MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCES THE 21ST ANNUAL SEEK THE PEAK WILL EXPAND TO A MULTI-SPORT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPO
North Conway, NH – March 11, 2021 – The non-profit Mount Washington Observatory (MWO) announces plans for the 21st annual Seek the Peak on July 16-17, 2021. After 20 years, Seek the Peak will be expanding from a hike-a-thon to an expo filled with many human-powered outdoor activities, offering both virtual and onsite opportunities in the spirit of Mount Washington adventure.
Seek the Peak raises a significant portion of the Observatory’s annual budget to support its work in weather observation, education and climate research atop Mount Washington. As a critical fundraiser, participants are encouraged to raise funds for MWO in exchange for entry into various activities and prizes from sponsors.
Participants are encouraged to “seek your peak” whether it be in their own backyard or in the White Mountains. There will be opportunities for all levels of participants: from the seasoned trailblazer to the uninitiated explorer. Options to participate in guided or self-led activities are in place for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paddling, trail running, fly fishing and more. Adventure experts will provide clinics, both virtual and onsite, along with a guide book with helpful references to help visitors safely and responsibly utilize the community’s natural resources.
“As our largest annual fundraiser, we are moving in this multi-outdoor activity direction to create an inclusive opportunity for our supporters who make use of the valuable resources of MWO while adventuring in the White Mountains,” said Director of Marketing and Communications Krissy Fraser. “We have pulled together a group of outstanding local outdoor professionals to help develop this epic Mount Washington Adventure Expo.”
Several guided options will be available for participants reaching various fundraising goals. Eastern Mountain Sports along with other guide schools will be offering climbing and hiking trips as well as a climb and rappel station at Square Ledge in Pinkham Notch. For the mountain bike enthusiast, volunteers from The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail will offer a range of rides exploring their 80+ mile trail network that includes scenic rail trails. The region’s panoramic waterways are primed for flora and fauna fans so paddlers can take a white water clinic or half day wildlife tour along the Androscoggin River led by experts from the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.
Seek the Peak will also host a vendor village at the event “Base Camp” being held at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 12 noon – 7:00pm. Several event sponsors will be onsite to showcase goods, services, clinics and friendly expertise. Anchored by Backpacker Magazine’s Get Out Tour, Eastern Mountain Sports and Oboz Footwear, each exhibitor will also be paired with a nonprofit organization including the NH Outdoor Council, The Access Fund and Ability Plus. Food trucks will join Mount Washington Radio Groups including DJ Roy Prescott who is back to emcee in between live performances from local bands the Mountain Bear Band and Shark Martin.
All activities will be prepared with COVID protocols in place and CDC guidelines will be followed. Participants will be rewarded for their fundraising efforts with a gear giveaway, thanks to supporting sponsors including Adventure Ready Brands, Big Agnes, Petzl, Hyperlite Mountain Gear and more.
Visit www.seekthepeak.org to register today and start to earn gear in monthly giveaways. Visit www.mountwashington.org to learn more about the Observatory’s work, how to become a member and other interesting happenings.
Seek the Peak is made possible with support from additional sponsors including The Mt. Washington Auto Road., Martini Northern, First Light, White Mountain Oil, Eastern Slope Inn, Northway Bank, Mason & Mason Insurance, Delta Dental and WMWV 93.5.
