Mountaineering
Mount Washington and the Presedential Range
At 6,288 feet Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the Northeast and is home to “the world’s worst weather.” The Presidential Range is situated in the epicenter of colliding weather systems, Mount Washington and the Presidentials offer some of the richest winter adventures possible in arctic conditions. If you want to learn the skills of winter mountaineering and climb one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, give us a call to design a trip that allows us to help you meet your goals. Mount Washington caters to beginners and experts alike and offers a venue to learn new skills and hone an existing skill-set with bigger peaks in mind. Many of the world’s most accomplished alpinists live, climb, and train here to prepare for other objectives. The 8 mile journey gains 4000’ over 4 miles. The time spent above treeline in the “alpine zone” makes a mountaineering course on Mount Washington the ideal prep for Rainer, Shasta, Kilimanjaro, and even Denali. If you want to make an ascent of Mount Washington on one of our day trips, or if you want to learn the skills of winter camping, alpine ice and snow climbing, winter navigation, and equipment selection we can tailor a course to your needs. From ato a one day peak ascent, to a fully customized adventure, we can do it all!
Mount Washington Intro- Join us for a two day course where you learn the mountaineering skills necessary to climb Mount Washington. Day one takes place on a much smaller mountain and is a shorter day that will get you fully prepped for Day 2, an early start and an attempt on the tallest peak in the Northeast. This course will cover clothing systems, crampon techniques, and how to use a mountaineering axe for self arrest and efficient climbing. You will learn about mountain nutrition, packing equipment, and how to stay warm and happy in the most severe conditions.
We’ll meet at 8am on day one, for introductions, itinerary review, gear selection and feedback. We will then head out to an appropriate snowy climb to get acquainted with the equipment and techniques. Returning to town with enough time to go shopping for some required gear purchases and food, we can rest up and get ready for an alpine start the next morning. Depending on conditions and travel considerations we will ascend Mt. Washington from either the Ammonooscuc Ravine or from the Tuckerman Ravine. Either route will gives us an 8 mile day with over 4000 feet of elevation gain. This is full day of climbing and will be a test of physical fitness.
What you will need: Appropriate clothing for the outdoors. See recommended gear list.
What we provide: ACS will provide each participant with a pair of mountaineering boots and crampons.
RATES for a private two day Mt. Washington intro.
1 person-$600.00
2 people- $400.00 pp
3 people-$325.00 pp
4 people-$300.00 pp
Give us a call to inquire about group rates
Mount Washington Ascent- If you have winter backpacking experience or only have time for a one day trip, we can meet extra early, get geared up, and hit the road for the trailhead. Another potential option is to meet the night before for introductions and some gear preparation. Depending on where you are traveling from we may meet at 5am on the day of the climb. During our ascent we will practice efficient crampon technique that will help to conserve energy and translate to climbing any peak the world over. This is a full day depending on conditions and fitness levels.
What you will need: Appropriate clothing for the outdoors. See recommended gear list.
What we provide: ACS will provide each participant with a pair of mountaineering boots and crampons.
RATES for a private one day summit push.
1 person-$400.00
2 people- $300.00 pp
3 people-$250.00 pp
4 people-$200.00 pp
Give us a call to inquire about group rates
Three day Presidential Range Traverse,
Madison. Adams. Jefferson. Clay. Washington. Monroe. Franklin. Eisenhower. Pierce. 20 miles. 9 peaks. 3000 meters of elevation gain. This is a Presidential Traverse. New Hampshire is home to the most alpine climbing terrain in the Northeast. The White Mountains may not be tall in comparison to the “greater” ranges, but a Presidential Traverse will prepare you for climbing hard in the most extreme conditions. Most of the travel will take place above tree-line in the “alpine zone” where temperatures routinely drop to -20F and winds gust over 100mph. In fact, the highest wind speed recorded by a “manned” weather station blew across Mt. Washington’s 6,288ft summit in 1934 and clocked in at 231mph! A Presidential Traverse is an arduous journey requiring the fitness to hike with a 45 pound pack. Winter camping skills are mandatory as we will be spending two nights in the lower but still exposed cols between peaks. This magnificent trip starts from the north on Mt. Madison and finishes on Mt. Pierce in Crawford Notch. Depending on timing, fitness levels, and conditions, we may choose to hit all 9 peaks or skirt around them. Either way, we guarantee an unforgettable adventure. Conditions vary in the mountains. The route could be windblown, rocky, and covered in ice, or full of deep powder requiring snowshoes for forward progression. We may experience 3 days of bluebird sun, or 3 days of whiteout winter fury. Appreciating the power and beauty of this savage environment is a truly special experience regardless of what the mountains decide to give us. If you feel excited to go walking with the presidents give us a call! We’d love to help you hone your mountaineering skills, learn some new ones, and reach your goals.
What you will need: Appropriate clothing for the outdoors. Winter Camping equipment. See recommended gear list.
What we provide: ACS will provide each participant with a pair of mountaineering boots and crampons. ACS will also provide all food and snacks for the three days along with all cooking supplies. A four season single wall tent. Some winter camping gear is available if needed. This is a very serious multi- day trip and having the appropriate gear is essential. We will work with you to make sure you have everything you need.
RATES for a private three day Presidential Traverse.
1 person- $1,000.00
2 people- $700.00 pp
3 people- $600.00 pp
