PORTLAND WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Overnight on the Roof of New England: Summit-Based Medical Training with Mount Washington Observatory
An immersive overnight Wilderness First Aid program held at the Observatory’s summit weather station that trains staff from youth-serving organizations in real-world, summit conditions.
Overnight on the Roof of New England: Summit-Based Medical Training with Mount Washington Observatory.
Mount Washington Observatory’s overnight medical training places youth-education staff at the summit weather station for hands-on Wilderness First Aid certification in partnership with regional medical and austere-medicine partners. The program pairs classroom-style patient assessment and scenarios with practical sessions, a weather-station tour, and overnight summit experience to prepare staff who lead outdoor youth activities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wilderness First Aid Certification in an Expedition Setting
The program offers Wilderness First Aid certification—with CPR optional—delivered in collaboration with Memorial Hospital and regional austere-medicine partners, combining assessment discussions with evening and morning practice sessions that replicate real-world scenarios.
An Overnight at the Observatory Weather Station
Participants travel up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to spend the night at the summit weather station, taking part in guided tours, summit outdoor sessions and weather-dependent sunset and sunrise viewing while immersed in the high-elevation environment.
Hands-On Practice with the Summit Team
The itinerary includes collaborative meals with the summit team and multiple practical sessions—after-sunset practice and early-morning drills—so instructors train alongside peers and Observatory staff in a concentrated window.
What the day feels like
What the Program Feels Like
The program unfolds quickly: participants meet at the Mt. Washington Auto Road base, drive to the summit, and move between instructional sessions, a weather station tour and scenario-based practice. Days bracket unforgettable summit light—an evening session that can extend into after-dark drills and an early morning that may open on sunrise viewing—while certification-focused modules run throughout the overnight.
THE TRAINING
Wilderness First Aid Certification in an Expedition Setting
The program offers Wilderness First Aid certification—with CPR optional—delivered in collaboration with Memorial Hospital and regional austere-medicine partners, combining assessment discussions with evening and morning practice sessions that replicate real-world scenarios.
THE SUMMIT
An Overnight at the Observatory Weather Station
Participants travel up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to spend the night at the summit weather station, taking part in guided tours, summit outdoor sessions and weather-dependent sunset and sunrise viewing while immersed in the high-elevation environment.
THE RHYTHM
Hands-On Practice with the Summit Team
The itinerary includes collaborative meals with the summit team and multiple practical sessions—after-sunset practice and early-morning drills—so instructors train alongside peers and Observatory staff in a concentrated window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is designed for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an overnight, two-day program beginning September 9 at 8:00 AM and ending September 10 at 4:30 PM. Confirm exact dates and times with the operator.
No operator packing list is included in the supplied trip facts; participants should consult Mount Washington Observatory for a recommended packing list specific to summit conditions and overnight stays.
Participants meet at 1 Mt. Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH at the designated start time before departing up the Auto Road to the summit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the program take place and how long is it?
The program runs from September 9 at 8:00 AM through September 10, ending at 4:30 PM.
Where is the meeting point?
Participants meet at 1 Mt. Washington Auto Road in Gorham, NH before ascending to the summit.
Who is eligible to attend?
The program is intended for staff who work with outdoor youth—such as summer-camp staff, school outdoor-program staff and nonprofit youth-program staff.
What certifications are offered?
The course provides Wilderness First Aid certification; CPR is optional as noted in the program description.
Who runs the training?
Mount Washington Observatory operates the program in partnership with Memorial Hospital and regional austere-medicine partners (e.g., Northeast Austere Medicine Collective).
What if weather prevents sunset or sunrise viewing?
Sunset and sunrise viewing are listed as weather-dependent; instruction and practice sessions proceed according to the program schedule and conditions at the summit.