GET WINTER INTRO HIKE #2: MT. WILLARD

We led a beginner winter hiking group up Willard. We wore jingle bells, Santa/Elf hats, and other festive holiday outfits that brought smiles to a lot of people!   Micro spikes were a must. We saw a few people coming down sliding all over the place grabbing trees along the way to prevent them from falling down.

If you like ice skating, ice fishing, or pond hockey, you will find the conditions quite pleasant. If you are into parkour or training for Ninja Warrior, you will not be disappointed. Tarzan moves and sharp traction (Hillsounds are ideal) are a must. The trail looked more like a frozen waterfall with a large ribbon of solid ice further up the trail.

Views were spectacular and holiday spirit was high. Decent day to introduce newbies to winter hiking.  I think a lot of people are hooked. Highly recommend. Absolutely gorgeous. We encountered snowfall on the descent. Willard has the best payback for little effort. Always enjoy this hike!  

We checked out the holiday decorations at the Mt. Washington Hotel and then went back to our house to sit by a roasty- toasty fire watching the snow fall followed by a delicious dinner prepared by Jon. As always, great seeing everyone again and wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

Our second of five winter introduction hikes to ease you into winter hiking leading to ascending your first winter 4,000 footer! Join us on our annual holiday hike where we wear jingle bells and holiday hats; followed by a drink at the Mt. Washington Hotel all dressed up for the holidays!

Mt. Willard [2865 ft.] is a fantastic introduction to winter hiking for its jaw dropping clifftop view of Crawford Notch leading out to Mt. Chocorua on the horizon! Please join us if you can. 3.2 miles round trip, 900' elevation gain, easy/ moderate, 2.5 hours including lunch on the summit.

Afterward, we'll drive over to the Mt. Washington Hotel and enjoy an afternoon holiday beverage in the Rosebrook Bar with spectacular mountain views of the Presidential Range including Mt. Washington. The hotel will be all dressed up with holiday decorations! You may want to bring fresh clothing to change into when you return back to your car to make the hotel visit more comfortable. 

Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, water, lunch, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are packing hand warmers for our gloves. The trail may be covered with snow and ice in spots so a traction device of some sort like MicroSpikes is required. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm might not be needed just yet but it’s certainly time to think about buying a pair as they will be required for our next winter hike…put it on your Christmas gift wish list!  Since this is an introduction series, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on the clothing and gear to bring!  

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley if you provide us proof of vaccination to relax beside our fireplace with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night if you provide us proof of vaccination. Its $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner [$60 for the weekend]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!