IMCS - Basic Ice Courses

Waterfall Ice Climbing 2008/2009

Novice & Basic Level Clinics & Courses

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Introduction to Waterfall Ice Climbing

David Brochu of Providence RI on Willey's Slide with a view of Crawford Notch in the background

This one-day course is a introduction to waterfall ice climbing and general mountaineering. It is best suited for novice winter climbers. The first half of the day will be spent learning about the equipment, crampons, ice axes, anchors and belays. The second half of the day will be spent climbing to gain a practical appreciation for efficient movement over moderately angled snow and ice terrain. This course is a fun way for groups of friends or a family to learn the basics without having to invest a lot of time and money. IMCS provides all technical gear. Course participants will need to provide a day pack and appropriate clothing.

Be sure to check the personal gear list on our website and check weather forecast to get an idea about the conditions for your climb. All scheduled dates are on Saturday. Course size is limited to four climbers with one guide. Meet at IME at 8:00am for a gear check and outfitting. If you can come in the day before to climb to get outfitted early please let us know so we can set a time to meet with you. This will make the transition to the ice much quicker and you will get more time to climb and learn. Ice Climbing Photo Gallery

Dates:

Any day from mid December through late April

Cost:

$250 (private); $175 (group of two); $140 (group of three); $120 (group of four); $110 (group of five)
*all prices per person

Early Season Ice

The Headwall of Tuckerman Ravine. Ohoto by IMCS guide Maury McKinney Nov 2000.

For climbers wishing to get a jump on the ice climbing season we offer all levels of ice climbing instruction in Tuckerman Ravine on the eastern flank of Mt. Washington. It is a three-mile walk to the famous "headwall" but worth the effort as it is covered in ice from the end of November until the end of December. Each year mountaineers and ice climbers head up to Tuckerman Ravine to hone or learn skills in preparation for another season of winter climbing. Enjoy lunch and some hot tea in an ice cave then continue on a climb to the top of the headwall or learn the basics on the slabs near Lunch Rocks. A fine day in the mountains. The cost of climbing programs before the winter solstice costs less than during the calendar winter season. Check with us for current ice conditions.

Dates:

any day before December 15

Cost:

$225 (private); $155 (group of two); $125 (group of three)
*all prices per person per day, for regular winter prices see our Winter Programs page.

Three-Day Basic Ice Climbing Skills

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IMCS guide Frank Carus climbing to the "cave" on Standard Route at Frankenstein Cliffs

This course is a must do for aspiring alpinists.
A three-day course and a comprehensive introduction to waterfall ice climbing. It is best suited for people with some amount of winter experience that want to thoroughly investigate ice climbing skills on a variety of technical terrain (NEI grades 2-4+). Waterfall ice climbing skills will enhance your overall alpine mountaineering abilities. You will learn to self-arrest in any position - back, stomach, head up, head down, and to build and remove ice anchors. After learning the basics of ice anchors and their removal we will climb a moderate multi-pitch route. Day two and three we move to steeper and more challenging terrain, using two axes and front points

Emphasis will be placed on efficient movement over diverse snow and ice terrain, awareness of objective hazards, rope management and better understanding the demands of climbing in winter. Other topics covered will include knots, belaying, rappelling and proper use of equipment. Low ratios mean you will get more time to climb and more personalized instruction. Upon completion of this course you will be a better second for an experienced leader. Before taking this course check out the Ice Climbing photo gallery, it features some of the routes you will be climbing.

Dates:

December 27-29; January 9-11; January 23-25, February 14-16; February 17-19; February 20-22; March 6-8

Cost:

$750 (private); $525 (group of two); $420 (group of three) *all prices per person