Prepare yourself for winter backcountry adventures with the Rec Level 1 Avalanche Course in Conway, NH. Learn vital safety skills from expert instructors while exploring the breathtaking White Mountains.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in moderate physical condition to comfortably handle physical activities in snowy terrain throughout the day.
Wildlife
History
The White Mountains have a long history of winter exploration and mountaineering education, dating back to early 20th century ski pioneers.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on sustainable winter recreation to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and minimize trail erosion.
International Mountain Climbing School
Prepare yourself for winter backcountry adventures with the Rec Level 1 Avalanche Course in Conway, NH. Learn vital safety skills from expert instructors while exploring the breathtaking White Mountains.
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.
Always carry avalanche safety gear
Ensure you have a beacon, probe, and shovel with you whenever in avalanche terrain.
Check daily avalanche forecasts
Stay updated with local avalanche bulletins before heading out for the latest risk assessments.
Practice beacon searches regularly
Familiarize yourself with using an avalanche transceiver to find buried victims quickly.
Dress in breathable, layered winter clothing
Wear moisture-wicking layers to stay warm and dry during outdoor field sessions.
Avalanche Beacon (Transceiver)
Critical for practicing search and rescue techniques during the field portion.
winter
Probe
Used to pinpoint the location of buried avalanche victims.
winter
Avalanche Shovel
Necessary for debris excavation during rescue drills.
winter
Waterproof and Insulated Layers
Keeps participants warm, dry, and comfortable in cold snowy conditions.
winter