Even after the Mount Washington State Park summit facilities shut down for the winter in late October, we still run to the top as weather permits, but with shorter layovers due to the lack of indoor shelter and facilities. But by the last week of October, sub-arctic conditions make the summit inhospitable to casual visitors. That’s why, from November until early May, our winter destination is Waumbek Station.
Throughout the winter, our trains terminate at our newly redesigned and expanded Waumbek Station. Located in an alpine meadow below tree line at roughly 4000’, clear conditions provide spectacular panoramic vistas from the southern Presidentials to the Canadian border. Passengers leave the train for about 25 minutes to enjoy elevated viewing decks, complimentary hot refreshments, warming huts and a blazing fire pit. Roast-your-own hot dogs and s’mores are available for purchase at the Base Station! Round trips to Waumbek are roughly 1 hour, at reduced fares.
Marshfield Base Station (elevation 2700’)
Waumbek Station (elevation 4000’)
If you just want to get a close up look at snowy Mount Washington, Marshfield Station is the highest full service winter facility accessible by car on Mount Washington. Inside, you’ll find the Cog Railway Museum, a food court/convenience store, restroom facilities, and knowledgable, friendly Coggers happy to answer your questions. It’s also the ideal base camp for winter hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing or snowboarding! Our groomed trackside service trail is available all winter, and trailheads for two of the major hiking routes to the summit of Mount Washington, the Jewell and Ammonoosuc Ravine trails, are located on our property (land use fee applies). On top of that, a popular network of hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails is easily accessible from our parking lot.
* As always, we strongly encourage anyone who ventures out into the backcountry to purchase a Hike Safe Card from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. This voluntary program is your backup plan for the great outdoors, and indemnifies the cardholder against the costs of a rescue operation should it become necessary. Every purchase supports the heroic, life-saving work of New Hampshire Fish and Game’s search and rescue teams. Also, if you plan to hike or ski anywhere on our property, please be sure to read and understand our Risks and Liability Release page.