Multi-Day
Summit Mt. Washington, Ski & Chocolate Festival Weekend

Friday > Arrive in New Hampshire

Arrive and settle in to your lodgings for the weekend around midnight. This historic country inn operates like a bed and breakfast, and, though located less than 2 miles outside the bustling ski resort town of North Conway Village, the inn’s surroundings are quiet and serene.

Surrounded by wooded hills and snowy slopes, head straight to bed or enjoy the inn’s many amenities—take a dip in the hot tub, warm up by a roaring fire in the sitting room, grab a cup of hot coffee or tea from the solarium or check out the game room for some midnight competition.

Saturday > Ice Climbing or Summit Mt. Washington—Mountaineering School

Get an early start this morning with a hearty breakfast of homemade waffles, coffee cake, bagels, fresh fruit, cereal, and a fresh brewed cup of coffee in the solarium. After breakfast, we’ll be outfitted with gear and learn the skills needed to either scale frozen waterfalls while ice climbing (minimum 4 people) or to summit Mount Washington on a mountaineering expedition.

Your guides will provide you with the knowledge and technical skills to move safely and confidently over winter terrain. Please note that there are two optional routes in attempting the summit this ‘beast of the east’.

So for those of you that feel up for the challenge and are in good physical shape the more technical route might be your thing. After descending the mountain, return to the lodge to rest and get cleaned-up for drinks and dinner at a local tavern. The rest of the night is yours.


Ice Climbing
This one-day course is a general introduction to waterfall ice climbing and general mountaineering. The first half of the day will be spent learning about the equipment, crampons, ice axes, anchors and belays. The second half of the day will be spent climbing to gain a practical appreciation for efficient movement over moderately angled snow and ice terrain.


Mountaineering: One Day Ascent of Mount Washington
Situated at the intersection of three major storm tracks which affect the northern Appalachian Range, and rising from the surrounding lowlands for much of its 6,228 feet, Mt. Washington is known for its extreme weather conditions. You will learn general mountaineering skills, winter navigation and avalanche awareness in this popular one-day trip. No previous mountaineering experience is required. However, participants should be physically prepared for a long, intense day of ascent & descent and well-equipped for a rigorous all day experience. The overall intensity for this weekend is 3, but the ascent of Mt. Washington is 4 (please see Intensity Levels tab).
Pack list will be provided to you via email.

Sunday > Downhill Skiing or Cross-Country and Chocolate

Sunday morning, awaken to another delicious hot breakfast at the inn, then your choice: downhill skiing, or cross-country skiing & snowshoeing with inn-to-inn chocolate tasting!


Downhill Skiing
Gear up for a day of some of the best downhill skiing in the Northeast. Rated one of the top ten mountains in New England and the most scenic view in America according to Ski Magazine. Pretty bold, we know and you’ll have to see it to believe it. You will have access to New Hampshire’s most continuous vertical and New England’s most powerful Quad chairlift. Even more, due to the resort’s close proximity to Mt. Washington and 2000 ft base elevation the mountain averages a stunning 200+ inches of natural snowfall every year. Discount lift tickets, equipment rental and lesson packages are available (pay onsite).


Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing and Chocolate Festival
Perhaps cross-country skiing or snowshoeing and well-deserved chocolate delicacies might be your thing today. Strap on your gear and set out for the trail, which starts about 20 feet from the front door. There are up to 20 kilometers of snowy trails that reach 10 different inns serving a variety of chocolate goodies. Ski right up to the door of each inn and then relax, warm up, and enjoy chocolate dipped fruit and pretzels, hot cocoa with real whipped cream, chocolate fondue, cookies, brownies, homemade chocolate ice cream, and handmade chocolates. Then, burn it off as you ski or snowshoe back to our home base.

Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

1. Activity

   How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

2. Distances

   You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

3. Surfaces

   What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

4. Elevation Change

   The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

5. Altitude

   The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

1. Activity

   1 – 3 hours

2. Distances

   Walk or hike less than 3 miles

3. Surfaces

   Flat terrain

4. Elevation Change

   Little or none

5. Altitude

   Less than 3,000 feet

Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

1. Activity

   2 – 5 hours

2. Distances

   Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 1,500 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 6,000 feet

Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above

1. Activity

   4 – 6 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 2,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 10,000 feet

Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Experience required.

1. Activity

   5 – 8 hours most days

2. Distances

   Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 3,000 feet per day

5. Altitude

   Up to 14,000 feet

Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).

1. Activity

   10 plus hours per day

2. Distances

   Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days

3. Surfaces

   Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features

4. Elevation Change

   Up to 4,000+ feet per day

5. Altitude

   May well exceed 14,000 feet