CONWAY CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Glacier Travel Skills & Crevasse Rescue: Two Days of Hard Skills in Conway
A focused 1–2 day IMCS course that teaches knots, roped travel, glacier navigation and crevasse extrication—practical training that prepares climbers for summer objectives like Alaska, Mt. Rainier and the Alps.
Glacier Travel Skills & Crevasse Rescue: Two Days of Hard Skills in Conway.
Adventure brief
Glacier Travel Skills & Crevasse Rescue: Two Days of Hard Skills in Conway
Set in Conway, New Hampshire, this intensive clinic from the International Mountain Climbing School consolidates the fundamentals of glacier travel into hands‑on instruction: knots and friction hitches, roped travel techniques, self‑arrest, snow and ice anchors, and practical extrication. Taught by IMCS senior guides with extensive glacier experience worldwide, the course is structured to give aspiring mountaineers the core skills they’ll rely on in glaciated terrain.
Join the International Mountain Climbing School in Conway, New Hampshire, for an intensive two-day Glacier Travel Skills & Crevasse Rescue course designed to elevate your mountaineering capabilities. Under the guidance of seasoned IMCS senior guides, this hands-on experience teaches vital techniques such as knot tying, roped glacier travel, and crevasse rescue protocols. These skills are essential for anyone planning to explore glaciers safely, whether in the rugged peaks of Alaska or the European Alps. Participants start with foundational rope management and glacier navigation exercises before advancing to more complex rescue scenarios that prepare you for real-world challenges. Located in a prime learning environment close to the White Mountains, this course offers climbers an opportunity to train on snowfields that simulate real glacier conditions, blending safety with adventure. Whether you're preparing for your first alpine expedition or sharpening existing skills, this course at Conway sets you up with the confidence and knowledge you need for summer mountaineering trips. With a focus on safety and technique, IMCS creates a supportive learning atmosphere tailored to each participant’s pace and experience, making it an essential step for aspiring or experienced climbers.
Route Schematic
Course schematic
The clinic alternates short instruction blocks with on‑snow practice to build competence across core skills.
Classroom briefing & knot work
Introductory session covering essential knots and friction hitches, and the rigging concepts you’ll apply on the snow.
Roped travel and glacier navigation
Hands‑on practice moving as a rope team, glacier travel techniques and route‑finding across snowfields.
Anchors, self‑arrest and crevasse extrication
Construction of snow and ice anchors, self‑arrest practice, and staged extrication drills to rehearse rescuing a climber from a crevasse.
The course is a practical skills program aimed at developing the techniques needed to move safely over glaciers and around crevasses; participants should be prepared for technical, hands‑on training and to follow guide instruction.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Senior IMCS guides with global glacier experience
All instruction is delivered by IMCS senior guides who bring extensive climbing and glacier experience from around the world, ensuring techniques are taught to real‑world standards.
Knots, hitches, anchors and rope travel
The course focuses on the practical ‘nuts and bolts’: knots and friction hitches, roped travel methods, self‑arrest, and building snow and ice anchors—skills practiced until they become second nature.
A practical primer for glaciated objectives
Designed as preparation for summer mountaineering, the training sharpens the techniques you’ll need for travel and crevasse rescue on targets such as Alaska, Mt. Rainier, the Alps and other glaciated ranges.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
This is an intensive, hands‑on curriculum delivered over one or two days that emphasizes practical repetition: short, focused briefings followed by field practice of rope systems, movement on snow and ice, anchor construction and staged extrication drills. The approach is direct and technical—aimed at giving climbers a usable skill set for glacier travel rather than abstract theory.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this clinic—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The curriculum is presented as preparation for summer mountaineering objectives, with course options of one or two days depending on your needs.
Specific gear details are provided at booking; contact the operator to confirm equipment requirements for snow and ice work.
Pricing is listed by format: one‑day and two‑day options in private or semi‑private formats. Starting prices include One Day Private at $350 and Two Day Private at $625; semi‑private rates are higher—call to book.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
Course options are one or two days in duration.
What skills are taught?
Instruction covers knots, friction hitches, roped travel techniques, self‑arrest, snow and ice anchors, and extrication (crevasse rescue) techniques.
Who teaches the course?
All instruction is provided by IMCS senior guides with extensive glacier experience around the world.
What are the costs?
Rates vary by length and group format. Example rates include One Day Private $350, One Day Semi‑Private $500, Two Day Private $625, Two Day Semi‑Private $950.
How do I reserve a spot?
The program notes 'Call to Book'—contact the operator to reserve your date and confirm format and gear needs.
Is this course suitable for someone planning an Alpine or Alaskan trip?
Yes—this training is presented explicitly as preparation for summer objectives such as Alaska, Mt. Rainier, the Alps and South America.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:59:05.353Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.