FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You will arrive at the IMCS at 8 am where you will meet the guide you will be with for the day. Your guide will not only provide you the gear you will need for the day but help make sure it fits properly and explain what it is for. The guide will then discuss with you the plan for the day, make sure your gear is set to go for the day, and then you will drive to a nearby cliff. Once at the cliff you will learn basic safety systems, belaying, how the technical gear works, and basic climbing techniques

No, but we do suggest, kids be over 5 years old and accompanied by a parent up to the age of 14. We have great family programs as well, for all abilities, including half day climbs.

Rock Climbing is more about balance and technique rather than strength, so if you are in average physical condition, you should have no problems.

Once we leave the climbing school anyone with us becomes our responsibility, we would prefer that you join the group as a climber.

Our typical day is roughly 6-7 hours of active time (not including gear setup and driving time), so there will be plenty of climbing.

Since our group size for standard lesson is a maximum of 3, while you are not climbing, you will either be belaying or encouraging your fellow climbers. Resting between climbs is important anyway, especially for novices.

We have been guiding and teaching climbing for over 30 years. Our guides are fully trained by us, most have AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certifications, are members of the Mountain Rescue Service Elite Team, and have Wilderness First Aid Training.

Our goal is to make you feel comfortable with the equipment, techniques and height. Our guides will make sure you go only as high as you feel comfortable, though we always do our best to encourage you to reach your full potential.

We sometimes climb up to 400 or 500 feet, but this will be determined by the guide, the group and weather conditions.

Sometimes, on some climbs we will be climbing with our packs on. However, introductory level programs do no require you to climb with a pack on.

If you sign up for a group lesson you may be matched with people of similar abilities, if you choose a private lesson, it will be just you and the guide, and a semi-private lesson would be you, your companion, and the guide.

We’ll try not to put you in that position, but if you do get scared and want to come down, your guide will get you down quickly and safely.

Your climbing rope will always be held tight by the belayer, but climbing ropes are dynamic, meaning you may fall several feet as the rope stretches to give you a soft landing.

Our climbing school is for climbers of all abilities. Climbing is an activity that you can learn almost indefinitely, so we have first timers as well as season veteran climbers.

IME and IMCS are locally owned. We hire only top quality guides and our emphasis is always on your safey and enjoyment. We offer climbing trips, treks and expeditions throughout the world, but our primary playgrounds for climbing and mountaineering are right here in the Mt Washington Valley.

The best option is to discuss your goals with your guide, he or she will be happy to help you develop a plan to further your climbing.

Our guides are highly trained professionals dedicated to your safety and enjoyment in the mountains. While not required, it is customary within the industry to show appreciation for a job well done by tipping your guide. Tips recognize their expertise, training, and the personalized care they provide throughout your adventure. A typical tip ranges from 15-20% of the trip cost, though this can be adjusted based on your experience.