Even in the height of summer, the summit of the 6,288-foot Mt. Washington feels chilly and windy, but that’s nothing compared to what it’s like in winter, when its location at the crossroads of three storm tracks have earned it the title of the “world’s worst weather.” Intrepid meteorologists man a small observatory at the summit all year, dutifully transmitting weather information and earning bragging rights for just surviving. For us mere mortals, a museum is open at the summit from May to October, with exhibits that explain the weather patterns as well as Mt. Washington’s geology and ecology. For a more in-depth view tours give a behind-the scenes look at the life of these extreme weathermen, demonstrating the instruments they use to track the wind and snow (advance reservation required). Finally, if you are not up for the climb to the top, a separate Weather Discovery Center in nearby North Conway has excellent interactive exhibits great for kids, including a recreation of the original weather station, which recorded a 231 mph wind gust, the second highest ever recorded, in 1932.