CONWAY CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Undercling the Curtain: Mixed Climbing on Conway’s Granite and Ice
An advanced 1–2 day course in Conway teaching gymnastic mixed rock-and-ice techniques — a concise guide for climbers expanding alpine toolwork and transition skills.
Undercling the Curtain: Mixed Climbing on Conway’s Granite and Ice.
Imagine stemming wide over a rock overhang, placing a crampon into the pocket of a vertical ice curtain while the other foot finds a razor edge in perfect granite — underclinging with a gloved hand and reaching to hook an ice tool into thin cracks above. This advanced mixed climbing course in Conway trains those exact moves, teaching climbers to navigate the M-graded, rock-and-ice terrain they are likely to meet in Huntington Ravine and the bigger alpine objectives beyond.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Gymnastic M-grade Toolwork
You’ll learn the specific, gymnastic motions of mixed climbing: placing crampons on vertical ice, underclinging, and hooking ice tools in thin cracks — skills central to modern mixed routes.
Granite Meets Vertical Ice
The curriculum emphasizes transitions between solid granite and vertical ice—techniques that prepare climbers for the mixed pitches found in Huntington Ravine and similar alpine terrain.
Sharpen Your Alpinist Skillset
An advanced-level course designed to fold mixed climbing into every mountaineer’s toolbox, with the explicit aim of making participants more capable on routes that combine rock, snow and ice.
What the day feels like
What the Course Feels Like
The day moves between focused technical drills and on-route practice: precise crampon placements on ice, dynamic tool placements, and body positions that marry rock and ice technique. Expect progressive work on M-graded moves that demand balance, strength and calm over complex terrain.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Offered as a concise 1- or 2-day course; schedule depends on chosen program length and conditions.
Expect to use and carry technical mixed-climbing gear—crampons and ice tools are central, plus warm gloves and alpine clothing suited to rock-and-ice work.
Program is run in the Conway area by the International Mountain Climbing School (course details and logistics provided by the operator).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the course take?
The program is offered as a 1- or 2-day course.
What skills will I learn?
You’ll master mixed techniques: crampon placements on vertical ice, underclinging, ice-tool hooking and M-grade specific movements to link rock and ice sections.
Where does the training take place?
The course is based in Conway, New Hampshire, with training that reflects the mixed terrain of Huntington Ravine and similar alpine environments.
Who runs the course?
The International Mountain Climbing School operates this mixed climbing program.
Is this suitable for beginners?
No — this is explicitly an advanced-level course and is intended for climbers who already have significant technical experience.
What gear will I use?
Participants will use technical mixed-climbing gear; crampons and ice tools are specifically emphasized along with appropriate gloves and alpine clothing.