CONWAY CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Get Ready for Ice Season: Dry Tooling on Conway’s Steep Lines
A focused day of instruction from IMCS guides Jeni Calzaretta and guest pro Zac St. Jules teaching the techniques, ethics, and progression of dry tooling.
Get Ready for Ice Season: Dry Tooling on Conway’s Steep Lines.
Adventure brief
Get Ready for Ice Season: Dry Tooling on Conway’s Steep Lines
Dry tooling in Conway distills climbing to its sharpest elements: tool placements, precise footwork and body position practiced on rock and mixed terrain under the tutelage of experienced guides. Led by International Mountain Climbing School guide Jeni Calzaretta with guest pro Zac St. Jules, the course walks participants through fundamentals and advanced techniques that translate directly to steep, technical routes.
Situated in the rugged White Mountains near Conway, New Hampshire, dry tooling offers a distinctive climbing adventure that blends the precision of rock climbing with the powerful grip of ice axes on non-icy surfaces. This thrilling hybrid discipline challenges climbers to ascend steep rock faces using ice tools and crampons, replicating the motions of ice climbing but on bare rock. Led by expert guides Jeni Calzaretta and professional climber Zac St. Jules from the International Mountain Climbing School, this experience is designed for climbers eager to push their technical skills in a dynamic, high-energy environment.
The White Mountains are a cornerstone of outdoor sport climbing on the East Coast, featuring rugged granite faces, sharp edges, and a complex geology that provides ideal testing grounds for dry tooling moves. This activity takes place on carefully chosen routes that highlight vertical and overhanging terrain, demanding precise tool placement and body positioning. Climbers will be coached on essential techniques, such as swinging and hooking with ice tools, transitioning between holds, and proper crampon footwork to maintain balance and conserve energy. Beginners can expect a gradual introduction to fundamentals, while advanced participants refine their approach to tackling more powerful sequences.
What makes this experience unique to the Conway area is the blend of classic White Mountain granite excellence with ice climbing equipment, opening a new realm of movement and opportunity during shoulder seasons when ice is scarce. The International Mountain Climbing School has established a reputation for delivering safe, expert instruction tailored to individual skill levels, supported by decades of local experience.
Beyond the climb, visitors can enjoy the surrounding landscape filled with dense forests, ancient pine trees, and the fresh mountain air characteristic of New Hampshire’s wild wilderness. The region is steeped in climbing history, with its longstanding culture of alpine adventure dating back to the early 20th century. For visitors staying in Conway, the town offers access to cozy lodging, local eateries, and a welcoming outdoor community.
If you are looking for a challenging and innovative climbing experience that goes beyond traditional rock or ice climbing, dry tooling in the White Mountains offers just that. It’s perfect for climbers craving a technical edge and eager to expand their skill set in a prime Northeastern climbing hotspot.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Snapshot
A sequence of briefing, skill stations and progressive climbs outlines the day.
Meet & Brief
Gather at the designated meeting point for gear distribution, safety briefing and course overview before heading to the practice area.
Fundamentals & Drills
Guides teach precision tool placements, balance and body positioning through station drills and short routes.
Advanced Technique Practice
Participants progress to hooking, torquing and steeper sections with guided coaching and feedback.
Wrap‑up & Departure
A final debrief and return to the meeting point conclude the day.
Previous climbing experience is recommended though not mandatory; participants should be prepared for physically demanding movement and follow guide instruction for safety and possible on‑site adjustments.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Guided technique progression from fundamentals to hooking and torquing
Instruction begins with precision placements, balance and body positioning before advancing into specialized moves—hooking, torquing and other techniques—so climbers can tackle steeper, more demanding lines under guided supervision.
Coached by IMCS guide Jeni Calzaretta and pro climber Zac St. Jules
The program is led by International Mountain Climbing School guide Jeni Calzaretta with guest guide Zac St. Jules of Forecast Equipment, offering both instructional clarity and professional insight.
A day of hands‑on practice on dry and mixed terrain
Designed as a full day of on‑route instruction and skill practice, the course pairs drills with real climbing so participants can immediately apply new techniques to steep routes.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day unfolds as structured instruction and hands‑on practice: a briefing and skills primer, repeated drills to ingrain placements and stance, coached attempts on progressively steeper terrain, and technique refinement led by guides who demonstrate and correct in real time. The focus is practical—building efficiency with tools and crampons so moves become second nature on demanding lines.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course provides all technical equipment; participants should bring weather‑appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear and personal layers for a full day outdoors.
Technical gear for dry tooling is included as part of the course offering.
Participants assemble at the listed meeting point before moving to the instruction area.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who leads the course?
The program is led by IMCS guide Jeni Calzaretta with guest pro climber Zac St. Jules.
Is prior climbing experience required?
Previous climbing experience is recommended but not mandatory.
Is equipment provided?
All technical equipment is included with the course.
Where do participants meet?
The meeting location is 2733 White Mountain Hwy.
What will I learn during the day?
Participants learn fundamentals like precision placements, balance and body positioning and progress to advanced techniques such as hooking and torquing to climb steeper routes.
Who operates the course?
The course is offered by the International Mountain Climbing School.
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: 2026-08-10T12:59:00.901Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.