FIRST SNOWCOACH OF WINTER 2013 MAKES ITS WAY UP THE MT. WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD

COMMENCING 16TH YEAR OF OPERATION ON NORTHEAST’S HIGHEST PEAK Winter on the Auto Road is officially underway with one of the earliest starts ever to the SnowCoach season. The four massive treads of the SnowCoach at the Mt. Washington Auto Road unique vehicle easily gripped the fresh snow that covers the Mt. Washington Auto Road, offering a surprisingly smooth surface up to treeline for day one of the 2013 season. The three SnowCoaches have a team of specially trained drivers, who surely have one of the most unique jobs in the United States-a sentiment echoed by passengers as they rode up and the northern Presidential Range revealed itself. Among the passengers for the inaugural ascent were father and son Peter Reddy, 71, and Patrick Reddy, 39 of Bristol, Connecticut, who cross country skied their way back to the base lodge from treeline. “These mountains are just magnificent and the opportunity to take the SnowCoach up with my Dad and ski down is something not to be missed,” Patrick said. “I’ve been here many times, winter and summer and it is always amazing.” The SnowCoach is indeed a unique way to travel. These custom built four wheel drive Chevy passenger vans ferry guests up the Auto Road in summer, albeit with four tires instead of the winter treads.  Capable of carrying up to 9 passengers, each trip up the road in a SnowCoach can be as unique as a snowflake, depending on the always interesting weather. “What’s really terrific about the SnowCoach is that we can take anyone, at any age, into an alpine environment they might never see otherwise. It really is a comfortable adventure for the whole family, in an unforgettable place,” said Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center and Auto Road General Manager, Howie Wemyss. The SnowCoach tour up Mt. Washington takes approximately 1 ¼ hours and departs daily, weather permitting, on a first come, first served basis. The price for adults is $45, $30 for kids ages 5-12. A Total Trails Ticket ($69) includes a SnowCoach tour as well as an all day trail and tubing pass at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, as well as snowshoe and/or ski rentals. For more information call the Mt. Washington Auto Road or Great Glen Trails at (603) 466-3988 (Photos Courtesy Mt. Washington Auto Road)