Winter at Summit Achievement: Safety, Growth, and Adventure—All Year Long
As the air turns crisp and snow blankets the White Mountains, Summit Achievement shifts into one of our favorite seasons: winter. For many, adventure therapy might seem best suited for sunny skies and warm days—but at Summit, we believe that meaningful growth happens year-round, no matter the temperature.
Why We Embrace Winter Adventures
Adventure therapy at Summit isn’t just about hiking or camping—it’s about learning to adapt, problem-solve, and build resilience in real-world conditions. Winter presents unique challenges that help our students develop those same skills in deeper, more tangible ways. From learning to layer and manage equipment to finding joy in a frozen landscape, each experience reinforces confidence and self-efficacy.
A significant part of why we do expeditions – or expos as we call them – is to help students address their treatment goals for depression and anxiety. A core tenet of working through depression and anxiety is to build self-confidence. Over the years, we have found that one of the most profound ways we can help students build self-confidence is through winter camping! Winter camping is statistically safer than most high school sports, yet a higher perceived risk helps students gain increased confidence when they can stay warm and have fun. In our nearly 30 years of operation, Summit Achievement has never had a student develop a significant cold injury, and we have been doing expeditions every winter since 1996.
Safety Always Comes First
Safety is our top priority. Our team is highly trained in cold-weather risk management, wilderness first aid, and emergency response. We monitor weather conditions closely, outfit our students with top-quality winter gear, and continually assess each outing to ensure both comfort and safety.
On very cold days, heated shelters and lean-to’s in the White Mountain National Forest offer protection from the elements. Summit Achievement staff ensure that all students receive instruction during pre-expedition safety briefings on the prevention and treatment of various first aid topics, allowing students to have some agency and ownership of their safety and experience. Whether students are hiking through snowy trails or snow shoeing across open fields, every adventure is guided with intention, preparation, and care.
Adventure Doesn’t Pause for the Season
At Summit, we practice adventure therapy year-round because personal growth doesn’t take a break for winter. Our students thrive in all conditions, discovering that challenges can become opportunities—and that strength often shows up when things get tough. There’s a quiet magic in gathering around a fire after a snowy hike or looking up at a sky full of winter stars. Those are the moments when connection, confidence, and clarity take root.
Winter Expos: Connection and Readiness
As we prepare for the winter season, we’re also gearing up for the upcoming expos and conferences that connect us with colleagues and professionals from across the country. These gatherings are a chance to share what we’ve learned, celebrate best practices, and highlight the ways our team continues to refine safety and excellence in adventure therapy—no matter the season.
The Takeaway
Winter at Summit Achievement is more than a season—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity for growth, reflection, and resilience. Our students don’t just weather the winter; they learn from it.
If your teenager is struggling with their mental health or difficulty within the family system, and you are considering treatment options, perhaps Summit Achievement could be right for your family. Reach out to Admissions today.