THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover dry tooling near Conway, NH, where climbers merge ice axes and crampons with vertical rock to conquer challenging routes. Led by pros, this unique adventure sharpens your skills on iconic White Mountain granite.
Discover dry tooling near Conway, NH, where climbers merge ice axes and crampons with vertical rock to conquer challenging routes. Led by pros, this unique adventure sharpens your skills on iconic White Mountain granite.
Book with International Mountain Climbing School
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by International Mountain Climbing School · Conway, New Hampshire
Situated in the rugged White Mountains near Conway, New Hampshire, dry tooling offers a distinctive climbing adventure that blends the precision of rock climbing with the powerful grip of ice axes on non-icy surfaces. This thrilling hybrid discipline challenges climbers to ascend steep rock faces using ice tools and crampons, replicating the motions of ice climbing but on bare rock. Led by expert guides Jeni Calzaretta and professional climber Zac St. Jules from the International Mountain Climbing School, this experience is designed for climbers eager to push their technical skills in a dynamic, high-energy environment.
The White Mountains are a cornerstone of outdoor sport climbing on the East Coast, featuring rugged granite faces, sharp edges, and a complex geology that provides ideal testing grounds for dry tooling moves. This activity takes place on carefully chosen routes that highlight vertical and overhanging terrain, demanding precise tool placement and body positioning. Climbers will be coached on essential techniques, such as swinging and hooking with ice tools, transitioning between holds, and proper crampon footwork to maintain balance and conserve energy. Beginners can expect a gradual introduction to fundamentals, while advanced participants refine their approach to tackling more powerful sequences.
What makes this experience unique to the Conway area is the blend of classic White Mountain granite excellence with ice climbing equipment, opening a new realm of movement and opportunity during shoulder seasons when ice is scarce. The International Mountain Climbing School has established a reputation for delivering safe, expert instruction tailored to individual skill levels, supported by decades of local experience.
Beyond the climb, visitors can enjoy the surrounding landscape filled with dense forests, ancient pine trees, and the fresh mountain air characteristic of New Hampshire’s wild wilderness. The region is steeped in climbing history, with its longstanding culture of alpine adventure dating back to the early 20th century. For visitors staying in Conway, the town offers access to cozy lodging, local eateries, and a welcoming outdoor community.
If you are looking for a challenging and innovative climbing experience that goes beyond traditional rock or ice climbing, dry tooling in the White Mountains offers just that. It’s perfect for climbers craving a technical edge and eager to expand their skill set in a prime Northeastern climbing hotspot.
challenging.
3–5 hours.
Participants should have a good to excellent level of fitness, with strong upper body and core strength; endurance for sustained climbing is recommended.
No, the guides provide all necessary instruction to beginners, but some prior rock climbing experience is helpful.
Bring appropriate dry tooling gear if you have it, or rental options are often available; wear layered clothing suitable for mountain conditions.
This activity is suitable for adults and older teenagers in good physical condition; children and inexperienced climbers should consult guides.
Yes, private lessons with expert guides like Jeni Calzaretta and Zac St. Jules are available for personalized coaching.
Cancellation policies vary; consult the International Mountain Climbing School directly or via their booking platform for details.
Helmets and basic safety gear are provided; bringing personal gear is encouraged when possible for fit and comfort.
The White Mountains have been a center for American climbing since the early 1900s, nurturing generations of climbers and pioneering new techniques.
Local guides emphasize minimizing impact through Leave No Trace principles and using established routes to protect fragile alpine ecosystems.
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.
Book with International Mountain Climbing School