Master essential glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills with expert guides in Conway, New Hampshire. This two-day intensive course prepares you for safe and confident mountaineering adventures.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days (full-day sessions)
Fitness Level
Participants should have a good level of cardiovascular fitness and be comfortable hiking with moderate loads in mountainous terrain.
Wildlife
History
The White Mountains have long been a hub for alpine training and exploration, central to New England mountaineering history.
Conservation
Local guides adhere to Leave No Trace principles and support glacier protection efforts amid climate change impacts.
International Mountain Climbing School
Master essential glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills with expert guides in Conway, New Hampshire. This two-day intensive course prepares you for safe and confident mountaineering adventures.
International Mountain Climbing School operates from Millinocket, Maine, offering guided climbing and mountaineering instruction across the White Mountains and Mount Washington Valley.
The school provides a range of private and semi‑private programs, family half‑day and full‑day outings, technical clinics, and multi‑day rock climbing courses designed for climbers at varying skill levels. Guided options include Private Guided Rock Climbing (half‑day and full‑day formats) on Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledge granite, family‑focused climbs, and a Three Day Basic Rock Climbing course that teaches traditional multi‑pitch techniques.
Technical clinics emphasize hands‑on skill development: How to Build Top Rope Anchors and Anchor Building and Protection Placement teach anchor systems, gear application, and belay techniques. Advanced courses such as the Self Rescue Course and Alpine Snow and Ice Skills build on foundational knowledge to prepare participants for complex situations and alpine terrain. The Mt. Washington Ascent provides an intensive 8‑hour winter mountaineering experience focused on navigation, crampon use, and self‑arrest.
Instruction is delivered in small groups or private formats and is tailored to participant goals, with attention to safety, communication, and practical skill progression. Participants are advised to bring appropriate clothing, water, and lunch when indicated. Featured on The Adventure Collective, International Mountain Climbing School offers a practical, skills‑based lineup of climbing and mountaineering experiences—from beginner clinics to intermediate and advanced alpine training.
Location
Millinocket, ME
Base for White Mountains programs
Trips Offered
11 trips
Guided climbs, clinics, and courses
Private Options
Private & Semi‑Private
Multiple trips offer private formats
Typical Duration
Half‑day to 3 days
Half‑day, full‑day, multi‑day formats
Reserve a private, semi‑private, family, or multi‑day experience to develop climbing and alpine skills in the White Mountains.
Practice Rope Handling
Spend time mastering rope management before the course to maximize hands-on learning.
Layer Appropriately
Wear moisture-wicking layers and bring insulated outerwear to stay comfortable on cold glacier surfaces.
Stay Hydrated
Even in cold conditions, dehydration can impair focus; carry water and drink regularly.
Bring Sturdy Footwear
Wear mountaineering boots compatible with crampons for secure footing on icy terrain.
Mountaineering Boots
Provides ankle support and crampon compatibility essential for glacier terrain.
summer
Climbing Helmet
Protects against falls, ice, and rock debris during glacier travel and rescue practice.
Insulated Jacket
Keeps you warm during cooler mornings and windy conditions on the glacier.
fall
Waterproof Gloves
Essential for protecting hands from cold and wet conditions during rescue scenarios.
winter