Frequently Asked Questions

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 Stonyfield Farm Kick-Off Party?
The Friday evening Stonyfield Farm Kick-Off Party will be held at the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, located next to Citizen's Bank on Main Street in North Conway Village. 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. Every child is different and we encourage all parents to educate themselves about the mountain's notorious weather conditions before doing the hike.

What if it rains?
The event is held rain or shine, so be prepared for all conditions!

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.

How do I upgrade to the premium package?
If you didn't purchase the 10th anniversary premium package during registration, you may do so here.

What do I do with cash and checks?
We encourage all hikers to download this offline donation form, gather donations from family and friends and mail all offline financial contributions to the Observatory beforehand, preferably by July 15. Additional donations can certainly be collected, but mailing contributions to us before the event helps our staff manage this ever-growing event! Please do not mail cash. Many participants deposit cash gifts and send us one check, with the donors' names on a note.
Mail all contributions to:
Mount Washington Observatory
P.O.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. Once you have created your hiker page, visit the page and you will see a button to "Enter Offline Donation".

Can my partner and I sign up as one person or team?
You can, but one registration = one goodie bag, one t-shirt, one concert ticket, one ticket to the after party and one entry into the prize pool. Funds raised by a team will be divided among team members, so each member still needs to raise that $100 fundraising minimum in order to receive their own goodie bag, t-shirt, concert ticket, after party ticket and prize pool entry.

How do I get one of those great hiker goodie bags?
STP goodie bags and t-shirts are guaranteed for the first 400 hikers that raise at least $100, either online, offline or both. To make sure you're among the first 400 people, register and start the fundraising process ASAP! Please submit your offline donations by July 15.

Can I just turn in all of my donations on Seek the Peak Saturday?
You can, but since we have no way of knowing how much you raised beforehand, there is no guarantee of a goodie bag and STP t-shirt. Plus, contributions turned in on the day of the event may not be able to be tallied up for the prizes and awards. As always, we will have someone at the trailhead collecting day-of contributions from 7:00 - 9:00 AM on the day of the event.

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 Karen Hemeon at (800) 706-0432, ext. 230, or send her an email.