Hiker Spotlight: Sandy and Joan Kurtz 

Sandy and Joan Kurtz have been active supporters of Mount Washington  Observatory for almost five decades. After visiting North Conway in 1980, they fell in love with the town and became members of the Observatory that same year. Among their many contributions, they have become synonymous with Seek the Peak, the Observatory’s largest fundraiser. 

In 2006, the Kurtz’s moved to Intervale and became more involved—this was during Seek the Peak’s early years, and Sandy and Joan were among the trailblazers who helped grow its roots. Though they have both hiked Mount Washington and the surrounding White Mountains, their work as volunteers for the event is how they describe most enjoying Seek the Peak—you may recognize them from the registration table at the Après Hike Celebration!  

“You get to see the children, who are hiking, as they grow up every year, so that’s a lot of fun,” shares Joan. 

Joan and Sandy have also played instrumental roles in the week leading up the event, helping sort t-shirts, vouchers, and taking care of other preparations with Observatory staff and board members.   

As for their participation, they have often graced the leaderboard many times over the past 20+ years of the event– most recently as Joan winning the Top Fundraiser award in 2024. Sandy also recalls being among the top three fundraisers in 2005.

We’d like to extend our sincerest appreciation for all that Joan and Sandy have done for the Observatory over the years, and all they continue to do to make Seek the Peak so special year after year. 

Sandy Kurtz (left) with MWOBS Development Officer Wendy Almeida at the 2025 Seek the Peak Après Hike Celebration.

Joan Kurtz (right) with MWOBS Development Officer Wendy Almeida (left) at the 2024 Après Hike Celebration.