Rock Climbing
Our rock climbing lessons are designed for people of all ages and abilities. We offer them all through the spring, summer and fall seasons. We offer Rock Climbing lessons and instruction on the iconic Whitehorse and Cathedral Ledges in North Conway New Hampshire, as well as other spectacular cliffs in the surrounding areas. We recognize that people want to learn to identify and manage the risks associated with rock climbing and we therefore stress safety awareness and promote personal responsibility. Our programs aim to provide you with the knowledge to move safely and efficiently over varied rock terrain, evaluate future partners and select appropriate climbs.
All of the climbing programs we offer may be booked by private arrangement for individuals or groups. Private guiding allows your needs to be addressed in a personalized manner and has proven to be an excellent way for individuals and small groups to learn at a pace you direct. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure. Tell us what you want to accomplish during your climbing time with us and we will do our best to make it happen. All prices are determined by the ratio of climbers to guides.
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Introductory
- Introductory rock climbing programs are for those who have never climbed before and for those with indoor climbing experience or minimal outdoor experience. These intro programs are hands-on and held outdoors on the rock. We will focus on belaying skills, rapelling, basic anchoring systems, multi-pitch climbing techniques and physical climbing skills. Book one or more days as this is a progressive program, so each additional day will begin where you ended on your previous day. All climbing equipment is included in the cost of your lesson. These programs are available 7 days a week!
Intermediate
- Intermediate rock climbing programs are designed for people who have taken an introductory course or have previous climbing experience. Participants should be familiar with basic belaying and anchoring systems, rappelling, and an understanding of placement and removal of climbing gear. Our focus will be on advancing your climbing technique, understanding the multi-pitch systems and becoming familiar with a variety of anchor systems. These programs are available for a single day or multiple days, although we recommend at least 2 days to soilidify your learning experience.
Advanced
- Advanced rock climbing programs are designed for climbers looking to advance their climbing, technical and safety rock climbing skills. We offer these programs all through the spring, summer and fall seasons here in North Conway New Hampshire. These programs will provide you with the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques to help you become a safer, more efficient rock climber.
Ice Climbing
Learn what it takes to climb a frozen waterfall. We stress safety awareness and promote personal responsibility. Our programs aim to provide you with the knowledge to move efficiently over varied terrain, evaluate future partners and select appropriate climbs. Learn skills that will enhance your climbing experiences.
We offer scheduled courses, clinics and trips for climbers of all levels of experience and ability. All of the climbing programs we offer may be booked by private arrangement for individuals or groups. Private guiding allows your needs to be addressed in a personalized manner and has proven to be an excellent way for individuals and groups to learn at a pace you direct. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure. Tell us what you want to accomplish during your time with us and chances are good we can arrange it. We want your climb to be a safe and enjoyable experience
Avalanche Education
We are proud to be a certified provider for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). The courses are designed to provide you with a consistent and clear understanding of avalanche hazards and how to manage the risks of venturing into avalanche terrain.
With AIARE avalanche education in your back-country toolbox, you’ll be able to:
- Identify potential hazards in the back-country
- Understand the hazards communicated through an avalanche forecast
- Identify and manage your risk
- Recognize avalanche terrain
- Plan trips that avoid or minimize exposure to avalanche terrain
- Rescue your partners if they are caught in an avalanche
AIARE courses at IMCS have a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. We teach our courses in a mix of classroom, outdoor, and backcountry settings.
Course options:
AIARE 1 course is for anyone, regardless of method of backcountry travel, who would like to or currently ventures into or near avalanche terrain.
One day AIARE Avalanche Rescue course takes a more in-depth approach to specific aspects of the AIARE curriculum. Students must have already completed the AIARE 1 to enroll. Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 and the 1-day Avalanche Rescue to enroll in more advanced courses (AIARE 2 or the AIARE Pro 1 course).
Avalanche equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) is provided as part of the AIARE courses at IMCS.
Mountaineering
Winter is a magical season. Winter transforms the landscape into stunningly beautiful scenery in a potentially severe environment. Winter is filled with an array of challenges and adventures. Our clinics and courses focus on providing you the skills required to move safely and confidently over winter terrain. Your safety and enjoyment of winter terrain depends upon you making the best decisions possible. The foundation for good decision-making comes from your knowledge of technical skills, familiarity with your equipment and the lessons learned from your experiences in the mountains.
Of all the types of climbing, mountaineering is the one that we take most seriously. Here at IMCS we know that people want to learn how to identify and manage the risks associated with climbing. We stress safety awareness and promote personal responsibility. Our programs aim to provide you with the knowledge to move efficiently over varied terrain and select appropriate climbs. Let us teach you the skills that will enhance your mountain climbing experiences.
We offer scheduled courses, clinics and trips for climbers of all levels of experience and ability. All of the climbing programs we offer may be booked by private arrangement for individuals or groups. Private guiding allows your needs to be addressed in a personalized manner and has proven to be an excellent way for individuals and groups to learn at a pace you direct. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure. Tell us what you want to accomplish during your time with us and chances are good we can arrange it. We want your climb to be a safe and enjoyable experience