Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Mount Washington Observatory!
As a nonprofit, member-supported institution, volunteers are an important part of our operations. Volunteer opportunities are available at our weather station on top of Mount Washington, and at our administrative offices located in downtown North Conway, New Hampshire. We also occasionally need volunteers to assist with tasks in the field and at offsite events.
Volunteers support our administrative staff in a variety of ways. In the office, volunteers help with mailings and other administrative tasks. Outside, volunteers help us with landscaping and maintaining our remote instrument sites throughout the White Mountains. Volunteers also provide support at local and regional events. If you would like to offer your time and talent, we invite you to complete a valley volunteer program application.
For more information about the program, email volunteer@mountwashington.org
Every year, Seek the Peak brings together outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and supporters of Mount Washington Observatory for a day of challenge, camaraderie, and community in July. Volunteers are essential to making this event successful, helping participants enjoy a memorable experience while supporting our mission to advance weather and climate science.
Seek the Peak volunteers assist with tasks such as event setup, check-in, vendor support, concessions, parking, and managing a variety of activities at the Après Expo. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this White Mountains’ premier hiking event.
All volunteers receive a free Seek the Peak t-shirt, entry to the Aprés Hike Expo, a meal voucher at the party, and other free giveaways.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Seek the Peak, and we’re thrilled to celebrate on July 18-19, 2025!
Learn more about volunteering for Seek the Peak, and sign up to volunteer at this year’s event here. >>
If you have questions about volunteering for Seek the Peak, email volunteer@mountwashington.org
Volunteers are a key part of the smooth operation of Mount Washington Observatory’s renowned mountaintop weather station. Each week in the summer (June to September), two volunteers are on duty at the summit to support our staff. While their primary responsibilities include planning and preparing meals for the Observatory crew and guests, part of each day also involves serving as a museum docent and assisting in the summit gift shop.
We appreciate the overwhelming interest in summer summit volunteering. We have temporarily closed applications for Summer 2025, but may open the application process in June if there are still slots available.
Winter Summit Volunteers must have completed a prior summer volunteering week.
Volunteers are essential to the smooth operation of Mount Washington Observatory’s mountaintop weather station facility, particularly during the winter season. Each week, two volunteers are on duty at the summit, primarily responsible for planning and preparing meals for the Observatory crew and visitors as well as hospitality duties. Volunteers typically prepare dinner for the crew, which includes three observers, one or two interns, and their fellow volunteer. They also prepare three meals a day for overnight trip participants. December through March is the busiest time for educational and winter climbing trips, with the Observatory hosting overnight groups of up to 17 guests once or twice per week.
Check back in August 2025 to apply to be a winter summit volunteer (Summer volunteer week required before winter week consideration).
