Keeping in view the value of adventure sports, the present Institute was established in 1961 at Manali as the Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (WHMI). The institute was later named as the Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports and more than 80,000 people have been trained in different adventure activities since its inception. Training is imparted under the guidance of 22 experienced instructors (including four Everesters) who have extensive experience in Skiing and Mountaineering in Himalayas, Alps, (France) and Norway.

The Institute has 100 employees. It has a spacious campus with administrative offices, a modern auditorium, lecture rooms, library, kitchen, dining hall and hostel accommodation for 300 and teenage accommodation for 250 participants. There is also fitness training area and meteorological observatory post. The Institute has established 9 training centres all over Himachal Pradesh to provide adventure tourism training to the locals and others from all over the country and abroad.

The institute has been organising National Winter Games Championships, Summer Skiing competitions, White water Rafting and Kayaking competitions, Water Regatta, Mountaineering expeditions, Mountain rescue etc. regularly. Institute has produced a good number of mountaineers and skiers of National and International eminence. The institute has played a major role towards the promotion and development of adventure tourism.

The State of Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the most progressive Himalayan States in the country. Its three major potentials are Hydro -electricity; Horticulture and Adventure Tourism.

The mighty Himalayan range passes through the complete State of Himachal Pradesh and thus it offers the most scenic view comprising of lofty snow covered mountains, glaciers, mountain streams, green open valleys with kilometers long pasture slopes, thick coniferous forests and pollution free climate round the year. Millions of people from all over the country and abroad visit Himachal Pradesh every year. Following features / points make the State of Himachal Pradesh as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole Himalayan Range

(a) Serene scenic beauty
(b) Salubrious climate
(c) Peaceful co-existence
(d) Developed means of transportation and communication within the 
     State.
(e) Close proximity to the National Capital - Delhi
(f)  Progressive attitude of local population
(g) Facilities for adventure sports / tourism like Mountaineering, 
     Trekking, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Skiing,
     Water Sports (Kayaking and Rafting), Angling, Aero Sports 
     (Paragliding and hang gliding), Jeep Safaris, Bird and Wildlife 
     Watching
(h)  Variable rich local heritage, culture in different valleys.
(i)   Famous State and National festivals.