International Mountain
Climbing School
2733 Main Street, Rt. 16
P.O. Box 1666
North Conway, NH 03860
PHONE: (603) 356-7064
FAX: (603) 356-6492
EMAIL: guides@ime-usa.com
 
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200

15th Annual
Ice Fest

16th Annual Women's
Rock Day
Winter Mountaineering 2008/2009
Courses & Climbs
Ice Climbing Index Mountaineering Index Ski Mountaineering
Winter Gear List Registration Form Registration Info
One-Day Ascent of Mt. Washington  
Andrea Bodnar of North York, Ontario enjoying a rare blue-bird day on the summit of Mt. Washington. Photo by IMCS guide Maury McKinneySituated at the intersection of three major storm tracks which affect the northern Appalachian Range, and rising from the surrounding lowlands for much of its 6,228 feet, Mt. Washington is known for its extreme weather conditions. Mt. Washington is the highest peak in New England and the conditions above timberline are as serious as any mountain in North America. You will learn general mountaineering skills, winter navigation and avalanche awareness in this popular one-day trip. No previous mountaineering experience is required to register. However, participants should be physically prepared and well equipped for a rigorous all day experience. Participants will meet at IME at 7:00am for a gear check and to get fitted for mountaineering boots, crampons and ice axe.
Dates: Winter ascents of Mt. Washington may be scheduled for any day
of the week by individuals or groups.
Cost: $250 (private)
$175 (group of two)
$140 (group of three) *all prices per person
Weekender: Winter Camping Skills and a Climb
Winter cxamp in Ammonoosuc Ravine, a secluded and seldom visited location. Photo by IMCs guide Maury McKinney.Spend the weekend in a beautiful backcountry location while learning basic winter travel techniques and low impact winter camping skills. Winter camping is a rewarding experience but requires attention to detail and thoughtful preparation. The focus of the two-day course is to stay warm, dry and comfortable so you enjoy your time in the mountains. Other topics include use of crampons and ice axe, snowshoeing, hypothermia prevention and packing with a purpose. IMCS provides all mountaineering and camping equipment.
This course is intended for first-time winter campers or climbers wanting to prepare for our three-day basic winter mountaineering course. The "weekender" is also good fun for a private group or family that want to share a winter camping experience while learning useful skills.
Dates: December 27-28; January 10-11; January 24-25; Jan 31-Feb 1;
February 14-15; Feb 28-March 1; March 14-15
Cost: $625 (private); $450 (group of two); $375 (group of three);
$325 (group of four) *all prices per person
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The Big Four: One-Day Ascent  
If you have already climbed Mount Washington in winter and would like to take it a step further, we suggest climbing peaks in the northern Presidential Range (Adams, Madison, Jefferson, or Monroe) all brilliant climbs where you will generally enjoy a less crowded experience. Schedule a relaxing or challenging itnerary using loop trails so you see a variety of terrain. private individuals and groups may set their own dates. Winter ascents of The Big Four may be scheduled for any day of the week by private individuals or private groups.
Dates: Any day from late November through late April
Cost: $250 (private); $170 (group of two);
$140 (group of three); $120 (group of four); $110 (group of five)
*all prices per person
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Ascent of Mt. Washington with Overnight in the Observatory  
Summit signpost and Observatory building. Photo by Mark Carroll. (Click for full size image)The frequent combination of cold temperatures and high wind prevalent on the summit, especially in winter, has earned Mt. Washington the title, "Home of the World's Worst Weather". The famous Mt. Washington Observatory was founded in 1932 to conduct meteorological observations and scientific research. In 1934 the station experienced the highest wind velocity ever recorded on the surface of the earth. Join IMCS this winter for a very special adventure as we make a one-day ascent of Mt. Washington and spend the evening high above the clouds in the Observatory at the top of New England! We plan to arrive at the summit in late afternoon. Observatory staff will be on hand to conduct a tour of the facility and answer questions about the meteorological equipment and research being conducted. The Observatory will provide the evening dinner and morning breakfast. The opportunity to watch the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Washington in winter is a special occasion. After breakfast we will hike back down to Pinkham Notch Camp. Course cost covers one-year Observatory membership and rental of boots, crampons and ice axe. Participants must supply their own three-season sleeping bag.
Dates: Please call us if you are interested in arranging a trip. We typically run trips on Sunday-Monday, Monday-Tuesday, or Thursday-Friday to stay away from the more crowded weekend dates.
Cost:

$365 (group of four); $440 (group of three); $595 (group of two)
$775 (private trip)
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Three-Day Basic Mountaineering Skills
Efficiently climbing moderate snow and ice terrain along with lightweight and low impact winter camping skills is the focus of this popular three-day course.
It is a comprehensive introduction to basic winter mountaineering skills. No previous climbing experience is required for registration but participants should be prepared for a challenging experience. You will spend most of your time learning to use your crampons and ice axe properly. Other components of instruction include:
Proper use of ice axe in piolet canne position, how to swing the ice axe, how to use a leash on the ice axe
Use of crampons in the French, International & Front pointing techniques
Waterfall ice climbing (low angled, moderate)
Snow climbing
Course Description
Course Photo Gallery
Download Course PDF
Roped travel techniques
Winter camping skills
Snow & ice anchors
Avalanche awareness
Ascent of Mt. Washington
Jim Frati from Kingston, NH well prepared for severe winter weather at the Parapet on Mt. Madison. Photo by IMCS guide Maury McKinney. Our goal is to help you to become a more experienced and responsible winter mountaineer. Your safety in the mountains depends on the decisions you make. This course is a solid first step for climbers interested in climbing the greater mountain ranges of the world. The course outline is flexible and dependent upon the weather, ground conditions and abilities of the participants.
Dates: December 27-29; January 2-4; January 17-19;
January 23-25; February 14-16; February 17-19; February 20-22;
March 13-15; March 20-22, March 27-29; April 3-5
Cost: $450 (group of four); $500 (group of three); $575 (group of two);
$850 (private) *all prices per person

Some of the most impressive accomplishments we have witnessed over the past few winters have been made made by Domenic Turziano of Harrison NY. On Saturday 3 March, 2001 Domenic made a successful ascent of Mt. Washington with guides Andrew Coughlin and Curtis Cote. You might think this isn't so special unless you also realize that Domenic is blind, is a trial lawyer for the New York Attorney General's office and lives a busy urban life. Read an account of his efforts written by local writer Ed Parsons. This is an inspiring story that helps us all to see the value and beauty of the mountains more clearly.
During the winter of 2002 Domenic made a successful ascent of Mt. Madison with IMCS guide Maury McKinney and during 2003 he made a successful ascent of Mt. Chocorua with IMCS guide Tom Burt.
We are proud of all of our client's accomplishments. Domenic just happens to be doing things that many people only dream about. We applaud his efforts and are already thinking of new and exciting challenges for him for the 2007/2008 winter season.
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If you need any more information, you can contact us by:
Email: guides@ime-usa.com or Phone: (603) 356-7064