Seek the Peak 2026: New Adventures, Rooted in Tradition

By MWOBS Staff

Seek the Peak is Mount Washington Observatory’s largest annual fundraiser, and for 26 years it’s brought together hikers, adventurers, and people who care about weather science and the outdoors. Whether you summit Mount Washington, explore a local trail, or find your own path, every step you take supports the Observatory’s critical work in weather forecasting, research, and education.

But the event is more than just a hike—it’s a Hike-a-Thon! This means your adventure raises critical funds, and the more you raise, the more epic gear you earn. Pick your outdoor challenge, set your goal, and rally your supporters, sharing your personal fundraising page with your network. Your adventure can take place anytime this summer on or before July 18th, when the community gathers for the Après Hike Celebration on Saturday, July 18 from 4 to 7pm at Wildcat Mountain. This is an iconic location with deep roots in Seek the Peak history and a fantastic view of Mount Washington and the surrounding White Mountains. Now through April 12, registration is 50% off (just $30 to kickstart your fundraising– see perks below)! Kids 15 and under register free.

A throwback photo of Seek the Peak 20 years ago at Wildcat Mountain.

If you’re not feeling up to a big climb but want a 4,000-foot elevation view, participants will have the option to take the Wildcat Express chairlift to the summit of Wildcat Mountain and hike down on July 18th. You can also select our Hike and Make Friends option at registration to be paired with other hikers in a group hike on event day. Or, start a team of your own: Gather your family and friends for a day on the trails together, or rally your coworkers as a business team.

Seek the Peak Prizes – Earn Big While You Hike! 

Find details below about the exclusive 2026 Seek the Peak gear and prizes to reward your fundraising. All prizes will be available on Saturday, July 18 at our Après Hike Celebration at Wildcat Mountain.

$60 – You’re In! Your registration fee kicks off your fundraising and scores you:

  • A ticket for the Wildcat Express chairlift (July 18, event day only)
  • One official Seek the Peak 2026 T-shirt (all registered participants receive a T-shirt this year!)
  • A pair of co-branded Minus33/Seek the Peak merino socks
  • Your ticket to the Après Hike Celebration with meal voucher
  • A summit weather station tour on July 18 in celebration of Seek the Peak

Raise $200 – Gear Up! Start earning rewards:

  • Your 1st entry into our legendary gear raffle
  • A commemorative Seek the Peak patch

Raise $300 – Adventure Ready!  The gear keeps coming:

  • A 2nd entry into our gear raffle
  • A piece of exclusive hiking gear from Eastern Mountain Sports (item TBA soon).

Raise $500 – Bring a Friend to the Après Celebration! This milestone adds even more:

  • An extra non-hiker ticket to the Après Hike Celebration, plus meal ticket
  • A custom beanie from Ragged Mountain Equipment
  • A backpacking meal from Good To-Go
  • A 3rd entry into our gear raffle

Raise $1,000 – Bring the Whole Crew! Go all in and celebrate with:

  • Four (total) non-hiker tickets to the Après Hike Celebration, plus four (total) meal tickets
  • A 4th entry into our gear raffle
  • A commemorative Seek the Peak gift (item TBA soon)

Top individual fundraiser prizes include a product design collaboration with Ragged Mountain Equipment, a family camping setup from L.L.Bean, ski passes from Vail Resorts, and a Terracea suit up. Top team fundraising prizes include a custom co-branded Seek the Peak Mountainsmith fanny pack and a summit weather station day trip for your team. Stay tuned as we add more prizes and unveil some of the epic raffle prizes!

Après Hike Celebration (let’s party!)

After your hike, gather with fellow participants and Mount Washington Observatory supporters for an evening of fun, food, and festivities at Wildcat, including:

  • BBQ Feast
  • Sponsor Brand Activity Zones
  • Beer Garden with Tuckerman Brewing Company
  • Live Music
  • Rock-Climbing Wall
  • Epic Gear Raffle

Hear what some participants had to say about what they enjoyed from last year’s event:

“It has become something I want to make an annual tradition with my friends.”

“Doing something I love to do & supporting MWOBS & the hiking community all at the same time.”

“The chance to reunite yearly in such a wonderful area… to help continue STP as a strong fundraising event into the future.”

Hike your hike. Seek your peak. We can’t wait to see you out there!

For more information about the event, check out our Seek the Peak FAQ page. Event Press Release linked here.

Looking for lodging? We have Early Bird savings with our Preferred Lodging Partners! Get 10% off your July 18th weekend stay at Cranmore Mountain Lodge with promo code CML-PEAK. If you’re looking to be even closer to the action, we recommend checking out the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, or other AMC locations. 

Seek the Peak is presented by Wildcat Mountain, Eastern Mountain Sports, Martini Northern, Arc’teryx, and Helly Hansen, with additional support from Drive Brand Studio. See all 2026 sponsors here.

Find Older Posts