Presented By:
Mt. Washington Auto Road
Mt. Washington State Park
USDA Forest Service
 |
What is Seek the Peak?
It is the annual summer fundraiser for the non-profit Mount Washington Observatory, where hikers from across the region and beyond hit the trail in support of the "Obs." Hikers solicit contributions from friends, family and coworkers beforehand, hike the mountain on the day of the event and celebrate at our after party, with great food, music, fun and prizes.
Where is the kick-off party?
The Friday evening kick-off party will be held at the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, located at 2779 White Mountain Highway (next to Citizens Bank) in North Conway. Join us from 5 - 8 PM for appetizers, refreshments, and mingling in our newly renovated science museum. Bring the family and stay as long as you like: there are hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages and ample space to roam!
Do you have to be an Observatory member to hike?
Nope! Anyone capable of the hike can participate, and all hikers are encouraged to select trails based on their own ability.
Is it a guided hike?
No, STP participants hike on their own. However, many hikers create their own group of friends or family to hike with.
Is there a shuttle down from the summit?
No. Generally, hikers are responsible for getting themselves down. However, tickets for a ride down on a Mt. Washington Auto Road stage van may be available at the summit. For details, visit www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com.
Can children participate?
Yes, if they are capable of a long climb and have solid hiking experience. To decide if your child is ready for Seek the Peak, we recommend reviewing the Hike Safe page and educating yourself about the mountain's notorious weather conditions.
What if it rains?
The event is held rain or shine, so be prepared for all conditions! Check our Higher Summits Forecast the night before and morning of your hike to know what to expect.
Can I bring a guest to the after party?
Absolutely! Tickets for non-hikers are $20 and may be purchased in advance on our After Party Ticket Purchase page.
What do I do with cash and checks?
Download this donation form and mail or deliver all offline donations (ie., cash or checks) to the Observatory's administrative offices by Friday, July 20, 2012. Please do not mail cash. Many participants deposit cash gifts and send us one check, with the donor's names on their pledge form. Our mailing address is:
Mount Washington Observatory
Attn: Seek the Peak
PO Box 2310
North Conway NH 03860
Who should the checks be made out to?
Please make checks payable to Mount Washington Observatory.
How do these "offline" gifts get reflected on my pledge page?
It's easy. Login to your participant center, then click "enter gift" on the right side of the page.
Can my partner and I sign up as one person or team?
You can, but we don't recommend it. One registration = one goodie bag, one t-shirt, one set of fundraising incentives, one ticket to the after party and one entry into the prize pool. Each hiker, as an individual, must raise that $200 fundraising minimum in order to receive their own t-shirt, goodie bag, incentives, after party ticket and prize pool entry.
How do I get one of those great hiker goodie bags?
Seek the Peak goodie bags are guaranteed for the first 500 hikers that raise the $200 fundraising minimum. To make sure you're among the first 500 people, register now and start fundraising ASAP! If you collect offline donations (ie., cash or checks), mail them in as you receive them. Offline donations do not count towards your official fundraising total until they are received by us.
Can I just turn in all of my donations on Seek the Peak Saturday?
You can, but we don't recommend it. There might not be any goodie bags left, and prize eligibility is determined on Friday, so donations turned in on Saturday will not be counted towards your prize eligibility. The safest bet is to mail in your donations well in advance of the Friday, July 12, 2012 deadline, or just bring them with you to the Friday night registration.
What's the best way to the summit? What's the best trail for a beginner?
We rely on our friends at the Appalachian Mountain Club for trail information. Research your trip beforehand on the AMC's website, or get trail advice from the AMC at the trailhead.
What if I can't make it to the summit?
Shhh. We won't tell! Kidding aside, always hike within your own limits and abilities. Hiking Mount Washington is a formidable challenge, even for seasoned hikers. However, with the right trail selection and the proper gear, it can be a great day for everyone. If you aren't able to do the summit hike, an AMC staff member at registration can help you select another great hike.
When can I start collecting pledge money?
Ready... set... go! You can start collecting donations right now!
Who can I speak to if I have other questions?
We're here to help. Call Membership and Events Coordinator Abby Blackburn at (800) 706-0432, ext. 230, or send her an email.
