Ice-Out Declared on Lake Winnipesaukee: 2025 Cruise Season Starts May 11
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Weirs Beach, NH – April 16, 2025 — Ice-Out on Lake Winnipesaukee has officially been declared, leading to the start of the cruising season for the historic M/S Mount Washington. Pilots at Emerson Aviation confirmed that no ice will prevent the Mount Washington from navigating to all five of its ports.
This year’s Ice-Out was declared this morning at 7:02 am. On Lake Winnipesaukee, "ice out" refers to the moment when the ice cover that has formed on the lake during the winter melts sufficiently to allow the M/S Mount Washington cruise ship to navigate between its scheduled ports: Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Weirs Beach (Laconia), Meredith, and Wolfeboro. For Mount Washington Cruises, it kicks off final preparations for sightseeing cruises, lunch and dinner sailings, and special themed events that attract visitors from across New England and beyond.
“Ice-Out is more than just a seasonal marker for our company—it's also a cultural and emotional turning point that summer is just around the corner,” said Jared Maraio, General Manager of Mount Washington Cruises. “It's a tradition that generations have celebrated, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
The observation of Ice-Out dates back to the late 1800s, and while it’s not a scientific measurement, it holds deep cultural and economic significance. Emerson Aviation pilots make multiple daily flyovers during the thaw, watching for the exact moment when safe navigation is possible for the Mount Washington.
The 2025 season for Mount Washington Cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee is set to launch in early May, with tickets and cruise schedules now available at https://cruisenh.com. The season begins with the annual Mother's Day Brunch Cruise on Sunday, May 11. This 2½-hour event features a grand buffet, live entertainment, and scenic views aboard the M/S Mount Washington, with departures at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM .
Throughout the season, Mount Washington Cruises offers a variety of experiences, including narrated scenic tours, sunset dinner cruises, Sunday brunch cruises, and cocktail cruises. Special annual events like the American Heroes Cruise on May 24 and the July 4th Dinner Cruise provide unique celebrations on the water. New for the 2025 season, the company is introducing Mystery Dinner Cruises and introducing live theatre with “Mutiny on the Mount,” a unique partnership with the Winnipesaukee Playhouse and the Meredith Historical Society.
About Mount Washington Cruises:
Mount Washington Cruises has been sailing the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee since 1872. Today, the M/S Mount Washington offers scenic, lunch, and dinner cruises from May through October, along with private charters and special events that showcase the beauty of New Hampshire’s largest lake.