Introduction: Discovering the Excitement of Summits on the Air
If you love ham radio and outdoor adventure, there’s no better thrill than Summits on the Air (SOTA). This international program challenges amateur radio operators to activate designated peaks, making radio contacts from mountaintops while testing their gear and endurance. As a passionate ham radio enthusiast, I recently had the incredible experience of activating Cunningham Mountain (W7A/AW-056) as part of Summits on the Air during Quartzfest 2025.
This wasn’t just any hike—it was a 1.78-mile climb each way with an elevation gain of 1,816 feet and 40+ mph winds. Despite the challenge, it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in amateur radio. This blog will take you through my adventure while teaching you everything you need to know about SOTA, from choosing the right gear to making successful QSOs from the summit.
What is Summits on the Air (SOTA)?
For those unfamiliar with Summits on the Air, it’s an international program that encourages ham radio operators to operate portable stations from mountain summits. Participants fall into two categories:
- Activators – Those who hike to summits and operate a portable station.
- Chasers – Operators who contact activators from their home stations or mobile setups.
Each designated summit has a point value based on difficulty, and participants earn awards for accumulating points. The ultimate goal? Achieve “Mountain Goat” status by earning 1,000 points as an activator or “Shack Sloth” status by reaching 1,000 points as a chaser.
Preparing for a SOTA Activation: Gear and Planning
Essential SOTA Equipment:
- Lightweight VHF Radio: I used my Yaesu FT-60 2M HT, a reliable handheld transceiver perfect for summits.
- Antenna: A high-gain whip antenna helped extend my reach.
- Power Source: A spare battery pack ensured I had enough juice for the activation.
- Mast and Mount: Some operators use a Jackite 31-ft telescoping mast, but due to the extreme wind, HF setups weren’t practical that day. Maybe next year.
Other hiking essentials included:
- Trekking poles for balance on steep terrain
- Layered clothing to withstand cold, windy conditions
- Plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled during the climb
SOTA Training: Learning from the Experts at Quartzfest
Before the hike, I attended an informative seminar by Javier Beltran (K6TNT) titled “Introduction to SOTA & Types of Equipment”. Javier covered essential topics like:
- Choosing the right lightweight radio setup
- Best practices for SOTA antennas
- Propagation strategies for maximizing contacts
- Safety considerations when hiking to remote summits
Javier didn’t just teach—he led us on a real activation to Cunningham Mountain the next day! His leadership and expertise helped make this a successful and well-organized event.
The Climb to Cunningham Mountain (W7A/AW-056)
On January 23, 2025, a group of 15-20 amateur radio operators set off to activate Cunningham Mountain (W7A/AW-056). The 1.78-mile ascent with 1,816 feet of elevation gain was grueling, and the 40+ mph winds added another layer of difficulty.
The climb was steep and required careful footing. Many of us used trekking poles to stay balanced, and we frequently stopped to catch our breath. Despite the challenging conditions, the camaraderie among fellow hams kept us going. K6TNT’s leadership helped guide us safely through the ascent, ensuring everyone stayed on track and motivated.
Reaching the Summit and Setting Up
After nearly one and a half hours of strenuous hiking, we reached the summit! The wind was howling, making setup tricky. Given the extreme conditions, I decided to operate 2M FM simplex instead of HF. I quickly set up my Yaesu FT-60 and called CQ SOTA.
The Thrill of Making QSOs from a Mountain Top
Despite the wind, I managed to log my required four contacts to qualify the activation. Some highlights:
- First QSO: A chaser Kristyn from Arizona (KR1SS) excited to work the summit
- Local Contact: Another participants reached a SOTA activator on a nearby peak, making Summit-to-Summit (S2S) contacts
- Extended Reach: A contact from a station over 100 miles away, thanks to elevation-assisted propagation
Although HF wasn’t practical due to the wind, I saw firsthand how effective VHF simplex can be for SOTA activations.
Common Modes Used for SOTA Activations
SOTA activators use a variety of modes to make QSOs, depending on conditions and available gear:
- FM (2M, 70cm) – Ideal for quick, local contacts with HTs.
- SSB (HF, VHF) – Offers extended range and works well with low power.
- CW (Morse Code) – Preferred by many activators for its efficiency and ability to make contacts in poor conditions.
- Digital Modes (FT8, JS8Call) – Growing in popularity, especially for weak-signal work.
Why You Should Try Summits on the Air
If you love ham radio and outdoor adventure, Summits on the Air is a must-try activity! Here’s why:
- Combines radio, hiking, and technical challenge
- Provides real-world emergency preparedness skills
- Helps you hone QRP operating techniques
- Connects you with a global community of radio enthusiasts
Conclusion
My first Summits on the Air activation on Cunningham Mountain (W7A/AW-056) was an unforgettable experience. Despite the steep climb, high winds, and technical challenges, making QSOs from a mountain summit was incredibly rewarding.
Huge thanks to K6TNT for leading the hike and sharing his expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned ham or just starting, SOTA is an adventure worth taking.
73s K6AMS