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Climbing Education

All Levels

Offering a progression of courses for new to advanced climbers.

Learn to climb with confidence. Our courses help you–and your climbing partners–develop the techniques and systems you need to navigate risk and move safely and independently in the mountains.

Experience Matters: Guiding Since 1978

When it comes to learning technical rope systems, experience matters. The International Mountain Climbing School has been guiding and educating climbers since 1978, building decades of real-world knowledge on the crags and cliffs of North Conway and beyond. Our guides bring a depth of expertise that is rare — holding certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), the highest guiding credential in the world.

That experience translates directly into the quality of your education. Our guides have climbed and worked on rock, ice, and alpine terrain across the globe, and they bring those lessons to every course. When you learn with IMCS, you’re not just getting instruction — you’re getting the kind of judgment, perspective, and problem-solving ability that only comes from a lifetime in the mountains.

ROCK CLIMBING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

ICE CLIMBING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

MOUNTAINEERING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

See What Our Students Have to Say!

I gained not only the knowledge of how to build anchors, but about the larger concepts of equalization and redundancy that underly and support the construction of them.

– Anchor Course Survey

Incredible experience - thank you for providing this training!

– Mountaineering Course Survey

I had a great weekend and our group was able to summit on a rare perfect winter day. I will be back for a private advanced course!

– Mountaineering Course Survey

Mark was great! Very patient and willing to answer any and all questions. Also motivated to teach the content we were seeking and willing to adjust teaching style as needed!

– How to Build Top Rope Course Survey

I love the phrase "skills are perishable" - always good to be reminded that practice is essential!

– Learn to Lead Ice Course Survey

This course revealed to me that I am interested in growing [mountaineering] skills, so that will likely lead me to another course and growing my skillset in that area, given this course was definitely introductory/basic in nature!

– Intro to Mountaineering Course Survey

I had an amazing time and can't wait to schedule my next class!

– Mountaineering Course Survey

Looking for more? Check out our two signature events!

MWV Rock Fest

Climbing. Connection. Community

September 19 – 20, 2026

SAVE the DATES! This new event in the Mount Washington Valley 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 rock climbing, bouldering, and alpinism.

 

MWV Ice Fest

Climbing. Connection. Community

February 4 – 7, 2027

Sponsored by ARC’TERYX and Black Diamond, 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.

 


Undecided on your course, or have a question for our team?

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you.

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