Led by experienced female mountain guides, our women’s courses provide expert instruction in a space where you can ask questions, take risks, and grow at your own pace.
Addressing the Gender Gap in Outdoor Sports
Historically, climbing and mountaineering have been male-dominated spaces. Women have often been underrepresented in outdoor recreation, with studies showing that men participate in activities like ice climbing and alpinism at significantly higher rates. Women-specific courses help bridge this gap by creating intentional pathways for female participation in technical climbing disciplines.
Women’s courses foster connections and friendships that extend beyond the clinic itself. These networks become sources of ongoing support, climbing partnerships, and mentorship. Seeing other women succeed on challenging terrain is powerful—it normalizes female achievement in spaces where women have historically been minorities.
Representation & Role Models
Female guides and instructors serve as visible role models, demonstrating that women belong in expert-level mountain sports. This representation matters enormously for newer climbers who may not have seen many women in leadership roles within the climbing community.
Jeni Calzaretta is the head of Women’s Programming at IMCS. She was one of the first females in the US to receive her Ice Instructor Certification from the AMGA, is a skilled educator, and currently serves in the Vermont National Guard.
A Delightful Dilemma — So Many Programs to Choose From!
From weekend to day-long courses, to clinics at the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest, we have a multitude of options for female climbers. These events are for all women, including both cis and trans women, and genderqueer individuals comfortable in a women’s centered space.
Women's Ice Climbing
One-day group course for beginner to intermediate climbers, led by Jeni Calzaretta. Group max is 8 people. No experience necessary, all equipment included—all are welcome!
MWV Ice Fest Clinics
The Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest, presented by IMCS and sponsored by Arc’Teryx and Black Diamond, offers beginner to advanced level clinics for women and genderqueer climbers.
Women's Ice Weekend
Immerse yourself in a full weekend of camaraderie, climbing and rejuvenation. Join Jeni Calzaretta for two days of guided climbing and expert instruction, and yoga to start the day!
Three Day Basic Mountaineering
This comprehensive introduction to mountaineering course prepares you for winter ascents in the Whites, and is a first step for those interested in climbing the greater mountain ranges of the world.
What Participants Had to Say:
Build Your Community
Our programs are designed to help you develop technical skills, build strength, and connect with a community of like-minded climbers who share your passion for the vertical world.
Meet Our Expert Guides
Jeni Calzaretta
Raised a New Englander, Jeni first learned to climb in the Mount Washington Valley. As an avid outdoor enthusiast and aspiring alpinist, she made the leap to sign up for her first ice climbing course at the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest years ago. She was relieved to see that women’s specific courses were being offered, and signed up without a thought. Fast forward, Jeni is now the head of Women’s Programs at IMCS and guide the very same clinics that she was inspired by. When it comes to guiding, she am most passionate about empowering new climbers by teaching the skills to become more independent in the outdoors.
Jeni calls Bozeman, MT her home base, but make the seasonal migration to North Conway to guide some of the best ice climbing the US has to offer. Jeni is an American Mountain Guide Association trained instructor and Apprentice Guide. She has spent the last few years climbing rock, ice and alpine extensively throughout the US while living out of her van. She spends her free time climbing, trail running, cycling, and listening to metal.
Sam Haines
Sam has always been drawn to climbing. They started at 3 years old, climbing the banister and trees of their home, and quickly progressed to rock. As a teen, they found mentorship in the community and learned the skills to top rope and teach other youth. Over the years, they progressed from sport, trad, Ice, and alpine climbing in the Northeast and other ranges across the US. While attending MassArt in Boston, North Conway, and the White Mountains became a beloved destination where they cut their teeth on New England Classics.
Sam has worked for 15 years in outdoor education with pre-k through 12th graders. They have also been working as an organizer and volunteer of the Adirondack Queer Icefest since its founding in 2021. With these experiences, Sam brings a passion for teaching others skills to empower their own pursuits and a dedication to expanding the climbing community for marginalized people.
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AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
AMGA Apprentice Ice Instructor
Amanda Danduran
Born and raised in Colorado, Amanda found her passion for the mountains early on. She began her guiding career at 19 while earning a degree in Outdoor Education from Colorado Mountain College. She has guided throughout Colorado, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and New Hampshire, where she specializes in mountaineering and ice climbing courses. Amanda has also worked with a nonprofit organization leading outdoor experiences for youth and adults.
With a strong commitment to learning and professionalism, Amanda takes pride in creating supportive, educational environments in the mountains. She enjoys helping guests build confidence through clear instruction and encourages them to develop both technical skills and a deeper understanding of the outdoors.
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– AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)
– Wilderness First Responder
– AIARE Level 2
– AIARE Rescue
Stuart Webb
Silverton Avalanche School Assistant Educator
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Stuart grew up in coastal Virginia, moving to New Hampshire in 2023 after stints in North Carolina, Colorado, and California. Her outdoor climbing began amidst the New River Gorge’s beautiful sandstone, and some of her favorite places to climb include Western North Carolina’s granite domes and Vedauwoo, Wyoming’s sharp crystalline cracks. Drawn to New Hampshire for the access to climbing, skiing, and the ocean alike, Stuart has found a home in the White Mountains and feels lucky to spend the seasons exploring the area’s unique beauty.Stuart is driven by a desire for continual growth through curiosity and is eager to share her experience and knowledge with others. Aside from climbing, she can be found in the pottery studio, with a good book, somewhere in the water, or trying to learn a new art form.
Woman Owed & Operated
The outdoor guiding industry has long been dominated by male-owned businesses, but that landscape is changing. More women are stepping into leadership roles, founding their own guide services, and reshaping what mountain guiding looks like in America.
The International Mountain Climbing School is proud to be female owned and operated. Lisa McCoy is a majority owner alongside life and business partner Paul McCoy, who has been guiding at IMCS since 2008.
Every woman-owned guide service that succeeds makes space for the next one. Every female guide who mentors others creates a ripple effect. Every client who chooses to support woman-owned businesses sends a message about what the industry should look like.
IMCS is proud to be part of that movement—not just for ourselves, but for what comes next.
