Click here to reserve your spot with a $150 deposit.

Hosted at the Peggy O'Brian Camp, includes champagne along with summits of Haystack Mountain and Mt. Marcy.

Come join EMS and their professional backwoods guides as they host you at Peggy O’Brian Camp for an adventurous Adirondack New Years getaway. Peggy O’Brian Camp is located 3.5 miles into the backwoods near John’s Brook Lodge in the heart of the High Peaks Region, at the base of the Great Range. During this adventure you will be supplied with all your meals but will be expected to help with the portage of food and preparation of meals as needed.

On this trip we will climb Haystack Mountain, one of the Adirondacks’ highest peaks. Expect steep terrain with the possibility of having to break new trail for long periods of time. Also, be prepared for below zero temperatures, high winds above tree line and exposure as we climb up rock and ice. This hike offers breathtaking views and amazing panoramas. It is not only a wonderful introduction to the Adirondacks’ highest peaks, but a great way to ring in the New Year!

This hike is a 10 mile round trip with an elevation gain and loss of 2900’. An excellent fitness level will be needed to accomplish this goal. If you have questions regarding fitness or training ideas please feel free to contact us (.

Note-these dates are during winter months. Please be aware of frigid low temperatures, high winds and long periods of expose to the elements. An updated gear list may be sent to you in advance. The gear list does not include clothing for around camp, personal items and everyday needs.

Itinerary

Day one: (L & D) As a team we will meet at the EMS retail store in Lake Placid. At this time we will answer any questions about the day, pick up any last minute equipment and split up the food for the weekend. Once all set, we can carpool up to The Garden Trailhead. Carpooling will save on parking fees and leave room for other hikers. From the Garden we will hike into Peggy O’Brian Camp and share some lunch and hot drinks. The remaining part of the day is for relaxing, talking, gathering water, preparing dinner and getting ready for the next days hike.

Day two: (B, L, D) This is our hiking day and we will rise early for an aggressive day of peak-bagging. A quick breakfast will be available before the hike, and food for lunch will also be supplied. This will be a winter assault on Little Haystack (4660’) and Mount Haystack (4960’, Adirondacks 3rd Highest Peak). Haystack is one of the toughest peaks to summit in the winter due to ice, high winds, and distance. We will approach using the Phelps Trail and will decide from there if the conditions leave Mount Marcy accessible from this side. If conditions warrant and the group is doing well, we can make an attempt on Mount Marcy (5344’, New York’s Highest Peak). If we summit or push on toward Marcy we may opt to descend via the Hopkins Trail. Adding Marcy would extend the trip by about 2 miles and over 1000 added feet of elevation gain and loss.

Once we return it will be time to start celebrating! Dinner will be prepared by the group that night, as well as a couple bottles of champagne. This is a great couple’s event, and a fantastic way to bring in the New Year.

Day three: (B) Sleep in a little, you deserve it! When you wake a nice breakfast will be waiting for you. After a relaxing morning we will pack up and hike out to our vehicles and part ways. This is a travel home day, so we will be out by early afternoon.

Gear List:

*PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANYTHING MADE WITH COTTON*

Backpack, to carry gear and portion of food into camp, will also be used for summit bid as a day pack

2 wide mouth one liter water bottles (no bladders)

Trekking Poles (we will supply)

Crampons (we will supply)

Ice Axe (we will supply)

Snowshoes (we will supply)

Snacks, energy bars/gels

Camera

Sunglasses

Goggles

Warm hat

Balaclava

1 Pair hiking pants (quick dry, no jeans or cotton)

2 Hiking shirts (quick dry, no cotton)

Hooded waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-tex or similar)

Fleece jacket or equivalent for under shell

Down jacket, for above tree line

1 set of heavy weight long underwear

Fleece pants as second layer

Headlamp

4 pairs of dry synthetic hiking socks

1 pair of sock liners

Insulated, stiff sole boots, with good support and broken in (mountaineering boots available)

Camp shoes (sneakers, sandals, booties)

1 pair fleece gloves

1 pair of glove liners

1 pair of warm gore-tex gloves or mitts

Sun protection

Sleeping bag, 40 degree

Camp pillow (optional)

Ear plugs (recommended)

*Bunks have mattresses, and camp has stove, heat, lighting, plates, cookware, and cups

**Gear List subject to change with conditions

For reservations or questions please call
1-888-755-TREK or e mail us at becky@emstrek.com

A unique way to ring in the New Year! Perfect for the adventurer looking for something “off the beaten path”

Challenging summit bid of Haystack Mountain and Mt. Marcy, two of the Adirondacks’ highest peaks.

3 days of guided hiking with Spencer Morrissey, expert guide and author of two area guidebooks

A midnight Champaign toast!

Discount coupons to EMS retail stores upon booking

2008 DATES/COSTS
December 30th-January 1st
(Tuesday-Thursday)

COST: $495 per person
While these dates are set up and ready to go, please feel free to set up a tour that fits your needs by calling 888-755-TREK. Prices and availability may differ. For reservations and questions, please call 888-755-TREK.

Click here to reserve your spot with a $150 deposit.

GROUP SIZE: 4-9 people

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided where indicated on the detailed itinerary. All meals are prepared fresh and packed with energy to keep you fueled for the activity ahead.

STYLE OF TRIP: This holiday special is designed for active people who are looking for a fun and different way to ring in the New Year. Everyone is expected to pitch in carrying group gear and preparing meals. No camping or hiking experience is required. Lodging is bunk-style.

AGE GROUP: This trip is designed for ages 15+, but we can provide family programs upon request.

FITNESS RATING: Strenuous
Must be comfortable carrying a pack and hiking 8-10 hours up moderately steep terrain and possibly breaking trail with snowshoes.

INCLUDED WITH TRIP:

Two nights lodging at the Peggy O’ Brian Camp in the Adirondack wilderness

Meals during trip where indicated (B,L,D)

Group equipment

Technical equipment (crampons, snowshoes, etc…)

Experienced local guide and author, Spencer Morrissey

Equipment overview on day 1

 

NOT INCLUDED:

Transportation to meeting point or trailhead

Meals in Lake Placid

Packing gear (ask about rentals)

Personal snack items

Medical or evacuation insurance

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For more information, or to book your very own Eastern Mountain Sports adventure, call our travel guru Becky Harrison at
888-755-8735
or e-mail us at becky@emstrek.com.

Call 888-755-8735 / Contact Us