First Light 2026 - Sunrise hike and New Year's Day brunch

MOUNT KEARSARGE NORTH 3,268 ′ (Intermediate ) Event Organizer: Liza

Let's welcome the first light of 2026 from a mountain top!

NOTE: SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON WEATHER AND CONDITIONS. Read entire post before you RSVP. If you underestimate the demands, overestimate your abilities, or come unprepared, you put the group at risk. This event is INTERMEDIATE because of night hiking in winter conditions, pace, distance, and elevation gain.

== THE PLAN ==
Hike North Kearsarge to summit for sunrise. Attendees are welcome to reserve a bunk for $35 to stay overnight at Randolph Ski Club located less than 2 miles from the trailhead. All are welcome anytime after 5pm. We will also plan to return to the lodge for a potluck New Year's Day brunch. The lodge has a full kitchen to make or heat up dishes. Details to come in group chat once attendees are confirmed.

DIFFICULTY: LOW-INTERMEDIATE DISTANCE: about 6.5 miles. PACE: We will move at the pace of the slowest member. HIKING TIME is relative but I expect roughly 3 hours up and 3 back based on past sunrise hikes (Remember, we're hiking in the dark so it will not be speedy.) This hike involves exposure to below freezing temperatures, likely with snow and ice.

1. Put your name on the waitlist. I'll add people that respond to all RSVP question(s). Ensure your response went through--ask if you have questions about how to fill out the RSVP.
2. No Guests. Everyone must sign up for themselves. This trip limited to 10 participants to reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers.
   3. What the group expects: Humanity, humility, and cooperation.
   4. Medical issues/ disclosures: You agree to disclose any medical issues, allergies, medications or other issues that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event or affect any 1st aid treatment in case of an emergency. You must convey this information to the event organizer in advance AND keep a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. Please include an emergency contact and phone number as well.
   5. Difficult weather may cancel and/or modify the event. We will solidify 24 hours before the event since mountain weather predictions can change rapidly. I will post FYI updates on weather in the days preceding the event, derived from multiple forecast sources.

=== REQUIRED GEAR ===

NOTE: If you show up without suitable gear you will be turned away at the trailhead. NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

REQUIRED WINTER GEAR: Bring it or stay home; test, fit it & know how to use it:
• Traction: Microspikes and/or snowshoes (TBD)
• Insulated boots designed for winter
• Clothing/ Misc: Full rain/wind shell, mid-layer fleece, wicking base layer, insulated mittens and glove liners, goggles, gaiters, face mask, balaclava, warm hat, insulated water bottles (not hydration bladders), sleeping/bivvy bag for emergencies, trail map, headlamp with spare lithium batteries (for the cold), sunglasses, extra socks. Food & water to produce warmth.
• Emergency hand/foot warmers.

==MEETING LOCATION ==
Randolph Ski Club @ 185 Intervale Cross Road, Intervale, NH. We will carpool from there.

==*RSVP QUESTIONS==
1. Describe comparable hikes you've done the last 2 months. 2. Are you confident you can withstand freezing temps for 3 hours or more? 3. Would you like to reserve a bunk @ $35pp per night?

**Please answer in 250 characters or less--Meetup deletes longer responses without notice. To say more, please message me.**

THE FINE PRINT
Random Group of Hikers Disclaimer: As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hike Safe Responsibility Code (http://www.hikesafe.com/); the organizer(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons. (Note, you may be hiking with us but you alone are responsible for your personal safety. The host of this event is a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).

Your event host reserves the right to alter the itinerary before or during this event based on prevailing circumstances and conditions. Your flexibility is appreciated and required.