Since 1974, International Mountain Climbing School has welcomed adventurers to New Hampshire’s storied White Mountains. AMGA-certified guides—Everest veterans, teachers, and lifelong locals—share more than 200 years of collective ...
Since 1974, International Mountain Climbing School has welcomed adventurers to New Hampshire’s storied White Mountains. AMGA-certified guides—Everest veterans, teachers, and lifelong locals—share more than 200 years of collective ...
The guides here consistently earn praise for their ability to work with everyone from nervous beginners to advanced climbers pushing their limits. Paul, Ryan, Conrad, and the rest of the team get mentioned repeatedly for being patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely skilled at adapting to different needs. Families with young kids and those with special needs specifically highlight how well the guides adjust their approach, creating successful days for everyone involved. The booking process is smooth, and staff members go out of their way to match clients with the right guide for their situation. What really stands out is the range of expertise available. College groups come back year after year for stress-free trips, intermediate climbers get pushed to tackle bigger objectives like Moby Grape, and complete beginners leave feeling proud of what they accomplished. The technical courses, from top rope setting to big wall climbing, receive the same high marks for thoughtful instruction and real-world application. Cathedral Ledge and other White Mountain locations provide the perfect backdrop, and guides clearly know how to select routes that challenge without overwhelming their clients.
I always have a great experience with IMCS and most recently had an amazing amazing day summiting Mt Washington, with Mickey as my guide. It was my first time at Washington in any season + my first winter ascent of a >4k footer + my first time mountaineering again after an ACL reconstruction. Mickey was phenomenal. Not only was he super fun to talk to, but he checked in often on how my knee/stamina was feeling and he was very encouraging throughout the day; everything felt well catered to my experience and comfort level. The route (Lions head winter route) was somewhat technical given recent weather; several groups turned around or seemed unprepared, but thanks to Mickey’s skill/problem solving, I had an easygoing of a time as possible and I felt more than prepared (particularly gear-wise). The day was also well tailored towards my goals (educational/returning to mountaineering) with Mickey sharing his experiences and answering my many many questions. I left feeling that he was incredibly qualified and knowledgeable. Generally a perfect day (basically no wind at the summit!); I couldn’t have asked for a better reintroduction to mountaineering and wouldn’t hesitate to have him guide me again!!
Jenn Mori
March 22, 2026
I always have a great experience with IMCS and most recently had an amazing amazing day summiting Mt Washington, with Mickey as my guide. It was my first time at Washington in any season + my first winter ascent of a >4k footer + my first time mountaineering again after an ACL reconstruction. Mickey was phenomenal. Not only was he super fun to talk to, but he checked in often on how my knee/stamina was feeling and he was very encouraging throughout the day; everything felt well catered to my experience and comfort level. The route (Lions head winter route) was somewhat technical given recent weather; several groups turned around or seemed unprepared, but thanks to Mickey’s skill/problem solving, I had an easygoing of a time as possible and I felt more than prepared (particularly gear-wise). The day was also well tailored towards my goals (educational/returning to mountaineering) with Mickey sharing his experiences and answering my many many questions. I left feeling that he was incredibly qualified and knowledgeable. Generally a perfect day (basically no wind at the summit!); I couldn’t have asked for a better reintroduction to mountaineering and wouldn’t hesitate to have him guide me again!!
Jenn Mori
March 22, 2026