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INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN CLIMBING SCHOOL

Rock & Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Avalanche & Outdoor Training Courses in North Conway, NH

Education Is Your Best Protection

Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course
  • For current and aspiring backcountry travelers
From $625

Learn to read the winter story of the backcountry. During this three day (24 hours of total instruction) course, students will develop an understanding and application of tools to help navigate or avoid avalanches. Curriculum includes how to safely prepare for a backcountry trip, movement in avalanche terrain, and human dynamics.

Climbing & Activities for All Abilities and Skill Levels

OUR MISSION

We are dedicated to fostering a love of mountain climbing by providing others with meaningful outdoor experiences paired with comprehensive safety education.

OUR VALUES

Safety: Prioritizing the well-being of clients and guides, ensuring every decision and action is guided by risk assessment and responsible practices.
Personalized Excellence: Tailoring each experience to individual client needs, abilities, and goals, recognizing that every person’s journey is unique.
Education: Committing to teaching and developing clients’ skills, knowledge, and judgment so they become capable, independent mountain enthusiasts.
Environmental Stewardship: Respecting and protecting mountain environments through Leave No Trace principles and sustainable guiding practices.
Authentic Connection: Creating genuine, meaningful relationships with both clients and the mountain environment, fostering deep appreciation and lasting memories.

What We Do

We design and deliver progressive instructional programs that systematically build climbing competency, safety awareness, and technical proficiency across all skill levels.

Location is Essential

Located within International Mountain Equipment (IME), we outfit our clients with proper gear as well as rent climbing gear, camping equipment, and outerwear/accessories.

Experience Matters

Guiding climbers, hikers, skiers, mountaineers, and professionals for over 45 years in the Mount Washington Valley. IMCS guides have close to 200 years of cumulative guiding experience!

Special Events & Programs

MWV Ice Fest

Climbing. Connection. Community

SAVE the DATES & Sign up for updates!
February 5-8, 2026

Sponsored by ARC’TERYX, the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest offers skills clinics, affinity clinics, gear demos, workshops, and evening events. Climbers and guides hail from across the U.S. and Canada to participate in this celebration of ice climbing, mountaineering, and alpinism.

 

Women's Ice Weekend

March 1-2, 2024

Led by IMCS guide Jeni Calzaretta, Women’s Ice Weekend is a unique chance to dive into the sport of ice climbing with other women in a small group setting, providing for personalized instruction and camaraderie.

Mt Washington Observatory Overnight

Exclusive Opportunity

January 13-14, 2024

Join IMCS guides for an ascent of Mt. Washington with a one night stay in the famous Mount Washington Observatory. Includes an educational tour of the Observatory, hot dinner and accommodations at the summit.

Know when you'll be visiting North Conway?

Select your date and filters below.

Join Us for a Climbing Adventure in North Conway!

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mountaineering private group w/ Dodge

We were privileged to spend three days in the Whites with Dodge, our all-star guide. Dodge was a humble, kind, focused, thorough, and overall fantastic guide. I could not recommend him more highly and would not hesitate to send my mom and sisters up a mountain with him. Overall, very happy with our IMCS experience and will not soon forget these past three days in New Hampshire. Thank you Dodge and Paul.

– Eric B • Tripadvisor
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Guided ice climb

First of all, IMCS is awesome. This is my 3rd year doing a private ice climb with them. Did some mixed climbing with an incredibly awesome guide named Jon. IMCS has incredible, professional, and safe guides who will do whatever they can to assist you and teach you. Asides from that IME is an awesome store with upbeat and helpful staff who will guide you with all your gear needs. Use IMCS, they're the best!!

– Daniel B • Tripadvisor
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Fun and safe way to push your limits and learn a new skill

Very knowledgable and patient instructor. Easy access to some beautiful learning terrain. My kids and I felt completely safe the whole time. FYI: My youngest and I are not big fans of high places, so feeling safe was a big deal.

– Mark L • TripAdvisor
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THE mountaineering shop/school/hangout in the northeast

IME is the real thing, run by real climbers. I shop here, I use the climbing school, I sell my second hand gear so I can get new toys. Extremely nice, helpful people. Whatever you interest is in the outdoors, stop by the place. Make it a pilgrimage. Ask questions, take a class, go on one of their treks in the Himalaya, or just hang out after your Mt Washington summit.

– Joe M • Tripadvisor
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Must shop for serious trekkers/climbers

Has all the latest gear, plus imported rugs, clothes, etc from Nepal. Basement is a consignment shop with excellent, clean clothes, boots, etc. at a fair price. Good place to get serviceable second hand technical clothing at way below price for new.

– Betsy H • Tripadvisor
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Great company

Went on an intro to ice climbing trip over the weekend and loved it. I was extremely impressed with both of our guides and the facility. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced. While all three members in our group were novices, they worked with us to ensure that it was a great experience.

– Aaron B • Tripadvisor