The Cog runs inaugural ski train to Waumbek Tank

[MtnMagic]

On Saturday morning March 6, 2004 the Cog Railway ran its first-ever official ski train to the Waumbek tank, elevation 3800'. About 100 skiiers, snowboarders and outdoor writers enjoyed the lavish hospitality of the Cog RR, the Mt Washington Hotel and the Bretton Woods Ski Area on a complimentary 3 day weekend "Cog Familiarity Trip."

At one point, skis and boards strapped to the south side of the passenger car pushed by the coal-fired #9 locomotive bumped into a tank pipe causing passengers to open the upper half of the Cog's windows and pull the gear inward to make the width an little narrower. One skier shouted, "This ride's interactive!"

At the bottom of the slope many down-hillers lined up for a repeat trip. Others headed indoors to Base Station for an antipasto and hot turkey lunch.

On Friday night in the Conseratory, wine and ale brewed by United Beverage and the Woodstock Station was served.

3 million dollars in improvements are being added to the Cog RR to convert the locomotives from burning coal to burning oil in the near future.

Since 1869, the Cog is the oldest mountain climbing train in the world and the only real ski train in the America's. For a skier the reason is simple: the uniqueness, the thrill, and the scenery. But for the tourists, a chance to watch skiers and experience Mt Washington in winter in heated comfort from an antique stream train.

A single ticket will likely cost $25 and an all day ticket, likely $59.

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source: Coos County Democrat, Lancaster, NH, March 10, 2004, Section C, page1. This article is not available online.

 

[MichaelJ]

Scenery? Bwahahahaha! Black cinders and greasy rails do not a scene make.

But if it it's the incentive to get the Smog Railway off of coal, I'll go along with it.

Now here's the important question:

Does this mean Base Road is now plowed and officially opened to vehicle traffic? Currently, in the winter, it's a snowmobile route and vehicles are aggressively prohibited.

 

[MtnMagic]

Mooning the Cog passengers isn't actually that scenic either. Now the opportunity will exist even in winter. Also not scenic are lumps of coal on the mountainside. With oil fired burners, instead of coal, it will be an improvement.

So far, unless we get hammered with snow, Base Road is open. Next season should prove even more interesting. I'll look into it this week and will post the official projected plan when I learn more.

Great Question!

 

[SilentCal]

Actually if they plow the base road to the Cog, it may change Winter Peakbagging all together. Mt. Jefferson becomes more accessible because some folks may try it from that way. Mt Monroe will also see peakbaggers coming up from the Ammo Ravine Trail. If this plan can cut down on the coal smog, then I'm all for it. But I reserve the right to still moon the Cog as I see fit. :roll:

 

[Stephen]

"Um, Doc could you look at some possible frostbite."

"Sure son, where is it."

"Um...."

 

[MichaelJ]

And in fact, a group from VFTT hiking Monroe and Washington via Ammo from the Base Station just yesterday...

 

[Wookie Pete]

Was this a one-time thing this winter to promote it, or will they do it regularly now? Funny they are doing it, as we asked about it years ago and they looked at us like we were crazy! Guess we weren't so crazy after-all...

 

[Greg]

Was this a one-time thing this winter to promote it, or will they do it regularly now?

Have a look here:

http://forums.alpinezone.com/viewtopic.php?t=719

 

[MtnMagic]

Next year, it is planned for every day of the week!

 

[severine]

Can't imagine the train ride down in snow... it's shaky enough regularly! (I know, I know, true skiers wouldn't be riding it down, but some might!) It is a neat idea. But you're right, the Cog Train is mess. We rode it on our honeymoon and found we were covered in coal dust once we got down to the base. Ugh!