Intro to Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing is more about balance and technique rather than strength, so if you are in average physical condition, you should have no problems.

Our goal is to make you feel comfortable with the equipment, techniques and height. Our guides will make sure you go only as high as you feel comfortable.

IMCS PROVIDES ALL TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT FOR ALL SEASONS INCLUDING ROCK CLIMBING SHOES, PLASTIC DOUBLE BOOTS, HARNESS, HELMET, CRAMPONS, AND ICE AXES.

You Provide (required equipment)

Clothing is as important a piece of equipment as your boots and ice axe. Hypothermia is the leading cause of death in the White Mountains. Being properly dressed is essential to enjoying your outdoor adventures. Layering is an important part of winter. If your sweat isn’t wicked away from your body for quicker evaporation, your body core temperature rises, producing more sweat. Sweat is what causes chills, chafing, and excess use of energy. When your body is not wasting energy producing heat to warm you up or producing sweat to cool you down, you will have more energy to hike and climb. This means more energy and endurance to go further, faster, and more comfortably in all types of weather. Remember, you have to carry all your clothing with you, so packing efficiently is important. If you can’t wear it all at once, don’t bring it. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call us. We expect that you will be dressed and ready to go upon arrival to your lesson.

*Indicates rental item is available from the climbing school or retail store. Please call us to discuss rental needs before your arrival date.

Base Layers Light to mid-weight synthetics, tight fitting and close to skin, tops and bottoms.

Over-Base Layer Light-weight fleece or heavy-weight Techwick®. Power-Stretch and micro-fleece are ideal materials for this layer.

*Insulation Layer 200 to 300 weight fleece, heavy weight soft shell or Prima-Loft sweater jacket.

*Wind and Rain Layer Waterproof/breathable pants and jacket, jacket with full waterproof/breathable hood, full side zip pants are helpful.

*Over-It-All A.K.A. “Puffy” (Hooded, Down or Prima-Loft Jacket)

Gloves 3 pairs: 1 pair ski/ice climbing gloves, 1 pair of Mittens, 1 pair fleece or liner gloves. Waterproof/breathable is ideal.

Fleece Hat One that will fit under a helmet.

*Backpack 2500-4000 cubic inches

Wool/Synthetic Socks Smart Wool Trekking Sock or heavy weight hiking weight. Some people like wicking liners too.

*Gaiters Should fit around entire calf and be able to fit over a plastic ice climbing boot including your pant layers.

Balaclava Fleece or wool is preferable, leave the neoprene for the face mask.

Neoprene Face Mask

Ski Goggles

Headlamp LED is preferable.

Lunch Peanut butter and jelly, left-over pizza, etc.

Snacks Trail mix and energy bars.

Water Wide-mouth bottle, 2+ liters a minimum.

Sunwear Sunglasses and Sun-block.

Helpful Hints If you are doing a multi-day program remember all this gear needs to dry overnight. If it will not dry over night please bring extra for the following day(s).If there is anything on this list that you need to pick up, we’ll give you a 10% discount here at the IME shop.

• camera (point and shoot rather than SLR)
• light-weight thermos (1 liter max, with a hot drink in it)
• water bottle insulator (old “clean” socks work well)
• hand/foot warmers
• trekking poles
• money for souvenirs! (IMCS t-shirts, travel mugs, ceramic mugs and water bottles available)

Our group size for standard lesson is a maximum of 3.

We offer scheduled courses, clinics and trips for climbers of all levels of experience and ability. All of the climbing programs we offer may be booked by private arrangement for individuals or groups. Private guiding allows your needs to be addressed in a personalized manner and has proven to be an excellent way for individuals and groups to learn at your own pace. Our guides are flexible and love a new adventure–tell us what you want to accomplish during your time with us and if conditions allow, we’ll deliver!

If you sign up for a group lesson you may be matched with people of similar abilities, if you choose a private lesson, it will be just you and the guide, and a semi-private lesson would be 2 of you and the guide.

IMCS is locally owned. We hire only top quality guides and our emphasis is always on your safety and enjoyment. We offer climbing trips, treks and expeditions throughout the world, led by New England legend Rick Wilcox. Rick has led over 30 successful climbs, including the first New England ascent of Mt Everest.

We have been guiding and teaching climbing for over 30 years. Our guides are fully trained by us, most have AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certifications, are members of the Mountain Rescue Service Elite Team, and have Wilderness First Aid Training.

While tipping is a personal choice, it is never expected but always appreciated. Our guides work hard keeping you safe and making sure you have a great experience. If you felt you had a great day, a tip is generally customary, if not, please let the management know, it is our job to make sure we maintain the highest standards.