Meeting Time: 10:30 AM

Max # People: 15

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Mt. Willard [2865 ft.] is a fantastic introduction to winter hiking for its jaw dropping clifftop view of Crawford Notch leading out to Mt. Chocorua on the horizon! Please join us if you can. 3.2 miles round trip, 900' elevation gain, easy moderate, 2.5 hours including lunch on the summit.

In the spirit of the holidays we’ll distribute bells to attach to packs and feel free to wear other festive gear such as Santa hats, Elf hats, antlers, etc…you get the idea!

Afterward, we'll drive over to the Mt. Washington Hotel and enjoy an afternoon holiday beverage in the Rosebrook Bar with spectacular mountain views of the Presidential Range including Mt. Washington. The hotel will be all dressed up with holiday decorations! We'll walk over to the Grandfather Clock in the Great Hall for the 3pm Magical Mystery Tour that lasts 45 minutes and includes hotel history and ghost stories! You may want to bring fresh clothing to change into when you return back to your car to make the hotel visit more comfortable. 

Make sure to bring gear for an early winter hike. Gloves, hats, raingear are all mandatory. You should be prepared with wicking layers and wear NO COTTON.The trail may be covered with snow in spots so a traction device of some sort like MicroSpikes would be helpful. Winter boots recommended but not required. Bring lunch, water and dress in layers.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us in advance.

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax beside our fireplace views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night. It’s $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!