Rock Climbing
Our rock climbing lessons are designed for people of all ages and abilities. Our rock season lasts from whenever Spring thaws out the crags, through November. Rock Climbing lessons and instruction on the iconic Whitehorse and Cathedral Ledges in North Conway, as well as other spectacular cliffs in the surrounding areas.
Our guides are qualified to take clients out for a range of skills from absolute beginner, up through preparation for the world’s greatest objectives. With thousands of routes at dozens of crags in the greater Mt. Washington Valley, we can take you to the top of whatever objective is most appropriate.
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 your own pace. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure–tell us what you want to accomplish during your time with us and if conditions allow, we’ll deliver!
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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. Ice climbing is a fun way to expand your climbing portfolio, add to your list of mountaineering skills, or simply to enjoy winter weather in a new way. Our programs aim to provide you with the knowledge to use ice axes and crampons, move efficiently over varied terrain, and select appropriate climbs.
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 your own pace. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure–tell us what you want to accomplish during your time with us and if conditions allow, we’ll deliver!
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 danger in the back-country
- Understand the hazards communicated through an avalanche forecast
- Recognize avalanche terrain
- Manage your risk and 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 transforms the mountains into stunningly beautiful scenery with severe weather and travelling conditions. Activities in the mountains are filled with an array of challenges and adventures in the ice and snow that do not compare to warmer weather tactics.
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 personal responsibility. Our programs aim to provide you with the knowledge to move efficiently over varied terrain and select appropriate routes. 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 if conditions allow, we’ll deliver!