The Mount Washington Cog Ski TrainMt. Washington Cog Railway Ski Trains

The Experience of a Lifetime!

Enjoy skiing and riding Mount Washington from fully enclosed and heated Coaches!

Mount Washington Cog Railway Ski Train

"I've been thinking about skiing from the Cog since we purchased the railway in 1983," said Mount Washington Railway President Wayne Presby.

"We've had to overcome some technological challenges to make this a viable endeavor, but like those who came before us, we've met the challenges and are reaching our goals."

The newest Ski Area in New Hampshire - The oldest ski lift in the world - and the most comfortable.

Starting winter 2004-2005, skiing and snowboarding passengers will have the option of riding the Cog Railway to the base of Cold Spring Hill, to access beginner terrain; or to Waumbek, the site of the track's first siding, about a third of the way to the summit, for intermediate-level skiing and riding.

The groomed trails, running parallel to the railway trestle, are about one mile long and offer 1,100 vertical feet of schussing. The trails are located on land owned by The Mount Washingon Railway Company and National Forest boundaries will be clearly marked.

Schedule

Trains running daily nonstop 9:00am to 3:00pm
Base Station Open 8:00am - 4:00pm Call for full schedule.
We cannot take reservations for winter trains.

Winter Ski Train Rates

One Run (Skiing or non)
Adult (age 13+) $29.00
Child 6-12 $24.00
Child 5 and under free on adults lap (one child per adult)
Three Runs
All ages $40.00
Full Day Skiing
Adults (age 19+) $59.00
Teens (age 13 - 18) $53.00
Junior (age 6 - 12) $39.00
Tuesdays and Thursdays
2 for $59.00 (Not valid during holiday periods & may not be combined with any other offers)
Sunday Local Special
$15.00 (12:00 to 3:00 - residents of Coos, Carroll, Grafton, Essex, Caledonia and Oxford counties-must present a valid drivers license) -- (Not valid during holiday periods & may not be combined with any other offers)

Terrain

Ski Trains access two groomed trails: one intermediate-level and one beginner-level that runs on the side of, and parallel to, the railway track.

Elevation

Marshfield Station 2,700 feet
Waumbek Platform 3,800 feet
Vertical Drop 1,100 Feet

Snowfall

The average annual snowfall on Mt. Washington is 256 inches. Snowmaking will be used at Marshfield Station and the lower section of trails.

Base Amenities

Marshfield Station will serve as a base lodge for skiers and railway passengers.

The Trains

Coal-fired steam engines, with tilted boilers that compensate for the uphill angle of their ascent, are designed to travel along a traditional 4'8" track with a cog rack running parallel between the traditional rails. A toothed cogwheel connected to the drive shaft of the engine securely engages the rack (similar to the way a person climbs a ladder), allowing the engine to climb upward along the slope of Mt. Washington.

Do not do this at Home!

Each engine, staffed with an engineer and a fireman, pushes a single passenger coach that is staffed with a brakeman who is well versed in the history and operating procedures of the trains. Each ascent to Waumbek consumes one-quarter ton of soft-grade bituminous coal and 300 gallons of water. The coaches are heated and accommodate 70 passengers.

The Cog Ski Trains will make two designated stops to allow skiers to disembark at the top of the beginner runs and farther up the track at the top of the intermediate runs.

Uphill Capacity

Two to three trains will run consecutively. The estimated travel time from Marshfield Station to Waumbek is 15 minutes. The maximum uphill capacity is 350 people per hour.

Safety

The Mount Washington Cog Railway operates under guidelines established by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. In addition, numerous measures are taken to ensure the safety of all passengers. Although the aesthetics of the Cog are reminiscent of the original engines and coaches, many modern technologies are employed to optimize the safety and enjoyment of passengers during each excursion. Certified, professional ski patrollers will patrol the ski trails at the Cog Railway.

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