefore, we will begin by checking the weather forecast on the day of the ascent morning. If the weather turns out to be unsafe, we will not make the ascent.
Guides are not compulsory on Mt Washington, and experienced ice hikers often make the descent without them. But we have a qualified guide, who will accompany us on this trip. To guide us safely along the unique Lion Head Winter Route. Watch The video of the Route and you'll know what to expect.
Adventure highlights photos
Climbing Mount Washington in winter can be a thrilling challenge, and a little preparation can make the experience more enjoyable. Physically, it’s helpful to do some hiking to build endurance, but even biking, running, or yoga can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
The key is to get your body used to the idea of being on your feet for long hours, as the climb can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours.
Want to go on a similar tour!
REVIEWS
We told them if they didn’t leave a review, they wouldn’t come down the mountain
I had an incredible experience rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada! It was my first time climbing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure. The scenery, climb, and the amazing group of people I got to share it with made it awesome. I highly recommend, if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity and a chance to meet great people.
I think it is an easy climb if you are not fat. I am fat. It was a great intro into high altitude mountaineering. The itinerary was great. Maybe an overnight trip sneakjng through the Iranian border would make it more adventurous, but not as legal :)
It was a good balance between teamwork and individual challenges to complete various gymnastic exercises. I was challenged to test my balance, muscle strength, and running on vertical surfaces to reach the top of the structure. We had fun, supported each other, and collaborated to find the best approach to completing the tasks. I believe this could be a great training for trekking and hiking! I had a fantastic time at the Geeks go Ninja!
It was great. The trek was straightforward, but altitude made it more difficult and at the end, the weather made it a challenge I liked that we made stops to swim, by the waterfall and on the last day we were able to visit Ishak Pasha and the baths. The mini 3D-printed Ararat was a nice touch!
My friend Peter invited me to his pre conference ‘Geeks go Peaks’ event, and I immediately accepted because he loves adventure, and his events are never dull. I am complete out of shape and didn’t know anyone going, but I knew it would be fun. In keeping with Peter’s roots in the open source software community. The group was welcoming and cheered me on to try new things! I made some new friends, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group will grow community and explore opportunities for connection and adventure.
Thank you so much for ogranizing this. It was one of the best trips in my life. Excellent! And so many interesting new people. Waiting for more photos in the shared album :)
Ararat adventure was an experience I’ll never forget! Big thanks to Geeks Go Peaks! The trip was better than I expected. The videos on Youtube do not reflect full wild experience you get during the trip. Before the trip I was a bit nervous, nit sure how I will handle the height and difficulty. After the trip I felt good, because all went well and most of the group achieved summit. I liked the itinerary and good company! I want to say big thanks! Ararat adventure was great and I will have great memories for life.
Climbing Mount Ararat is an opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy breathtaking views. Personally, I gained emotions not only from the climb itself, but also from the time spent with a great team of like-minded people. I made new acquaintances with wonderful individuals. And Kurdish hospitality evokes nothing but warm feelings. Of course, the nature — you can watch the starry sky endlessly, far from city lights. The sunrise at the summit during the climb is not only a sight to admire, but also a hope for the upcoming warmth, meaning my gear held up — I won’t freeze!) Most importantly, such an adventure allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and feel truly connected to yourself — a part of nature!
It was an amazing trip with incredible people. Climbing a mountain over 5,000 meters was a first for me, and now I’m craving even more adventures. Looking forward to the next trip!
The trip went by too fast, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. This is a great adventure for techies, and everything was described pretty much as it was. It was a great experience—somewhat hard, but not as challenging as Aconcagua, obviously. Great job!
I had an incredible experience rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada! It was my first time climbing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure. The scenery, climb, and the amazing group of people I got to share it with made it awesome. I highly recommend, if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity and a chance to meet great people.
I think it is an easy climb if you are not fat. I am fat. It was a great intro into high altitude mountaineering. The itinerary was great. Maybe an overnight trip sneakjng through the Iranian border would make it more adventurous, but not as legal :)
It was a good balance between teamwork and individual challenges to complete various gymnastic exercises. I was challenged to test my balance, muscle strength, and running on vertical surfaces to reach the top of the structure. We had fun, supported each other, and collaborated to find the best approach to completing the tasks. I believe this could be a great training for trekking and hiking! I had a fantastic time at the Geeks go Ninja!
It was great. The trek was straightforward, but altitude made it more difficult and at the end, the weather made it a challenge I liked that we made stops to swim, by the waterfall and on the last day we were able to visit Ishak Pasha and the baths. The mini 3D-printed Ararat was a nice touch!
My friend Peter invited me to his pre conference ‘Geeks go Peaks’ event, and I immediately accepted because he loves adventure, and his events are never dull. I am complete out of shape and didn’t know anyone going, but I knew it would be fun. In keeping with Peter’s roots in the open source software community. The group was welcoming and cheered me on to try new things! I made some new friends, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this group will grow community and explore opportunities for connection and adventure.
Thank you so much for ogranizing this. It was one of the best trips in my life. Excellent! And so many interesting new people. Waiting for more photos in the shared album :)
Ararat adventure was an experience I’ll never forget! Big thanks to Geeks Go Peaks! The trip was better than I expected. The videos on Youtube do not reflect full wild experience you get during the trip. Before the trip I was a bit nervous, nit sure how I will handle the height and difficulty. After the trip I felt good, because all went well and most of the group achieved summit. I liked the itinerary and good company! I want to say big thanks! Ararat adventure was great and I will have great memories for life.
Climbing Mount Ararat is an opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy breathtaking views. Personally, I gained emotions not only from the climb itself, but also from the time spent with a great team of like-minded people. I made new acquaintances with wonderful individuals. And Kurdish hospitality evokes nothing but warm feelings. Of course, the nature — you can watch the starry sky endlessly, far from city lights. The sunrise at the summit during the climb is not only a sight to admire, but also a hope for the upcoming warmth, meaning my gear held up — I won’t freeze!) Most importantly, such an adventure allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and feel truly connected to yourself — a part of nature!
It was an amazing trip with incredible people. Climbing a mountain over 5,000 meters was a first for me, and now I’m craving even more adventures. Looking forward to the next trip!
The trip went by too fast, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. This is a great adventure for techies, and everything was described pretty much as it was. It was a great experience—somewhat hard, but not as challenging as Aconcagua, obviously. Great job!