Summit Mt. Washington, Ski & Chocolate Festival Weekend

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.

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 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.

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

• Activity

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

• Distances

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

• Surfaces

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

• Elevation Change

  The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

• Altitude

  The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

• Distances

  For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

• Elevation Change

  There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

• Altitude

  Less than 3,000 feet.

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

• Distances

  Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

• Activity

  We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

• Distances

  Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

• Surfaces

  We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

• Distances

  Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

• Surfaces

  These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

• Activity

  You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

• Distances

  You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

• Surfaces

  On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.