The Most-Read AMC Outdoors Article of 2010 is...

Drumroll, please...

The most-read* AMC Outdoors article in 2010 is:

Summer of Love, Revisited (February Web feature)
Six couples who found romance through the Appalachian Meeting...er...Mountain Club

#2: Welcome to Galehead
#3: Hiking by Moonlight
#4: Yoga for Winter Conditioning
#5: The Wild Waterway

Happy New Year, everyone! Looking forward to a great 2011 in the outdoors...

* Most-read = most viewed on Outdoors.org in 2010

There's Still Time to Register for AMC's Annual Meeting

Join us for AMC's 135th Annual Business Meeting, January 29th, 2011, in Norwood, MA.

Our keynote speaker this year will be Dr. Char Miller, noted professor, historian, award-winning author, and US Forest Service historian.

AMC will also be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (NH) in recognition of his lifetime dedication to land conservation and stewardship.

Enjoy a free sneak preview of the documentary Carbo2n Nation on Friday, January 28th, at 8:00 p.m.!

See more & register now >>

AMC Outdoors 2010 Content Countdown - #2 is Revealed!

The countdown continues with #2...

Presenting the second most-read* AMC Outdoors article in 2010 :

Welcome to Galehead (May/June)
A summer with the 2009 Galehead Hut croo

#3: Hiking by Moonlight
#4: Yoga for Winter Conditioning
#5: The Wild Waterway

* Most-read = most viewed on Outdoors.org in 2010

Gorman Chairback Opens on Jan. 27th!

The countdown is on - Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins opens four weeks from tomorrow on Thursday, January 27th! The snow's on the ground, lodge-to-lodge ski trails are being groomed - plan your getaway now!

Check availability and reserve space >>

AMC Outdoors - The Countdown Continues with #3

We're counting them down - the most-read* articles from AMC Outdoors in 2010!

Today, from the July/August issue, we present #3 :

Night Prowls
Hiking by Moonlight offers new perspective on trails

#4: Yoga for Winter Conditioning
#5: The Wild Waterway

* Most-read = most viewed on Outdoors.org in 2010

The #4 Most-Read AMC Outdoors Article of 2010

The countdown of the top 5 most-read* articles from AMC Outdoors this year marches on...

Today we spotlight our fourth most-read article from AMC Outdoors:

Poses for Powder
Using Yoga for Winter Conditioning (Out + Fit - January/February)

#5: The Wild Waterway

* Most-read = most viewed on Outdoors.org in 2010

Counting Down the Most-Read AMC Outdoors Articles of 2010!

To close out 2010, we'll be counting down the top 5 most-read* articles from AMC Outdoors this year!

Today we begin with #5 - from the March/April issue, the fifth most-read article from AMC Outdoors this year is...

The Wild Waterway
A multiday paddling trip on Maine's Allagash River explores the benefits, and challenges, of protecting the Northeast's waterways

* Most-read = most viewed on Outdoors.org in 2010

Photo Update: Dec. 23 Snow at the Highland Center!

‎15" of the white stuff at Highland Center this morning...and it's still dumping snow! Chance of a White Christmas is good, very good. All photos taken Thursday, Dec. 23.

It's official...15" of snow (so far) at Highland Center on 12/23/10 - more on the way!
Photo: Sara DeLucia

Walking through a winter wonderland. White Christmas, anyone? Photo: Sara DeLucia

Crawford Notch, NH blanketed in snow. Photo: Sara DeLucia

15" and it's still snowing at Highland Center. Photo: Sara DeLucia

Around the Lake Trail...better bring your snowshoes! Photo: Sara DeLucia

Snow is piling up on the trails around Highland Center.
Photo: Sara DeLucia

Upcoming Programs at Highland Lodge

10 inches of snow on the ground at AMC's Highland Lodge in Bretton Woods, NH - winter has definitely arrived!

Join us this winter at Highland Lodge; here's what's on tap for January and February...

Winter Sports Welcome Weekend (Jan. 7-9)

Intro to Ice Climbing (Jan. 28-30 or Feb. 25-27)

50+ Winter Adventure Camp (Feb. 6-11)

Sweethearts' Adventure Weekend (Feb. 11-14)

Winter Digital Photography with Jerry Monkman (Feb. 25-27)

And of course, don't forget about our "Midweek Retreat for Two" savings! Save 20%: explore our nearby trails and enjoy the quiet of a midweek stay, along with special savings. Package includes private room with private bath, dinner, breakfast, walk-on guided programs, and free use of the L.L.Bean gear room. Mention promotion code HCMW when booking. Savings are in addition to any member discount.

As always, Highland Lodge guests enjoy:
• Free guided activities and outdoor skills programs daily
• Evening programs and social hours
• Free use of equipment from the L.L. Bean gear room
• All lodging, meals, activities, and equipment included in room and program rates – with private room/private bath option available.

Make a Gift Using Your IRA -- Extended Through 2011

The tax bill passed by Congress in mid December reinstated a provision that allows donors age 70 ½ or older to make a gift directly from their traditional IRA to a qualified nonprofit such as the Appalachian Mountain Club. This is great news for people who have to take mandatory minimum withdrawals, but do not need the income, since it allows them to take a withdrawal without having to pay income tax. The provision will also remain in effect through December 2011.

Need some more time to consider a gift? Congress recognized that their foot-dragging put may donors in a difficult end-of-year position as far as making charitable gifts. The legislation includes a special rule allowing any IRA gifts made in the month of January to count for 2010.

For additional information, please contact:
Katrin Aback at 617.391.6638 or kaback@outdoors.org; or
Jim Hamilton at 617.391.6585 or jhamilton@outdoors.org

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Head to Pinkham Notch!

Guess where your best chance for a White Christmas is in the Northeast...Pinkham Notch, NH! With a 95% probability of 1+" of snow on 12/25, it's once again topping the snowiest cities list by the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University. See full list >>

Join us for Christmas dinner in the Notch >>

Introducing AMC Custom Adventures in the Whites

We are pleased to introduce AMC Custom Adventures at our two White Mountain lodges this winter! Custom Adventures offer individuals, families, and groups the opportunity to design their own private outdoor adventure with a trusted AMC guide. This provides more flexibility in choosing an activity, time, and skill level—ranging from introductory ski and snowshoe clinics to more challenging full-day excursions and overnight trips to AMC Huts. Learn more >>

New England National Scenic Trail Lists 2010 Accomplishments

The New England Trail (NET), a National Scenic Trail, has released a report highlighting 2010 accomplishments as well as goals for 2011.

2010 highlights along the NET include:

* 220 miles maintained
* 225 volunteers logging over 9,000 volunteer maintenance hours
* 16 new trailhead kiosks

Read the full report (PDF) >>

AMC Gift Memberships: The Perfect Gift!

Grab your holiday shopping list and start giving the gift of the outdoors to friends and family!

Within moments, you’ll be crossing names off your list. Mission accomplished.

These lucky folks* will be treated to a year of access to great AMC member benefits:

• Over 8,000 outdoor trips;
• 20% off AMC books and maps and 10% off all other merchandise at our retail and online stores;
• Up to 20% off lodging at AMC’s world-famous huts, lodges, and camps;
• Affiliation with one of 12 local chapters;
• And so much more!
  

A one-year AMC membership is where it’s at this holiday season.

* Tell us who your member-to-be is, and we’ll activate their membership for you. Otherwise, we’ll include an activation card with our note card to be filled in and mailed back. About three weeks after activation, the newest AMC member will receive their member card, plus info on how to get out, get active, and have fun with AMC.

Support AMC's Year End Campaign

AMC’s 2010 Year End Campaign is underway! And we need your help.

2010 was a busy year here at the Club! We made huge strides in so many of the areas we work in:

• Increasing land conservation
• Building and maintaining trails
• Providing more outdoor education programs

Not to mention construction on our newest Maine Destination – The new Gorman Chairback Lodge (opening in just a few short months…)

And there is so much more work to be done!

Support the 2010 Year End Campaign and make a direct positive impact getting people outdoors and promoting the protection of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails we all cherish and enjoy.

Why wait?

Thank you for your generosity!

Photo Update: Gorman Chairback Construction Progress

Great new photos from Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins! Photos all taken Friday, December 10th by John Darak.

Snow surrounds the new Gorman Chairback Lodge.

Exterior work is complete on the Lodge!

Lodge-to-lodge ski trails are ready for business.

The firewood is stacked - ready for guests!

Photo Update: More Snow in Crawford Notch!

7 inches on the ground at Highland Lodge this morning and it's still coming down! All photos taken earlier today.

Snowshoers set out from Highland Lodge. Photo by Melissa Tobin.

Photo by Melissa Tobin.

A light coating at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Photo by Alex DeLucia.

Martin Luther King Weekend Getaways with AMC

From winter family and 50+ adventures to winter mountaineering, the AMC is offering a wide selection of guided outdoor adventure vacation packages this Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, January 14-17, 2011. Scenic destinations include AMC lodges in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Maine’s Moosehead Lake region, where guests have doorstep access to winter hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing trails.

Read more >>

Annual Meeting to Feature Screening of Carbo2n Nation

Another reason to attend AMC's Annual Meeting: featured on Friday, January 28th at 7pm will be a free public screening of Carbo₂n Nation!

Even if you doubt the severity of the impact of climate change or just don't buy it at all, this is a compelling and relevant documentary film that illustrates how solutions to climate change also address other social, economic and national security issues. We meet a host of entertaining and endearing characters along the way. 90 minutes. Film is not yet rated.

Register for Annual Meeting!

AMC's Year End Campaign Needs Your Help

AMC’s 2010 Year End Campaign is underway! And we need your help.

2010 was a busy year here at the Club! We made huge strides in so many of the areas we work in:

• Increasing land conservation
• Building and maintaining trails
• Providing more outdoor education programs

Not to mention construction on our newest Maine Destination – The new Gorman Chairback Lodge (opening in just a few short months…)

And there is so much more work to be done!

Support the 2010 Year End Campaign and make a direct positive impact getting people outdoors and promoting the protection of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails we all cherish and enjoy.

Why wait?

Thank you for your generosity!

International Series Features "Kilimanjaro: Symbol of Climate Change or Not?" on Jan. 5

Join us for our 21st year of the AMC’s International Dinner Series!

On Wednesday, January 5th, join Lisa Densmore in the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center dining room as she presents "Kilimanjaro: Symbol of Climate Change or Not?"

Dinner is a family style, meet-your-neighbor dinner with four courses featuring cuisine from the night's country of honor. This event's menu will feature the cuisine of Tanzania: Coconut Bean Soup, Chapatti-Fried Flatbread, Mishkaki- BBQ Beef, Ugali-White Cornmeal Porridge, Braised Cabbage, African Fruit Pie, and BBQ Tofu.

Learn more >>

Other January programs include:

Jan 12: Medicine in the Mountains: Teaching and Providing in the Himalayas with Toby Savage
Cuisine of Nepal

Jan 19: Finland and the Fjords of Norway with Theo & Melanie Stibbons
Cuisine of Finland

Jan 26: Tramping New Zealand’s Great Walks with Sam Jamke
Cuisine of New Zealand

See full list of 2011 International Dinners >>

2011 International Dinner prices: $21 Adult AMC Members and $23 Adult Non Members.
International Dinner packages are available for $64 per person, which includes dinner, the presentation, lodging at the Joe Dodge Lodge, breakfast and a trail pass at Great Glen Trails. (AMC members receive a discount on the package rate).

Dinner is at 6 pm; the program follows dinner. All programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended. For more information or to make reservations call AMC Reservations at 603-466-2727.

Snow! Snow! Snow!

The snow has arrived! Check out photos taken today at AMC Destinations in Maine and New Hampshire...

Staff at AMC's Maine Wilderness Lodges near Greenville, ME are reporting 17" of snow on the ground and Highland Lodge staff in Bretton Woods, NH are reporting 9" at their snow stake.

Ready to enjoy the snow? Check out midweek savings at Highland Center, our Lodge-to-Lodge Skiing options in Maine and our Ski & Stay Deals in New Hampshire!

The new lodge at Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins. Photo by Andy Tinto.

Plenty of snow on the ground at Little Lyford! Photo by Casey Mealey.

Cabins at Little Lyford. Photo by Casey Mealey.

Nine inches on the ground in front of AMC's Highland Lodge and Thayer Hall! Photo by Sara DeLucia

View toward Thayer Hall & Shapleigh Bunkhouse. Photo by Sara DeLucia.

Snow at Highland Lodge. Photo by Sara DeLucia.

Highland Lodge. Photo by Sara DeLucia.

A dusting at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Gorham, NH. Photo by Nicky Pizzo.

Joe Dodge Lodge with a light blanket of snow. Photo by Nicky Pizzo.

Save 20% with Midweek Savings at Highland Lodge

Bretton Woods is open and there's snow on the ground! Enjoy early season skiing and save 20% midweek at the Highland Center with our "Winter Retreat for Two" package. Includes a private room & bath, dinner, breakfast, walk-on guided programs, and free use of the L.L. Bean gear room. Mention promotion code HCWB when booking. Available Sunday through Thursday, excluding December 26, 2010-January 3, 2011 and February 18-26, 2011. Offer ends April 1, 2011. Applies to new reservations only. Taxes extra.

Check availability & reserve >>

Holiday Gift Ideas from AMC

In the midst of your holiday shopping, be sure to check out AMC's Holiday Gift Guide! Get great ideas for the outdoor adventurers on your list, including Gift Memberships, Appalachia journal, AMC Books & Maps, and more!

Order by December 16th to ensure delivery by Christmas.

See full guide >>

Support AMC's Year End Campaign

AMC’s 2010 Year End Campaign is underway! And we need your help.

2010 was a busy year here at the Club! We made huge strides in so many of the areas we work in:

• Increasing land conservation
• Building and maintaining trails
• Providing more outdoor education programs

Not to mention construction on our newest Maine Destination – The new Gorman Chairback Lodge (opening in just a few short months…)

And there is so much more work to be done!

Support the 2010 Year End Campaign and make a direct positive impact getting people outdoors and promoting the protection of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails we all cherish and enjoy.

Why wait?

Thank you for your generosity!

Video: Rebuilding Madison Spring Hut

Check out a new video from AMC Outdoors detailing Madison's history and the current construction effort! Featured in the video is a time-lapse camera view of the construction project through the fall 2010 season. See more >>

1 Day Left in AMC's Trail Sign Auction!

Time is running out!

This year's AMC Trail Sign Auction on eBay ends tomorrow, Friday, December 3, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. Get your bids in!

Signs in this year's auction include:

Baldface Circle - From the summit of North Baldface, this sign shows years of exposure to wild mountain weather and icy windstorms. View auction >>

Dry River Cut-Off - This sign directed many adventurous hikers off the beaten paths of the southern Presidentials into the heart of the Dry River Wilderness. View auction >>

Goose Eye Trail - This sign from the Goose Eye Trail tells the story of the wild Mahoosuc region, stained with spruce sap and scarred by the teeth of a black bear. View auction >>

Hancock Loop Trail - Standing 4,319 feet above sea level on the summit of South Hancock, this sign directed hikers to North Hancock along the Hancock Loop Trail. View auction >>

Notch Trail - This sign stood at the trailhead of the Notch Trail, a gem of a soft path amid the rugged Mahoosuc trails, which rises gently to meet the Appalachian Trail at the southern gate of Mahoosuc Notch. View auction >>

Whitehouse Trail - Located at a major trail hub, this sign has guided thousands of hikers from the Flume Visitor Center to the Cascade Brook and Liberty Spring Trails. View auction >>

Gregg & Shaheen Resolution to Honor Weeks Act Approved by U.S. Senate

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate approved a resolution authored by Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Weeks Act, which led to the creation of the White Mountain National Forest. Read more >>

Gorman Chairback Lodge Project Features Work by Local Moosehead Area Contractors

More than 20 local workers, including a dozen local contractors, are employed in the construction of a new AMC lodge on Long Pond near Greenville.

Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, one of three backcountry sporting camps operated for the public by the AMC, is set to open Jan. 27, 2011. Since 2008, AMC crews have been refurbishing the traditional log cabins at the historic sporting camp, and local Moosehead area contractors have recently been building a new lodge to accommodate visitors with a dining room, reading area, and wood-fired sauna, as part of a $2.3 million project.

Read full press release >>