The annual tradition of Peak Weekend has run for 39 years and first began in 1982. The first attempt at peak weekend was on April 24, 1982. On that spring day, the Outing Club was looking forward to having a St. Lawrence student on each of the 46 New York High Peaks by 2 pm. Back then, expectations were different for the mass assault of the peaks. Students worried about cold temperatures and the threat of hypothermia. In that spring, three members of the club devised the plan and hoped that Peak Weekend would remain a tradition at St. Lawrence.
In an article from The New York Times published before that first weekend, the treasurer of the OC, William Janeway, said, “There will be no rescheduling because of rain – or snow.”
That first attempt resulted in climbers reaching 44 of the high peaks. The last two mountains that were not reached were Mt. Emmons and Mt. Esther, because of snow and a lack of equipment to hike in the snow.
After that first time, the club decided to attack the feat again in the fall, before winter conditions crept in, according to The St. Lawrence Plaindealer—Which is why Peak Weekend has not been scheduled for the fall since then.
Rain or shine, and even through a pandemic, the tradition has lived on, even if it has changed over the years.
In emails sent during the past two weeks from the Outing Club, members of the group have outlined the trip leaders and expectations for each trip. The hikes range from six to 18.5 miles and in different levels of difficulty. However, the club encourages everyone of all abilities to go outside and explore the Adirondacks this weekend, even if they do not summit a high peak.