Community Resources

This non-profit organization checks weather conditions every single hour from the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Station. Check the current SUMMIT conditions here, then explore the site to learn more about watching for changes and weather alerts leading up to, just before, and during your trip. Be WELL-AWARE of the conditions both at the base and at the summit. The weather changes quickly at elevation, especially above tree line; expect temps to drop between 10-30 degrees from base to summit.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can TEXT this number [that Julie keeps on speed dial] for an instant forecast!  

+1 (603) 356 - 2137

Always check this link as safe preparation for a winter hike in the White Mountains.

 What can you do to avoid avalanches and reduce your risk? 

• Pay attention to how much snow is on the ground and where the wind may pile the snow deeper.
• When you find a steep smooth snowy slope, recognize that it could avalanche and evaluate the slope carefully.

If you’re out in the mountains let us know what you find. You can share information with your avalanche community by submitting an observation.

Check the current SUMMIT conditions here, then explore the site to learn more about watching for changes and weather alerts leading up to, just before, and during your trip. Be WELL-AWARE of the conditions both at the base and at the summit. The weather changes quickly at elevation, especially above tree line; expect temps to drop between 10-30 degrees from base to summit.

This site offers up-to-date, hiker-driven trail reports detailing trail and terrain conditions, weather observations, suggestions for proper gear needed for conditions, and other pertinent information such as cloud cover, ceiling, sun, and winds. Drill down with the links, or search for the trail you have a query about. YOU can also be a good trail steward and LEAVE a trail report after hiking.  This will help other hikers (like you) to learn more about what to expect when they are planning their treks.

This is the quintessential resource for outdoor recreation in and around New Hampshire. Here you can acquire fishing, hunting, and special recreation permits and licenses where appropriate, and explore ways to engage with the outdoors in a safe and respectable manner.  

Need we say more?  Find a Hiking Buddy (or 3) here:

From the NH Fish & Game Website:

 The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is authorized to sell voluntary Hike Safe Cards for $25 per person and $35 per family.

The card is valuable for anyone hiking, paddling, cross country skiing or engaging in other outdoor recreation. People who obtain the cards are not liable to repay rescue costs if they need to be rescued. An individual may still be liable for response expenses if the actions that created the need for the emergency response meet criteria set forth by legislation (RSA 206:26-bb). 

From our partners at Redline Guiding:

 The “Ten Essentials” as is known to hikers young and old, first appeared in print in the third edition of Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills, Mountaineers (January, 1974), according to Wikipedia. The original list was modified in the seventh edition, and has since undergone many modifications over the years for a variety of reasons at the hands of various groups such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Club, the Spokane Mountaineers (which list “thirteen essentials”), and others. We didn’t want to feel left out and have created our own list of essentials. Thirteen in our case, too. 

From the Leave No Trace Website:

We are all the solution to conservation, and Leave No Trace is leading the way.

With pioneering science, hands-on training, and simple guidelines, Leave No Trace helps you explore the outdoors sustainably every time you get outside.

As good trail stewards, we strive to embody the principles of Leave No Trace every time we recreate. It is our responsibility to lower the impact we have on the outdoors so that others may enjoy it as much as we do! 

Hiking Buddies 501(c)(3) is proud to partner with local companies such as Redline Guiding.

We are an independent outfitter located in the Mt Washington Valley nestled in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. 

As custom providers focused primarily of serving the needs of individuals and private groups, we do certain things really, really well. Namely, leading adventures like hiking, skiing, and climbing — primarily but not exclusively in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and New York — teaching folks the how-to of the outdoors via our wilderness educational offerings like navigation, mountaineering, camping, winter skills, and more, and last but not least, helping folks marry in the mountains via our unique wedding services.

 

We are proud to partner with local author and educator, Ty Gagne. 

Ty Gagne is the acclaimed author of "The Last Traverse: Tragedy & Resilience" and "Where You'll Find Me: Risk, Decisions, and The Last Climb of Kate Matrosova".  

Ty is also a certified Wilderness First Responder and CEO of New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange (PRIMEX).

You can check out his books at local bookstores around New Hampshire, or order a personalized or signed copy by clicking below:

If you are between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age, your certification course costs will be fully paid* by Hiking Buddies upon successful attendance and completion. Yes, FREE. 

We want the next generation of hikers fully prepared, educated, and as safe as possible on the trails. 

Simply sign up for one of our offered Young Adult Courses and show proof of age.  

*Registrants who do not show up and attend the full course will be charged the entire course cost.  

Proof of age is required.

Sounds Like a Search & Rescue Podcast

We have been honored guests on this educational, fun, and inspiring podcast over the last 2 years.  Co-hosts and New England natives Mike & Stomp talk about all things related to hiking and search and rescue in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  

They speak on topics such as: gear selection, trail reports, weather conditions, choosing a trail, pop culture, local non-profit work, community programs, local rescue stories, outdoor rec news from around the world, and other captivating topics.