Mount Washington in winter is one of the most extreme and unforgiving environments on the planet: home to extreme snow, extreme wind, and extreme cold.
But — believe it or not — you can safely take your whole family up the mountain to experience it.
The Mount Washington SnowCoach makes the upper reaches of Mount Washington in mid-winter accessible for anyone — without needing to endure subzero temperatures and waist-deep snow.
The SnowCoach is one of the region’s most unique winter experiences: a custom, four-track van that leaves from Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Gorham, New Hampshire, and climbs the Mount Washington Auto Road to around 4,000 feet — well above treeline, deep into the subalpine world few ever get to see in winter.
For families, photographers, and winter lovers of all stripes, the Mount Washington SnowCoach is one of New England’s most unique cold-season adventures: part sightseeing tour, part alpine expedition, and entirely unforgettable.
A Comfortable Ride, An Unforgiving Landscape
The SnowCoach is purpose-built for the mountain’s notorious conditions. Each vehicle is fitted with rubber tracks instead of tires, allowing it to grip the steep, icy slopes of the Auto Road. Inside, it’s warm and comfortable — more tour bus than expedition vehicle.
Along the journey to the mountain’s treeline, guides narrate the ride with a mix of geology, weather lore, and mountain history. You’ll hear stories about the mountain’s infamous winds — at one time the fastest recorded on Earth — and the climbers and scientists who make this place their winter laboratory.
The High-Altitude Experience
The SnowCoach typically ascends to just over 4,000 feet, depending on conditions. Though it doesn’t reach the summit in winter — the weather is simply too unpredictable — the views from this elevation are incredible. On clear days, you can see across the Presidential Range.
Stepping out at the upper turnaround is often a highlight. The air is sharper, colder, but also exhilarating. You’ll feel like you’ve landed in a true alpine environment.
Winter Descent: The Optional Adventure
For outdoor enthusiasts, the SnowCoach offers a particularly fun twist: you can snowshoe or cross-country ski back to the base. The Auto Road becomes a long, winding downhill glide, typically groomed by SnowCoach tracks. It’s a thrilling way to pair a high-elevation drop-off with an accessible, scenic descent.
Families often choose to ride both ways, while more adventurous visitors treat the climb as a gateway to a full winter outing.
