Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Washburn Climb?
Fill out the application available on this website and mail, fax, or email it using the provided contact information.
Are there any requirements to join the Washburn Climb?
Yes. All volunteers and climbers must be prepared to adequately train for all types of terrain and weather conditions; be at least 18 years old at the time of registration; and complete all the necessary registration documents. Applications will be vetted, so please provide all supporting information in detail.
Climbers and volunteers agree to abide by the decision of the Museum's representatives and volunteers in all matters, including the decision to end the climb early for any reason. We also require all climbers and volunteers to attend the pre-climb briefing to be held at the Museum on July 11. Participants are encouraged to attend the pre-climb dinner on July 15 and a celebratory team dinner following the climb at Carlson's Lodge in Twin Mountain, NH on July 16. Details to be provided at the briefing.
There is a non-refundable registration fee of $75 for climbers in addition to a minimum fundraising goal of at least $1,500 for a single climb, $3,000 for a double climb, or $5,000 for the Presidential Range traverse.
The minimum fundraising requirements for each type of climb are set on a "raise from others or donate money yourself" basis. If you would like to support yourself, simply select your name on our online donation page or mail a check noting in the memo line that it is for your 2012 Washburn Climb.
Can I raise more than the minimum?
Of course! All donations are gratefully received and put to good use supporting the Museum's many endeavors.
What happens if I can't raise the minimum?
If you haven't met the fundraising minimum by August 31, 2012, your credit card will be charged for the remaining balance. We require a credit card to be put on hold for this purpose.
Is there a rain date?
No. The 2012 Washburn Climb takes place on Monday, July 16 unless the Museum's representative decides the weather conditions are too dangerous for the climb to take place, in which case the climb will be cancelled, not postponed.
How will I know where to check in along the route?
Each of the three climb groups will be accompanied by a volunteer hike leader who is trained on the route and given a map. There are specific check-in locations along the climb route. These stations are staffed by volunteers wearing official climb t-shirts. They can help you with any questions during the day. All climbers must check in at each station for safety reasons. Details to be provided at the pre-climb briefing on July 11.
Are accommodations provided?
Yes, for those doing the double climb and Presidential Range traverse, the Museum provides accommodations for the nights before and of the climb (July 15 – 16). For those doing the single climb, the Museum provides lodging on July 15 only. If single climbers wish to make accommodations for the night of the climb, they should contact climb@mos.org to discuss preferential rates that have been secured for climb participants.
In 2012, accommodations will be provided near the start of the Ammonoosuc Trail.
Is transportation available?
All participants must provide their own transportation both to the lodging in New Hampshire on July 15 and back home.
We will provide round-trip transportation between lodgings and trailheads on the day of the climb for traverse and double climbers. Single climbers may choose to make personal arrangements to carpool between accommodations and trailhead. Volunteers may be asked to take part in transporting climbers and/or other volunteers.
Will meals be provided?
A welcome dinner on July 15 and a celebratory dinner on July 16 will be provided for all participants at Carlson's Lodge in Twin Mountain, NH.
Breakfast for all climbers and volunteers will be provided on July 16. For those staying overnight on July 16, breakfast will be provided on July 17 as well. Washburn Climb participants are expected to supply and carry any food needed for their personal use. The Sherman Adams Summit Building on Mount Washington has a café where food and beverages are available for purchase. Museum of Science staff will provide water, sports drinks, and nutrition bars at the start, mid-point and end of each route.
I have special dietary needs. What should I do?
Please make sure to note your dietary needs on your application form. We will do everything possible to accommodate them at the dinners as well as during breakfast on the day of the hike. However, you are responsible for providing your own food throughout the hike, as are all participants.
My family wants to be there at the finish line. Where should they go?
Double- and single- climb activities start and end at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead. A Museum of Science staff member will be there at all times and can let your family know when you are on your final descent.
The Presidential Range traverse ends at Saco Lake. The finish line will be staffed only for the end of the traverse. Families must contact Museum of Science staff to make specific arrangements to meet climbers at the end of their hike.
Can I climb with my children?
Participation in the Washburn Climb is limited to adults age 18 and over.
Can I take part in the climb without fundraising?
Yes. We need volunteers to help guide and monitor climbers at set locations across the trails. Mountain first-aid training and hiking leadership skills are required for many of the positions. To apply, download the registration form (PDF) and follow the instructions to send it back to the Museum's annual giving department. More information: 617-589-4208, climb@mos.org.
What kind of volunteers do you need?
There are three types of volunteers needed for a successful 2012 Washburn Climb.
- Hike leaders: Lead a group of climbers along a designated course
- Licensed Ham Radio Operators: Check in each climber and relay information to both the climb organizer and the next check-point volunteer via Net Control
- Operational: Assist with trailhead and accommodation logistics
Learn more about volunteer opportunities.
I'd like to volunteer, but I don't have a current first-aid certificate. Does that matter?
We select volunteers based on how they best match the requirements of the climb.
What happens if I get injured or have to drop out prior to the climb?
If you are injured or have to drop out of the climb before June 18, 2012, you are under no obligation to continue raising money for the Museum of Science. However, the registration fee and any donations raised up to that point are non-refundable. If you drop out after June 18, 2012, you are responsible for raising your fundraising minimum. We wish you a speedy recovery and hope that you stay in touch and consider being part of the Washburn Climb next year.
Is there a suggested training schedule I should follow to prepare for my climb?
Training is personal and depends on your own level of fitness. However, we do have a suggested training guide and a calendar of optional training hikes. All climbers and volunteers are encouraged to look at the guide and plan their personal training accordingly.
What should I wear?
Mount Washington has a propensity for bad weather and climbers need to be prepared for all possible conditions. Please see the suggested equipment list.
What trails do climbers follow?
All participants must stay on approved trails at all times. Each type of climb has a set route:
- Single climbers start at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. They reach the summit and descend the mountain using the same trail they use for the ascent.
- Double climbers hike up the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to the summit, checking in at the Lake of the Clouds hut on the way, then go down Tuckerman Ravine, past Hermit Lake, to Pinkham Notch. The route is repeated in reverse back to the start of the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.
- Presidential Range traverse climbers begin on the Pine Link Trail. The route includes the summits of: Mount Madison, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Clay, Mount Washington, Mount Monroe, Mount Franklin, Mount Eisenhower, Mount Pierce, Mount Jackson, and Mount Webster. The hike ends at Saco Lake.
If I can't make it all the way or get injured, what happens?
Safety is our priority! The Museum of Science operates a buddy system on the mountain. You will never hike alone and will always be with someone who has first-aid certification. Hike leaders will arrange for your transfer off the mountain by the best possible route available depending on your location.