Mt. Washington Auto Road Ends 148^th Summer Season

  Pinkham Notch, NH—On Monday, October 19, 2009, the Mt. Washington Auto Road ended its 148^thseason of summer operation. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is now closed for the summer season, but it will reopen in December for tours aboard the one-of-a-kind SnowCoach.   The end of the season was a memorable one for those lucky enough to drive the Auto Road as early snow and rime ice blanketed not only the mountain but also the base, offering spectacular photo opportunities as the foliage was also at its peak. The contrast of white with the brilliant colors of fall was quite a sight.   The Mt. Washington Auto Road began its 2009 summer season on Saturday, May 9 totaling 164 days of operation.   First opened in 1861, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is America’s oldest manmade attraction. At nearly 8 miles long, it stretches to the summit of Mt. Washington at 6,288 feet, the highest peak in the Northeast.   Winter operations are scheduled to begin in late December for winter tours aboard the SnowCoach. The SnowCoach is a specially constructed all-wheel drive and unique 4-track system allows the 9-passenger van, which ascends the Auto Road to treeline at 4.5 miles on the northern flank of Mt. Washington. SnowCoach tours are approximately 1¼ hour long and depart daily from December through March from the Great Glen Trails base lodge at the base of Mt. Washington on a first come, first served basis. Operating hours are approximately 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, depending on weather and snow conditions. The cost for this winter sightseeing experience is $45 for adults and $30 for children ages 5-12. Advance reservations are not available due to unpredictable weather and snow conditions. For those looking for more adventure, the SnowCoach offers the option to cross country ski, telemark ski or snowshoe down the Auto Road.   For more information about the Mt. Washington Auto Road or winter tours aboard the SnowCoach, call 603.466.3988 or visit www.MtWashingtonAutoRoad.com.