Dear Member,
The month of May marks a turn toward the warm part of the year. Average daily temperatures already have risen, though as we leave April, conditions on the summit of Mount Washington continue to seesaw from bare exposed rock a week ago to a foot of new snow this past week.
The first week of May promises a bit more of the white stuff but we’re still working hard to get ready to welcome you when the Mount Washington State Park Summit Visitor Center officially opens on May 26 – with potential for an earlier opening depending on the weather (watch Observatory social media for updates).
We have been preparing with our partners at the Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railway, and New Hampshire State Parks. Truly, we could not accomplish our mission without the close collaboration we enjoy with each of these organizations. To that end, below is a quick cheat sheet to prepare you to join us for summer adventure.
Prepare for the variable conditions above tree line in the White Mountains before leaving your house by checking the Higher Summits Forecast or, if you plan to visit us, monitoring Current Summit Conditions. You can also text “weather” or “forecast” to 603-356-2137.
If you’re planning to visit Mount Washington, you can drive up the Auto Road on weekends starting May 13 (weather permitting). Check their website for updates including weekday opening plans. You can also ride in classic style on Cog Railway passenger trains starting today. Look out for both organizations’ special events all season long. The Appalachian Mountain Club has hikers covered, with resources available at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center / Joe Dodge Lodge.
Once you’re on the summit, no visit is complete without stopping by the Observatory’s Extreme Mount Washington® summit museum located in the visitor center, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also visit the State Park concession stand and make use of the restrooms. Be sure to check the building’s hours of operation for the day you visit.
Become a member of Mount Washington Observatory to visit our museum for FREE, gain a variety of benefits (including admission to 300+ science museums), support our distinctive 90-year-old organization, and take a tour of our mountaintop weather station. Tours of our working weather station are only available to members and must be booked in advance.
As always, I hope to hear from you about the work we do each day. Please reach out to me with your thoughts and advice. I also hope to see you on Mount Washington and among the high peaks of the White Mountains. Have a wonderful start to your summer.
Sincerely,
