Saturday, February 15, 2025

Join us on a classic climb of the tallest mountain in the Northeast, with an extra challenge of doing it in precarious winter conditions. At 6,288 feet, boasting 4,000 feet of elevation gain over 4 miles, and harsh, unpredictable weather above treeline, this thrilling hike will challenge even experienced hikers.

Our adventure will take us up and down the classic Winter Lion’s Head Route, and we’ll experience everything from forest trails to the heart-pounding climbs up the steep, snow-covered slopes. Finally, we’ll make our way above the treeline and to the exposed summit cone.

If you are lucky enough to summit on a clear day,  you will enjoy gorgeous views of the White Mountains and be able to see as far as Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Experience: This trip is for experienced hikers with prior winter hiking experience. Please contact us at info@adventureuntamed.com for more information. We can help you create a training plan!

Accommodations: 4-person bunk rooms at the Joe Dodge Lodge, 2 nights.

Food: We will have lunch on the road the first day and the last day. Other than that, all meals are included.

Day 1

We’ll depart at 7:00 am, stopping for lunch on the road. After arriving at the Joe Dodge Lodge, we’ll go for a short warm-up hike. We’ll test out our gear and learn crampon and ice axe use, as well as the skills to stay warm, dry, and safe in unpredictable winter conditions. After a moderate scramble to the top, gorgeous views of Mt. Washington will open up right in front of us, and you can trace the route you’ll be taking to the summit the next day. That evening we’ll enjoy dinner, do a gear check, and get a good night’s sleep before the summit attempt the following morning.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start the summit attempt of Mount Washington. The snowy terrain will get the blood pumping right away. Be prepared for steep ascents, especially as the day goes on and you enter the Alpine Zone and make your way up the summit cone. Once above the treeline, you may encounter extreme weather, but our guides will be there every step of the way to keep you safe. If the day is clear, winter-wonderland views of the White Mountains will open up at the top. The hike down, with its steep descents, can be just as challenging as the way up. Back at the lodge, we’ll unwind, relax, and have a delicious dinner to celebrate the day’s adventures.

Day 3

After a good night’s rest, we’ll pack up, eat breakfast, and relax for the leisurely drive back to New York City, stopping for lunch along the way. You have a choice to sleep in or go on an optional pre-breakfast hike!

 

Level: Intense (Learn More)

Mileage: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 4,169 feet

Group Size: 2 - 9 adventurers

Departure:

W 73rd and Broadway, UWS

Check-in Time: 6:45 am

Departure Time: 7:00 am

Return Time: Approximately 8:00 pm

$795.00

Wear (*starred items are available for rent at-cost)

  • Mountaineering boots* (required)
  • Ice axe* (required)
  • Crampons* (required)
  • Wool or synthetic socks (no cotton)
  • Moisture-wicking, non-cotton base layers (top and bottom, no cotton)
  • Fleece
  • Insulating top and bottom layers
  • Fully waterproof top and bottom layers that can be worn over all other layers except puffy
  • Puffy (850+ fill) that can be worn over all other layers
  • Waterproof, insulated mittens
  • Goggles
  • Balaclava
  • Long underwear for sleeping
  • Wool
  • Fleece hat
  • Liner gloves
  • Neck buff
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfortable car shoes

Pack

  • Money for lunch stops on the road
  • Personal toiletries and towel
  • Snacks (we will provide lunch for summit day)
  • Water bottles that can hold at least 3 liters total (NO hydration bladders – will freeze)
  • Backpack (large enough to fit all the extra layers and supplies)
  • Headlamp (required)
  • Sunscreen
  • Extra pair of wool socks
  • Extra gloves
  • Trekking poles (optional)