FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26th Annual Seek the Peak Raises $290K for Mount Washington Observatory

North Conway, NH (June 22, 2026) – Mount Washington Observatory’s (MWOBS) 26th Annual Seek the Peak raised $290,000 to support the nonprofit organization’s work in weather forecasting, long-term data collection, research and education.

“We are incredibly thrilled and grateful to have surpassed our $260,000 goal, continuing to grow the Observatory’s premier fundraising event into its 26th year,” Drew Bush, MWOBS Executive Director, said. “Words cannot express our gratitude for all of the hard work of our hikers, sponsors, volunteers, and partners. We were blessed with incredible weather and many enthusiastic participants at our kick-off party. The day of the main event, periods of rain could not dampen their spirits on the trails and at our Après Hike Celebration. We had an absolutely packed lodge at Wildcat Mountain Resort and the energy was simply thrilling.”

Fundraising highlights:
• The Top Fundraising Team was Fire on the Mountain, led by captain Ryan Shepard, raising $16,258.77.
• The Nichols Clan, led by captain Chris Nichols, won Top Student & Family Fundraising Team, raising $14,342.46.
• Ann Dodge Team, led by captain Peter Middleton, won Top Business Fundraising Team, raising $6,712.50.
• The Top Four Individual Fundraisers this year were Sandy Kurtz, who raised $15,031.50; Chris Nichols, who raised $13,649.46; Lee Eckhart, who raised $6,288; and Rob Kirsch, who raised $5,241.41.

Winners received a variety of prizes, including overnight trips to the summit of Mount Washington to meet MWOBS staff (and Nimbus, the resident cat), an L.L. Bean camping setup, a $1,000 gift card to NH-based outdoor apparel company Terracea, ski lift season passes to Vail Resorts, an opportunity to design a new co-branded outdoor apparel product with Ragged Mountain Equipment, and co-branded products from Burgeon Outdoor and Mountainsmith. All participating hikers were able to earn exclusive Seek the Peak socks by Minus33 Merino Wool, event t-shirts and backpacks by Eastern Mountain Sports, and commemorative patches.

“We congratulate our winners, every single 2026 participant and all of our event volunteers,” Charlie Buterbaugh, MWOBS Director of External Affairs, said. “Seek the Peak plays a vital role, increasing awareness about the Observatory and sustaining our work. This community has collectively made a major impact.”

Over 60 volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly.

“Given the breadth of the event, Seek the Peak could not continue to be successful without the considerable efforts of the volunteers,” Sandy Kurtz, who has been volunteering for the event since the event’s inception, said. “In return, the volunteers experience the camaraderie and friendships of their fellow volunteers and the satisfaction of a job well done.”

Seek the Peak was made possible by Presenting Sponsors Arc’teryx, Eastern Mountain Sports, Helly Hansen, Martini Northern and Wildcat Mountain.

About Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. Our summit facility is located within Mount Washington State Park. For more information, call 603-356-2137 or visit mountwashington.org.

About Wildcat Mountain

Wildcat Mountain, located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and facing the summit of Mount Washington, offers over 2,100 feet of vertical and a mix of challenging terrain and beginner-friendly skiing, including the longest green circle trail in the East at 2.75 miles. Known for its striking views and classic New England character, Wildcat provides a distinctive ski and ride experience. The resort is owned and operated by Vail Resorts, a global network of premier mountain destinations across North America, Europe, and Australia, all accessible with the Epic Pass. Learn more at www.skiwildcat.com, www.VailResorts.com, and www.EpicPass.com.

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Contact:
Charlie Buterbaugh, Director of External Affairs
(603) 356-2137, ext. 211
cbuterbaugh@mountwashington.org