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Expert Answers
Climbing Mt. Washington as a Family
Bubby's Question:
I'm 37, my husband is 39, and our boys are 14 and 16. My husband wants to hike Mt. Washington in August. We're all in less than moderate shape. How realistic is this and what can I do to get us in shape for the hike? We have three months.
Bubby
Alice's Answer:
Bubby,
New Hampshire's Mount Washington is a wonderful goal for your family. Your boys are at ideal ages to make the climb, and if you all get in shape and the weather is good, you should have a splendid adventure. In addition to grand views, at the top you'll find a weather observatory, a railroad, a restaurant, and even a road, so there's a little something for everyone.
As you probably know, at a height of 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is New England's highest peak, and it's also where the highest wind gust in the world was recorded—231 mph in 1934. While the mountain is extremely popular, it can be dangerous because a good deal of the hike is exposed, and should bad weather come in, even in summer, unprepared hikers risk hypothermia and worse. It's a big, serious hike, as you know, so you're right to be concerned about being prepared. The same is true for any hike above treeline, especially an outing involving children.
Here are some tips to help all of you get ready:
 Exercise as much as possible. Each member of your family should do whatever comes most naturally: walk, run, play soccer, ride bikes, whatever.
Lose any extra pounds if need be.
Hike as much as possible, gradually increasing distance and elevation. It's especially important to hike on mountains, because the act of climbing requires different muscles and stamina than flat-land walks. It's a good idea to hike at least one or two other of New Hampshire's 48 4,000-foot peaks before tackling Washington. Mount Lafayette, for example, is a challenging climb with great views.
Be sure to take the proper gear: broken-in hiking boots, plenty of food, water, extra layers for varying temperatures, a first aid kit, and the AMC Guide.
Make a plan. Choose a trail carefully—there are many. Once on the mountain, be sure to heed all weather advisories; check the weather before you start the hike. Don't make this a do-or-die goal. If the weather is bad or if someone in your party isn't up to the hike, turn back before the summit. Have a fallback plan, too—check into the possibility of taking a hiker's shuttle or the cog railway back down if someone is too tired to hike back down the mountain.
Get psyched! Learn about the fascinating history of Mt. Washington. Check out the Summit Weather Observatory web site at www.mountwashington.org. You may also enjoy reading Not Without Peril: 150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire, by Nicholas Howe, which talks about all sorts of mountain adventures gone bad.
Have lots of fun, and let us know about your adventures!
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