2011 NOLS Course Catalog

T H E L E A D E R I N W I L D E R N E S S E D U C AT I O N | 2 0 11
Where in the world could a NOLS course take you? In addition to our classic 13 bases around the globe, we've added NOLS Northeast to our offerings this year, and the fall of
2011 will likely mark NOLS' return to Africa.
Front cover: Student Lydia Ode backpacks through the iconic tussock grasses of © Copyright NOLS, August 2010 • Printed in Portland, Oregon, on
New Zealand's South Island. Big Hill Range; Photo by Fredrik Norrsell Forest Stewardship Council certified recycled paper with soy-based
Back cover: Students traverse a ridge toward their lofty goal: Mt. Baker's summit. ink. For more about our environmental commitment, see page 110.
North Cascades, Washington; Photo by Madhu Chikkaraju Produced by NOLS in Lander, Wyoming.
A special thanks to all the NOLS instructors and students who captured their NOLS
adventures on camera for this year’s catalog! If you’d like to submit your course photos,
email publications@nols.edu to find out how.
WELCOME
TO OUR WORLD.
Welcome from the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Leader in Wilderness Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Core Curriculum and Leadership Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Alumni Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Faculty and Support Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
College Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Course Finder: Your Place at NOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Courses by Operating Area
NOLS Rocky Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
NOLS Teton Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
NOLS Pacific Northwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
NOLS Southwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
NOLS Northeast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
NOLS Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
NOLS Yukon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
NOLS Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
NOLS TANZANIA/AFRICA •• NOLS TANZANIA
NOLS Patagonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
NOLS Amazon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
NOLS India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
NOLS Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
NOLS New Zealand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
NOLS Scandinavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Custom Courses by NOLS Professional Training . . . . . . . 96
Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Become a NOLS Instructor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Course Dates and Tuitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Environmental Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Alumni Benefits and Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Risk Management at NOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Application and Admission Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
NOLS Course Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
1
This page: Abe Goodale, Photos opposite: Brad Christensen
WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR
In a world consumed by technology and modernization it has become easy and commonplace
to forget about our natural surroundings. Convenience and comfort have become the norm,
and our connection to nature has suffered. At NOLS, students get excited about leaving those
amenities behind and experiencing our planet by learning in a hands-on setting.
Instead of taking a passive role in your life, come to NOLS to learn through experi-
ential education how to be a real leader in this world. We'll show you the value of being
an active participant rather than a static observer. For over 45 years NOLS has been lead-
ing trips into the wilderness, and students have continually returned home with the tools
needed to succeed in their lives to come.
By summiting tall mountains or descending exhilarating whitewater, by climbing steep
“
COME TO NOLS TO
LEARN THROUGH
EXPERIENTIAL
crags or exploring deep caves, NOLS will provide the support you’ll need to find success.
Throughout your course you will be challenged as well as taught to turn those challenges into
opportunities. You will become a leader in your own life and connected to the natural world
around you. Your strengths will become noticeable and you’ll harness the ability to confront
EDUCATION HOW your weaknesses. No matter your skill level or experience, NOLS has a course for you.
What we do here at NOLS is take the path less traveled; we choose to explore and
TO BE A REAL embark on adventures that change lives. So grab your pack and join us this year for an
LEADER IN THIS educational trip that you’ll talk about for the rest of your life!
WORLD.
” John Gans
NOLS Executive Director
NOLS Board of Trustees | Tori Murden McClure, Chair • F. Fox Benton III, Vice Chair • Jane F. Fried, Secretary • Kei Yamamoto,
Treasurer • Joseph P. Allen • Douglas E. Dalquist • AJ Grant • Jay Jacobs • Jonathan Kleisner • William C. Murdock • Robert W. Nimmo
• Herbert G. Ogden, M.D., Medical Advisor • Michelle Sarti • Edward M. Schmults • Diana McCargo • Kate Gunness Williams • Amy E.
Wyss • Joan K. Chitiea, Trustee Emeritus • Homer L. Luther, Chairman Emeritus • Gene R. Tremblay, Chairman Emeritus
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is a private, nonprofit, educational corporation. NOLS is an organization described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all contributions to NOLS are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Facing Page: The learning process doesn't stop with the setting sun as students dig into their wilderness library in the darkness of their tents. Wind River Range, Wyoming
3
WHAT MAKES NOLS THE LEADER IN WILDERNESS EDUCATION?
Jamie O'Donnell
Abe Goodale
Roo Riley
Left: Grow with your coursemates to become confident and successful leaders. Hyland River, Yukon. Center: Figuring it out. That peak is right....here. Wind River Range, Wyoming.
Right: Experiential education means hands-on, relevant lessons. North Cascades, Washington. Facing page: With NOLS, the vast ocean wilderness could be your next
classroom. Baja California, Mexico
Experience. More than 45 years of it, in NOLS DEVELOPS LEADERS. We attract highly motivated students who want to learn
how to lead. And that’s just what happens—our graduates find success whether at school,
fact. Founded in 1965 by legendary moun- at play, or at work.
taineer Paul Petzoldt, NOLS takes people of all
NOLS IS THE SKILLS SCHOOL. Our hands-on, learn-by-doing approach means that our
ages on real wilderness expeditions, teaching graduates get the skills they need to be competent, responsible wilderness travelers long
after their course is over.
outdoor skills, leadership, and environmen-
tal ethics in some of the world’s wildest and NOLS EXPLORES REMOTE WILDERNESS ON EXTENDED EXPEDITIONS AND SHAPES
WILDERNESS ETHICS. What NOLS teaches cannot be learned in a classroom or on a city
most awe-inspiring classrooms. With courses street. It takes practice to learn outdoor skills and time to develop leadership. The wilder-
ness provides the ideal setting for this unique education.
ranging from ten days to a full academic year,
students learn the skills necessary to be com- NOLS TEACHES REAL LIFE LESSONS THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION. More
than 95% of NOLS students say they’ll use what they learned at NOLS in other aspects
petent, responsible wilderness travelers and of life. In fact, NOLS graduates value their education so much that 97% of them recom-
mend NOLS to a friend.
leaders long after their course is over.
AT NOLS, YOU’LL GET THE SUPPORT OF THE BEST FACULTY AND SUPPORT STAFF
IN WILDERNESS EDUCATION. NOLS instructors get their start at other outdoor pro-
grams and then, after a competitive selection process and training by NOLS, they are
ready to instruct for us.
NOLS’ COLLEGE CREDIT AND FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS ARE UNPARALLELED IN

WILDERNESS EDUCATION. More than $1 million in scholarship aid is available every
year for eligible NOLS students. In addition, more than 75% of NOLS students who are
of college age take a NOLS course for college credit. Students have successfully transferred
credits to over 400 colleges around the country.
NOLS EMBRACES DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION. NOLS is committed to ensuring an

environment in which inclusion is a fundamental value. We welcome students from a wide
variety of backgrounds regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion
or belief systems, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status,
prior outdoor experience, or economic standing.
4 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

Abe Goodale
5
NOWHERE BUT NOLS. NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW.
Abe Goodale
The core curriculum at NOLS is made up WHAT WE TEACH:
of four integral parts: leadership, outdoor LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
skills, environmental studies, and risk manage- The 4-7-1 Leadership Model • Leave No Trace camping and resource protection
• Four leadership roles • Natural history: animal and plant identification,
ment. Every course at NOLS uses these ele- • Seven leadership skills astronomy, weather, and geology
• Your signature leadership style • Regional environmental issues
ments as a foundation, and the lessons learned • Function and organization of land management
OUTDOOR SKILLS agencies
within this framework in the backcountry are • Sustainability of ecological, social, and economic
• Equipment care and selection
• Ration planning systems
lessons that will be transferred to your everyday
• Preparing nutritious meals using a camp stove • Wilderness ethics and practices for everyday life
life—at home, at work, and at play. Whether it's and fire RISK MANAGEMENT
• Staying warm and dry
a long, stormy hiking day or a long, stormy • Route-finding, navigation, map reading, and • Health and comfort maintenance
compass use • Wilderness injury prevention and treatment
recession, you’ll have the tools to endure, to • Campsite selection • Judgment and decision-making
• Sanitation and waste disposal • Identification and mitigation of subjective and
overcome, and to succeed. objective risks
• Emergency procedures
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

"NOLS was critical to the development of my..."
ABILITY TO SERVE IN A LEADERSHIP ROLE
ABILITY TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
ABILITY TO WORK AS A TEAM MEMBER
ABILITY TO PLAN AND ORGANIZE
ABILITY TO GET ALONG WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE
ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
OUTDOOR SKILLS
COOKING SKILLS
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON HOW LIFE CAN BE SIMPLER
DESIRE TO BE IN THE OUTDOORS
APPRECIATION OF NATURE
ABILITY TO MAKE INFORMED AND THOUGHTFUL DECISIONS
ABILITY TO MANAGE CONFLICTS WITH OTHERS
0 VERY FALSE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 VERY TRUE 10
Average survey responses from graduates of NOLS wilderness, adventure, and semester courses.
Adapted from: Sibthorp, J., Paisley, K., Furman, N., & Gookin, J. 2008. Long-term impacts attributed to participation
in wilderness education: Preliminary findings from NOLS. Research in Outdoor Education, 9, 86-102. See the full
study at www.outdooredcoalition.org/research08.htm.

Ignacio Grez
Above: Each member of every expedition is utilizing parts of the 4-7-1 leadership model no matter what end of the rope they're on. Powell Glacier, Alaska. Facing page: Learn
how to care for our environment, yourself, and those around you while exploring nature's beauty. Wind River Range, Wyoming
“ LEADERSHIP IS SITUATIONALLY APPROPRIATE ACTION THAT DIRECTS OR GUIDES

YOUR GROUP TO SET AND ACHIEVE GOALS. OTHER PROGRAMS TALK ABOUT
LEADERSHIP—AT NOLS, YOU’LL DO IT!
John Kanengieter, NOLS Director for Leadership
4 Leadership Roles
”
On every successful expedition, each member of the team fills a variety of leadership roles
Designated Leadership in order to achieve the group's ultimate goals. There are four types of leadership at NOLS, and
Self Leadership all are equally important.
Peer Leadership
Active Followership The seven leadership skills are a holistic skill set that needs to be applied situationally and
in combination with each other and the four leadership roles. A NOLS graduate should be able
7 Leadership Skills to incorporate these skills into their everyday behavior in both the backcountry and at home.
Expedition Behavior
Competence Signature style is the leadership style that works best for you as an individual. This style is
Communication based on your multiple intelligences, learning preferences, social intelligence, conflict management
Judgment & Decision-Making
styles, and other personal strengths and preferences. While taking on the four different leadership
Tolerance for Adversity & Uncertainty
roles and honing the seven basic leadership skills, your signature leadership style will have a
Vision & Action
Self-Awareness chance to shine. Come discover your style with NOLS.
1 Signature Style
7
Fredrik Norrsell
NOLS
DEVELOPS
Stephen Shames
Facing page: NOLS' leadership curriculum will give
LEADERS.
you the tools and confidence to become a leader in your
own life as well as the lives of others. Hurunui River, New
Zealand. Above: NOLS grad Jabali Sawicki credits his
NOLS education to his success as principal of the Excel-
lence Boys Charter School (left) in Brooklyn, New York.
Albert Vecerka
A CONVERSATION WITH JABALI SAWICKI

Principal, Excellence Boys Charter School; Alaska Backpacking ’93
J abali Sawicki is the founding principal of Excellence Boys Charter School in

Brooklyn, New York, an all-boys K-8 charter school with a student body that is
99 percent African American. As a graduate of a 1993 NOLS Alaska Backpacking
dence and presence of mind. There is no
work more urgent than what we’re doing
at Excellence Boys. Working with an all-
course, Jabali does everything possible to expose his boys to the outdoors. He also boys population is challenging, but being
believes that NOLS introduced him to the leadership skills that have made Excel- aware of my own strengths and weak-
lence Boys one of the highest performing schools in New York. Here he reflects on nesses as a leader has helped me to better
his NOLS experience and how it has led him to where he is today: serve our scholars and our families.”
What was the most important leadership learned from my NOLS instructors to be How did you first hear about NOLS?
lesson you gained from NOLS? “I think of present, aware, and calm. In those mo- “I heard about NOLS through Summer
leadership in the context of being a part ments of calmness we learn to identify Search, a program that connects inner
of something bigger than myself. My how we can impact change and how we city students of color with leadership
NOLS experience helped me understand can identify solutions.” opportunities while they are in high
what it meant to be part of a team; it school. I was 16-years-old when I took
taught me that group efforts and mission How do you apply these leadership lessons my NOLS course. Initially I was more
are often bigger than my own personal in your everyday life? “Being a principal is interested in doing some community
efforts and mission. Excellence Boys a pretty demanding job, and working at service projects in a warm tropical envi-
Charter School is only able to function an urban school with the expectations of ronment, but when I was encouraged to
as a school because we connect our work being high performing means we move do something that would challenge me
as school leaders and teachers to the at a pretty frantic pace. I feel like I am and push me beyond my limits, I went
work and beliefs of families, the larger able to calmly and peacefully deal with with NOLS.”
community, and national education re- anything that comes my way. After hav-
form. That perspective is something that ing carried a heavy pack up a mountain, Hear more from Jabali on leadership,
my NOLS course fundamentally altered I’m able to face the smaller things that education, and NOLS at NOLS.TV.
in a very positive and profound way. I might have made me anxious with confi-
9
NOLS IS THE SKILLS SCHOOL.
Be prepared to use your NOLS skills for the rest of your life. Below: NOLS grad Shane Young dropped what he
was doing and went to Haiti to provide aid after the 2010 earthquake.
Photos courtesy of Shane Young

A CONVERSATION WITH SHANE YOUNG
Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, wilderness firefighter, and humanitarian; WEMT '09
A n Eagle Scout and captain of his high school track and field team, Shane Young
has always been a leader. After graduating from Georgetown University in 2008,
Shane spent a year camping and backpacking, culminating with a Wilderness Emer-
buying lunch from him. On day one, the
money in my pocket bought me one six-
inch sandwich. On day 30, after I had
gency Medical Technician (WEMT) course with the Wilderness Medicine Institute of administered to the medical needs of the
NOLS in 2009. As fate would have it, he was newly trained when a devastating earth- vendor and several of his family members,
quake struck weeks later in Haiti. Shane credits NOLS for instilling in him the skills I was able to buy a 15-inch sandwich and
and confidence to drop everything to go to Haiti and “be useful.” After this experience, three sodas for the same price. Plus, I am
he now feels even more prepared for his next adventure as a wilderness firefighter. now the vendor’s newborn child’s godfa-
ther. My NOLS training was the bridge
What was most memorable about your tion outside a damaged hospital building to this new friendship.”
WEMT course? “The most memorable where we could treat patients; set up all
part was the mass casualty rescue scenar- the supplies and equipment such as medi- Would you recommend NOLS to others, and
io, a plane crash, especially because of the cations, bandages and gloves; triaged pa- why? “Of course! At NOLS, you find
real-life makeup and the fact that some of tients as they arrived on site; instructed yourself learning alongside others with
the ‘patients,’ who were fellow students, them on keeping hydrated in the hot en- similar interests in the outdoors, and in
were amazing actors, making us truly be- vironment; dealt with major wound care; my case, classmates who were interested
lieve they were injured.” and had considerable leeway to diagnose in knowing how to rescue someone in the
and treat due to my WEMT skills.” backcountry. But above all, the teachers—
What technical skills did you transfer to who included people who had worked at
your volunteer work in Haiti? “Even arriv- If there was a single experience in Haiti that high altitude camps on Denali and Ever-
ing three weeks after the quake, I applied left you feeling truly rewarded, what would est—had firsthand knowledge and expe-
nearly all of my WEMT skills. I took the that be? “When I arrived in Haiti, I found rience and were truly inspiring. I can’t
lead in establishing a safe and clean loca- an amazing sandwich vendor and started imagine anyone better to learn from.”

Photo courtesy of Ellie Johnston
Learn what it takes to care for our wild places and develop a strong wilderness ethic with NOLS. Above: Grad Ellie Johnston in her element. Huascarán National Park, Peru
NOLS EXPLORES REMOTE BACKCOUNTRY ON EXTENDED

EXPEDITIONS AND SHAPES WILDERNESS ETHICS.
What wilderness concepts did you take
A CONVERSATION WITH ELLIE JOHNSTON
away from NOLS? “The Leave No Trace
University of North Carolina-Asheville, biology major; Semester in the Pacific Northwest '05
principles taught at NOLS helped me
to draw the relationship between my ac-
tions and their effects in a way that was
I t has been six years since Ellie Johnston’s NOLS course and she continues to dem-
onstrate and implement the leadership training and wilderness ethics she learned in
the backcountry. Committed to fighting climate change, she has been an active leader
more concrete than any lessons previously
taught to me within four walls. For me,
on campus as a part of the UNC Asheville Student Government Association, as well as the wilderness setting provides both inspi-
with organizations such as Active Students for a Healthy Environment and the South- ration and reflection for whenever I return
ern Energy Network. In 2010, Ellie attended the UN Climate Change Conference in to our built environments.”
Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of the SustainUS youth delegation.
Would you recommend NOLS to others,
How did your NOLS course lead to your issues at the campus, community, state, and why? “Since my course, I’ve always
participation in wilderness advocacy? regional, and international levels.” been quick to recommend NOLS to oth-
“The impacts from my NOLS course ers. With the average person increasingly
are intertwined into all aspects of my How did living and learning in the wilder- spending the vast majority of their lives
life today. I did my NOLS course dur- ness inspire you? “The experience of being indoors, it is invaluable to have opportuni-
ing a critical part of my life, right after in the wilderness for many continuous days ties like NOLS for people to get outside
high school graduation, which for me always renews my appreciation of the vast and learn about the world that we depend
was a time when the lessons of self-aware- interconnections that people have with the on. Without first knowing the world
ness were very new. I think without my natural world. This awareness has been es- around us, how can we know when it is
NOLS experience I wouldn’t have taken sential to my motivation in working to en- irrevocably lost?”
the amount of initiative that I have in the sure our needs as a species do not continue
past few years in working around climate to outstrip the world’s natural limits.”
11
NOLS TEACHES Photo courtesy of Erica Perez
REAL LIFE
LESSONS THROUGH
Tracy Baynes/STEP
EXPERIENTIAL
EDUCATION.
A NOLS education is an education that sticks. NOLS grad Erica Perez went from her NOLS courses in Alaska (above
and facing page) to the U.S. Naval Academy (left) with confidence and capability.
A CONVERSATION WITH ERICA PEREZ

Midshipman, U.S. Naval Academy; STEP Expedition '07 & '08
R aised in Los Angeles, Erica Perez didn’t realize until she paddled for three weeks
along the pristine Alaskan coastline with NOLS that she was passionate about
the outdoors, and more importantly, that she was destined to be a leader. She learned
me. A lot of the things they were telling
me, like ‘you can’t get through this place
alone’ were the same things my NOLS
valuable technical skills at NOLS, but she says the most important lessons she learned instructors told me.”
were those she gained from dealing with real situations that had real consequences.
Since her first NOLS course, Erica has repeatedly embraced those lessons, has continu- Did your NOLS experience have any part in
ally challenged herself, and is now in her second year at the U.S. Naval Academy. your decision to attend the Naval Academy?
“Absolutely. The whole ‘getting out of your
What was it like to learn in the field ver- kan wilderness, not having a cell phone
element’ experience of NOLS gave me the
sus in the traditional classroom? “I never on me, getting through arguments with
courage to take on a challenge like the Na-
struggled in the classroom, but being in my group—being able to overcome all of
val Academy. When I was accepted, I knew
the field really tested me. To learn leader- that made me realize I could overcome
I would be challenged physically and aca-
ship you need to be placed out of your ele- anything. My self-esteem, self-confidence,
demically. I am going to face certain dilem-
ment and in an challenging situation and and courage grew as a result of NOLS.”
mas where I have to learn to do the right
overcome that situation, which is what my
thing, and do it honorably. I have never had
NOLS course was all about. How have you used your NOLS experience at
anyone in my family do military fieldwork,
the Naval Academy? “Our Plebe Summer
but I wanted to do something big, which
What were some of the lessons you took exercises were very similar to NOLS les-
came from my NOLS experience.”
away from your course? “The course was sons. In the mornings we would engage
a blast, but also challenging. My growth in drills that were purposefully designed
NOLS partners with the Student Expedition
as a person was much greater than any of so that you couldn’t get through them on
Program (STEP) to provide skills and lead-
the technical skills I learned. I grew up your own. It is required that you bond
ership training to underprivileged, college-
in Los Angeles, surrounded by buildings, with people around you and work togeth-
bound youth (www.stepexpedition.org).
and never left the city. Being in the Alas- er as a team. That was a big flashback for

Tracy Baynes/STEP
13
NOLS Environmental NOLS Curriculum and Research:
Stewardship and Sustainability:
Curriculum
You’ll achieve because NOLS constantly
NOLS doesn’t just explore the fine-tunes its educational program based
Remot backcountry, we have a department of on research and 45 years of experience.
e dedicated staff working to protect it.
THE WILDERNESS MEDICINE
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NOLS Alumni and Development:
NOLS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROVIDES
Through strong relationships with T 97% of our graduates
CUSTOM LEADERSHIP TRAINING our alumni, we further our mission N recommend NOLS
and support scholarships, research,
E
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F O R B U S I N E S S E S , S C H O O L S , A N D O R G A N I Z AT I O N S . and capital improvements for our U
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their NOLS education to other Tr
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OUR VALUES
NOLS: STUDENT CENTERED, VALUES DRIVEN WILDERNESS EDUCATION
THE MISSION of the National Outdoor LEADERSHIP SAFETY COMMUNITY
EXCELLENCE
Leadership School is to be the leading source STUDENT TO INSTRUCTOR RATIO 5:1
and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership ORIGINAL DATA 1965
that serve people and the environment. CONTOUR INTERVAL 30 DAYS NOLS BOARD OF TRUSTEES AJ-JK-BP SERIES EDITION REVISED 2010
NOLS GIVES YOU THE BEST FACULTY AND

SUPPORT STAFF IN WILDERNESS EDUCATION.
BEST STAFF, BEST RESULTS NOLS’ strength is its staff of nearly 800 individuals
worldwide, every one of them dedicated to delivering high quality wilderness education.
They are driven by the school’s mission and inspired by our graduates who are active, posi-
tive leaders with environmental ethics and outdoor skills.
Fredrik Norrsell
THE BEST SUPPORT NOLS support staff take care of all those little details that make
your NOLS experience a great adventure: great gear properly fit; good, nutritious food and
plenty of it; awe-inspiring backcountry; cutting-edge curriculum; and industry-leading
risk management. This attention to detail means that NOLS consistently delivers the
most fun and educational wilderness adventures available anywhere.
THE BEST INSTRUCTORS NOLS is without peer when it comes to selecting and train-
Fredrik Norrsell
ing our instructional staff. NOLS instructors get their start at other outdoor programs.
After gaining experience and a competitive selection process, they are ready for NOLS
instructor training and an apprenticeship. Only then are they able to teach for NOLS
and even that is just the beginning. NOLS instructors can participate in more than 60
instructor seminars to further hone their skills and, with help from the NOLS Instructor
Providing food, gear, and logistics, NOLS in-town staff
will help you depart for your course and support the Development Fund, they embark on ambitious expeditions worldwide. Their training and
success of your backcountry adventure. NOLS Alaska experience means that you’ll learn skills, develop leadership, and have the time of your life!

NOLS AND WMI FIELD STAFF ARE A DIVERSE BUNCH OF OVER 500 INSTRUCTORS!
HERE ARE A FEW YOU MIGHT RUN INTO:
TYSON LEHMANN EMILY LEDINGHAM

NOLS Instructor since 2008 NOLS Instructor since 2008
WMI Instructor since 2004 Emily worked in town at NOLS Yukon and NOLS
A native Australian absconded to Canada, Tyson Mexico before becoming an instructor. She has
has worked NOLS field courses in locations rang- since worked hiking, mountaineering, canoeing,
ing from the Gila to the Himalayas. He spent years and winter ski courses. When she is not in the
working in the global outdoor industry before field, Emily works for a nonprofit in Vancouver
NOLS, and when not instructing, he works as a that provides outreach to at-risk women.
flight medic.
SAM TALUCCI
MADHU CHIKKARAJU NOLS Instructor since 1992
NOLS Instructor since 2006 A grad from 1977 and an instructor for 18 years,
Madhu has over 100 weeks of NOLS field experi- Sam is a staple at NOLS. His most memorable
ence as a hiking, climbing, and mountaineering moments vary from seeing a mountain lion in the
instructor in locations worldwide. Known for his middle of the day to watching a sunrise with stu-
creativity, this native of Bangalore, India, teaches dents to listening to his own children’s stories of
students how to pack for the field using Bolly- their NOLS adventures.
Madhu Chikkaraju by Tony Jewell, Margo van den Berg by Nick Cross, Sam Talucci by Rich Brame, all other photos courtesy of staff member profiled.
wood dancing skills.

LIZA HOWARD
CLAIR PARRISH NOLS and WMI Instructor since 2003
NOLS Instructor since 2003 A nurse, a mom, and an ultramarathon runner,
Clair was a second-grade teacher and lacrosse this ever-humble Texas native was in the spotlight
coach in Virginia for eight years before she moved last year when she came in second at the Rocky
to Wyoming and became a full-time NOLS in- Raccoon 100-mile race. The word is she took six
structor. She now has over 100 weeks in the field, hours less this year because she didn’t have to
is mentoring others on NOLS Instructor Courses, stop every 20 miles to nurse her baby. So Liza is
and enjoys bringing her bag of costumes on stu- also a supermom, to boot.
dent courses just to keep things interesting.
BRAD SWANDER
CLAUDIO VEGA NOLS Instructor since 2001
NOLS Instructor since 2007 After spending time in the Navy and with the
Claudio began his career with NOLS by volunteer- National Park Service, Brad came to NOLS to
ing in the NOLS Patagonia issue room. Four years teach hiking courses in Alaska and the South-
later, he has taught whitewater paddling in Utah west. An electrical engineer and electrician by
and Idaho, canoeing in Brazil, and sea kayaking in trade, Brad takes special pleasure in being the
Patagonia. A native Chilean, Claudio travels and “fix-it” guy for NOLS Alaska and special projects
paddles as much as he is able, holds a degree in coordinator for NOLS Southwest when he’s not in
hotel management, and is carnivorous in his diet. the field.
LENA CONLAN MARGO VAN DEN BERG

NOLS Instructor since 1986 NOLS Instructor since 2006
WMI Instructor since 1999 Margo was born and raised in the Netherlands,
Lena considered herself a climber 25 years ago, went to college in Ireland, and finished graduate
but NOLS Mexico needed sea kayaking instruc- school in New York. She has devoted herself to
tors so she seized the opportunity. When NOLS what makes her happy: a simpler outdoor life-
began operating in Scandinavia in 2008, Lena style, rock climbing, and tango.
helped the sea kayaking program off to a suc-
cessful start. For more staff bios, visit
www.nols.edu/about/profiles
15
COLLEGE CREDIT
Betsy Winston
Every NOLS course is approved for college UNIVERSITY OF UTAH UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE CREDIT
credit and more than 75% of our college- • Concepts in Biology: Natural History of Regional Ecosystems
• Natural Resources Learning: Environmental Ethics
age students take advantage of this option. • Natural Resources Learning: Leadership Techniques
• Natural Resources Learning: Skills Practicum
For nearly 30 years NOLS has offered credit • Risk Assessment, Management, and Decision-Making
through the University of Utah, one of the • Wilderness First Responder
• Expedition Behavior
nation’s premier research universities. Further- • Outdoor Education
more, 400 colleges and universities nation- These courses are offered through the University’s departments of Biology; Health Edu-
cation; and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Details are available from the NOLS Ad-
wide have accepted NOLS/University of Utah mission office. This optional college credit is $65 per credit hour.
credit, and many others grant their own credit ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS NOLS and Central Wyoming College (CWC) in Ri-
verton, Wyoming, have partnered to offer two degree programs:
for NOLS courses. We also offer two associate
• Associate of Science in Environmental Science and Leadership: During the NOLS por-
degrees in partnership with Central Wyoming tion of this degree program, you’ll develop environmental awareness and conservation
College and have many direct credit and ar- ethics. At CWC you’ll complement this with a classic natural science education.
• Associate of Arts in Outdoor Education and Leadership: Designed for students interested in
ticulation agreements with other colleges and careers in outdoor education or environmental education and activism, this degree program
combines one or more NOLS courses with education and liberal arts courses at CWC.
universities around the globe.
DIRECT CREDIT These colleges offer their own credit and process financial aid for a
NOLS education:
Brock University, St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada • Central Wyoming College, Riverton, WY • College of the
Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME • Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI • Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT •
Northland College, Ashland, WI • Ohio State University, Columbus, OH • Penn State University, University
Park, PA • Radford University, Radford, VA • Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, VT • SUNY College of
Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY • SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY • SUNY Plattsburgh,
Plattsburgh, NY • Texas A&M University, College Station, TX • University of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD •
University of Montana-Western, Dillon, MT • University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC,
Canada • University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY • Western State College, Gunnison, CO
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS The following colleges allow the easy transfer of

University of Utah credit and process financial aid for a NOLS education:
Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK • Algonquin College, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada • Aurora Uni-
versity, Aurora, IL • Clemson University, Clemson, SC • Collège Mérici, Québec City, Québec, Canada •
Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY • Houghton College, Houghton, NY • Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY • Kyushu
Contact the NOLS Admission office or Lutheran College, Kyushu, Japan • Northwest College, Powell, WY • Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY •
visit www.nols.edu/courses/credit Quest University Canada, Garibaldi Highlands, BC, Canada • Unity College, Unity, ME • University of Maine,
for more college credit information. Presque Isle, ME • Utah State University, Logan, UT

Betsy Winston
Above: Affording a NOLS course have you tied in knots? We know knots and financial aid; just give us a call. Uspallante River, Patagonia. Facing Page: NOLS college credit
will keep you on track for your educational summit. Cordon Contreras, Patagonia
FINANCIAL AID
A NOLS course is a great value; most of them NOLS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: More than $1 million in scholarship dollars is available
at NOLS every year. Scholarship aid is available to students who are enrolled on a NOLS
cost just $150 per day. The reality, though, is course, show great potential to excel, and would be unable to attend without financial as-
many students must seek assistance to achieve sistance. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.
their educational goals. That’s why we offer a CONSORTIUM AGREEMENTS: Students at a college that accepts credit earned for a NOLS
semester may be able to use their federal financial aid through a consortium agreement
number of different financial aid resources for between NOLS and the college.
our students and their families. Don’t let our FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID AND AMERICORPS: Central Wyoming College (CWC)
processes federal financial aid and AmeriCorps stipends for NOLS students.
price tags turn you away without first asking
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BENEFITS: Many NOLS courses are eligible for VA
about these opportunities.
Benefits. VA refund policies apply.
Contact the NOLS Admission office or visit

www.nols.edu/courses/financialaid
for more information and applications.
17
18
23 & over
21 & over
18 & over
16 & 17 only
17 & over
16 & over
14 &15 years old
November/December
September/October
August
July
June
May
March/April
January/February
Academic Year
Academic Semester
4-6 Weeks
2-3 Weeks
2 Weeks & Under
Culture
Snowboarding
Skiing
Sailing
Sea Kayaking
Rafting
River Kayaking
Canoeing
Horespacking
Caving
Canyon
Mountaineering
•
•
•
•
•
•
WIND RIVER WILDERNESS
Rock Climbing • •
•
WYOMING BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
•
• • •
•
• • •
ABSAROKA BACKPACKING
ADIRONDACK BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
LEARN TO LEAD
• •
• •
IDAHO BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
Fly-Fishing • • • • • •
•
• •
• • • • • •
•
•
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BACKPACKING
•
•
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
•
•
ALASKA BACKPACKING
• •
• •
• • • • • • • • •
YUKON BACKPACKING
•
•
HIMALAYA BACKPACKING
• • • •
AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING
• • •
Backpacking • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
• • • • •
•
SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING
• • •
•
SCANDINAVIA SEA KAYAKING
• • • • •
www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING
•
•
ALASKA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING
COURSE FINDER: YOUR PLACE AT NOLS
•
• • • •
• •
• • • • • •
• • •
• • • • AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING
• •
•
•
NEW ZEALAND BACKPACKING
•
•
•
•
• • • • •
SOUTHEAST ALASKA SEA KAYAKING
• •
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND SEA KAYAKING
• • •
• •
•
• •
BAJA SEA KAYAKING
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
BAJA COASTAL SAILING
• • •
•
•
•
AMAZON BASIN RIVER EXPEDITION
•
• •
• •
ROCKY MOUNTAIN LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING
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•
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• •
SOUTHWEST LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING
•
SALMON BACKPACKING AND RAFTING
• •
• •
• •
•
•
• •
SALMON BACKPACKING AND RAFTING ADVENTURE
MASTER SKILLS
•
•
BROOKS RANGE BACKPACKING
•
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• • • •
BROOKS RANGE BACKPACKING AND RIVER
•
• •
ALASKA BACKPACKING AND PACKRAFTING
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•
• • • • • • • •
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YUKON BACKPACKING AND WILDERNESS CANOEING
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST SEA KAYAKING AND SAILING
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• • • • •
NOLS/ORVIS WILDERNESS FLY-FISHING
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• •
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PATAGONIA BACKPACKING AND FLY-FISHING
•
• •
•
•
•
• • WILDERNESS HORSEPACKING
• • • •
• •
WIND RIVER MOUNTAINEERING
WADDINGTON RANGE MOUNTAINEERING
• • •
•
•
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NORTH CASCADES MOUNTAINEERING
• •
• • •
• • •
•
ALASKA MOUNTAINEERING
• • • • • •
• • • • • •
DENALI MOUNTAINEERING
•
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HIMALAYA MOUNTAINEERING
• •
• • • • • • •
• • •
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PATAGONIA MOUNTAINEERING
•
• • • • • • • •
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ROCK CLIMBING
•
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• •
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• • • • • • • • •
ROCK AND RIVER

PAGE 21 23 22 55 38 41 41 60 65 83 87 95 95 95 58 87 91 57 57 69 69 79 22 47 35 38 61 61 60 65 43 24 73 25 26 42 42 59 59 83 73 26 27
COURSE FINDER
REFINE YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS,
TAKE THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME OR PREPARE
FOR A CAREER IN OUTDOOR EDUCATION.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST OUTDOOR EDUCATOR
ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTDOOR EDUCATOR
SEMESTER IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

SEMESTER FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATORS
WE HAVE A COURSE FOR YOU!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRIP LEADER
SOUTHWEST OUTDOOR EDUCATOR
BACKCOUNTRY SNOWBOARDING
WHITEWATER RIVER EXPEDITION
SEMESTER IN THE SOUTHWEST

ALASKA OUTDOOR EDUCATOR
WINTER OUTDOOR EDUCATOR

YUKON OUTDOOR EDUCATOR
SEMESTER ON THE BORDERS
SEMESTER IN NEW ZEALAND

SEMESTER IN THE ROCKIES
SEMESTER IN THE AMAZON

LEARN TO LEAD
SEMESTER IN THE YUKON
SEMESTER IN PATAGONIA
SEMESTER IN AUSTRALIA
YEAR IN THE SONORAN

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
SEMESTER IN ALASKA
Leadership is what sets NOLS apart from the rest. All NOLS
YEAR IN PATAGONIA
SEMESTER IN INDIA
SEMESTER IN BAJA
courses will teach you the skills to lead others long after you’ve
graduated, but these courses give students the greatest chance to
put their leadership skills to work with numerous student leader-
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WANT MORE?
of-the-day and independent student travel opportunities.
27 36 37 24 43 41 47 58 65 36 28 32 44 48 50 62 66 70 74 80 84 88 92 76 52 MASTER SKILLS
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Since 1965 people have come to NOLS to learn the skills they need
• • • • • • • • to climb mountains, run rivers, and ski deep backcountry powder.
• • Our extended expedition format means you’ll have time to truly
• • master the skills you learn. NOLS is the premier skills school and
• • • • • • • • • • these courses give you what you need to be a competent, respon-
• • • • • sible wilderness enthusiast.
• ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
• • • • • • • • Get outdoors and get paid for it. These courses are designed for
• • classroom teachers who want to expand the traditional classroom,
• • • outdoors people who want to develop their teaching skills, and
• • • • • • • • • • students from college outdoor education programs.
• • • • •
• • • • WANT MORE?
Three to five months of outdoor living, college credit, and much
•
more. The outdoor semester and the outdoor year are uniquely
• • • • • • • •
NOLS. Spending several months as a part of an expedition means
• • • you’ll be both a leader and an active follower, practicing commu-
• • • nication, conflict resolution, and decision-making. You will return
• • • • • home changed. Most students on NOLS semesters or years come
• • • • • • • • • • • • • on hiatus from their college campus or as a gap year between high
• • school and college. Adult learners are also taking a longer NOLS
• • • • • • • • • • • • experience as a time-out between careers.
• • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • Having trouble deciding? We have NOLS grads standing by to
• • • • • • • • • • answer your questions. Call 1-800-710-NOLS or log on to www.nols.edu
to chat with our admissions officers and student service representatives.
• • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • Can’t find a course that matches your needs?
• • • • • • • • • • • • Contact NOLS Professional Training about custom
• • • • • • • • • • • courses for your group or organization. See page 97
for details or call 1-800-710-NOLS, ext. 3.
• • Planning your own outing or training for a field

• • • • • • • job? Be prepared for backcountry emergencies with the
leader in wilderness medicine education, the Wilderness
Medicine Institute of NOLS. See page 101 for details or
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
call, you guessed it, 1-800-710-NOLS, ext. 4.
•
•
19
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Jamie O’Donnell

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
The first NOLS courses ventured into the wilderness here over 45 years ago. Generations of students have been explor-
ing the stunning glacier-carved granite cirques of the famous Wind River Mountains, the sprawling meadows and deep
rivers of the Absarokas, and the hidden red canyons of Utah’s slickrock country with NOLS Rocky Mountain. The
heart of our operation is in Lander, Wyoming, the small town that NOLS founder Paul Petzoldt handpicked in 1965 as
the base of operations for his innovative outdoor school. We also operate the Three Peaks Ranch in Boulder, Wyoming.
Set on the western edge of the Wind Rivers, this working ranch is where we run our horsepacking courses and re-supply
other courses on horseback. Our river base in Vernal, Utah, specializes in whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.
With a wide range of course offerings and exquisite landscapes, being here—backpacking, climbing, skiing, scrambling,
exploring, and paddling—is what NOLS is all about.
Josh Beckner
Become a leader as you and your coursemates learn to live in and navigate through Wyoming’s wilderness. Cathedral Cirque, Wyoming
WIND RIVER WILDERNESS

This is the original NOLS course and the most popular expedition
we offer. For 30 days, you’ll explore the Wind River Mountains, a
wilderness range renowned for its pristine lakes and rugged moun-
tain beauty. After carrying a pack efficiently loaded with every-
thing you need to the top of your first high mountain pass, you’ll
descend into a glacial valley and help lead your hiking group to
camp. You and your peers will take turns baking pizzas over a
camp stove and catching cutthroat trout for dinner. At night, a
star-filled sky will shroud your tent as you rest for the next stimu-
lating day of exploration and learning. In addition to hiking as
many as 120 miles on and off trail, you’ll fly-fish, learn how to use
a GPS, summit towering granite mountains, and may have an op-
portunity to rock climb. The leadership skills you master here will
serve you well in the wilderness and beyond.
D E TA I L S
Features world-famous Orvis™ fly-fishing curriculum and gear.
Matt Sime
Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 30 days

16 & 17 Only • Duration: 30 days
23 & Over • Average age: 35 • Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $4,035 (16 & Over); $4,400 (16 & 17 Only); $3,310 (23 & Over)
Above: Step outside the typical classroom and learn in a beautiful setting that makes Optional College Credit: 2 hours each Environmental Ethics, Leadership Techniques,
going to class an adventure. Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming Skills Practicum (16 & Over; 16 & 17 Only); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Facing page: Explore the pristine beauty of Wyoming’s mountains. Coon Lake, Wind Dates: page 105
River Range, Wyoming
21
“
NOLS WAS A GREAT TRANSITION TO COLLEGE. EVERYTHING NOLS TEACHES YOU
IS PERFECT FOR FRESHMAN YEAR. AFTER YOU DO NOLS, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.
Eliza Kern, Student at University of North Carolina, Wind River Wilderness ’08
See more of Eliza at www.nols.tv ”
Ryan Hutchins-Cabibi
Abe Goodale
Big wilderness instills a deep appreciation for how important your actions really are. Cut your pack weight and explore miles of pristine Wyoming wilderness on a NOLS
Younts Peak, Absaroka Range, Wyoming Lightweight Backpacking course. Fremont Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming
ABSAROKA BACKPACKING ROCKY MOUNTAIN LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING

Yellowstone National Park’s wild eastern neighbor is Wyoming’s Let us help you lighten your load. The first lightweight backpack-
Absaroka (Ab-sor-ka) Range, a vast wilderness region with some of ing course in the world of outdoor education is in its sixth year
the most remote territory in the Lower 48. You will travel through at NOLS. Partnering with GoLite to provide cutting-edge equip-
broad river valleys surrounded by sheer glacier-carved cliffs, camp ment, we will help you shave ounces for this lightweight back-
under towering conifers, and hike across alpine plateaus where the country adventure. Outfitted with 25- to 30-pound packs (10–15
tallest plants are only a few inches high. You will hone your fly- pounds without food and fuel), you and your coursemates will
fishing cast, ford high mountain rivers, practice GPS and com- be off to one of Wyoming’s most remote and wild ranges—such
pass navigation, and learn how to camp and travel in bear country. as the Wind Rivers, the Big Horns, the Absarokas, or the Bear-
Along with grizzlies, other fauna you are likely to see include eagles, tooths—to enjoy the wilderness as you never thought imaginable,
bighorn sheep, elk, moose, black bears, coyote, and recently rein- without the burden of a heavy load. Plan to learn innovative light-
troduced gray wolves. For students craving remote, rugged land weight techniques like cooking one-pot meals and staying warm
filled with wildlife, this is your course. In the Absarokas, you will and dry with minimal gear while honing traditional backpacking
live the leadership lessons you need to travel skillfully and safely in skills like navigation and Leave No Trace. After two weeks, you’ll
the mountains long after your course ends. have the knowledge and skills to plan and execute your own light-
weight adventures. How light can you go?
D E TA I L S
Features world-famous Orvis™ fly-fishing curriculum and gear. D E TA I L S
Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 30 days Age and Length: 23 & Over • Average age: 37 • Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $3,945 Tuition: $3,325
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum
2 hours Skills Practicum Dates: page 105
Dates: page 105

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Abe Goodale
Environmental education comes to life when you’re smack in the middle of it. Wind River Range, Wyoming
WYOMING BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

FOR 14- AND 15-YEAR-OLDS
A Wyoming Backpacking Adventure is a true wilderness expe-
dition designed for young people. For the entire 30 days of the
course, your mode of travel will be your own two feet. You will
be with students your own age, and your instructors are skilled
educators who value teaching young adults. Gain independence
and take responsibility for yourself and your companions. When
you get back home, you will have the skills to enjoy outdoor activi-
ties on your own and the leadership qualities to help you advance
in the classroom, on the playing fields, or anywhere you want to
succeed. Having fun, learning about the outdoors, rock climbing,
fly-fishing, exploring beautiful places, and achieving goals you
never thought possible—your summer adventure with NOLS is
Rainbow Weinstock
about to begin!
D E TA I L S
Age and Length: 14 & 15 Only • Duration: 30 days
Tuition: $4,925
Dates: page 105
Students plan the day’s route in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains. Dinwoody Cirque
23
“
I SEE LEADERSHIP AS TWO THINGS: SEEING WHERE YOU WANT TO GO AND GUIDING
YOURSELF TOWARD IT. I THINK NOLS, BEYOND THE PRACTICAL THINGS WE LEARNED WHILE
WE WERE THERE, TAUGHT ME THAT I HAD THE ABILITY TO DO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.
E.
Tom Scott, Founder of Nantucket Nectars and Plum TV, Semester in the Rockies ’98
See more of Tom at www.nols.tv ”
Rainbow Weinstock
Kevin Emery
Learn from the best: Instructor Madhu Chikkaraju demonstrates bouldering skills. Excited by his catch, instructor Kevin Emery decides between catch-and-release or
Deep Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming dinner. Snake River, Idaho
ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: NOLS/ORVISTM WILDERNESS FLY-FISHING

BACKPACKING WITH ROCK CLIMBING OR WFR This mix of mountain expedition skills, leadership, and fly-fishing is
NOLS specializes in teaching teachers. In fact, we have been in- any angler’s dream. Orvis guides will teach you the fly-fishing skills
spiring and teaching outdoor educators for 45 years. On this you need to be an ace on the water while your NOLS instructors
course, whether you’re an aspiring or current outdoor leader, you’ll turn you into an outdoor living expert. After an intensive three-day
learn the latest skills and techniques from some of the best-trained fly-fishing seminar to help you perfect your cast, learn to “match the
outdoor educators in the world in order to support you in your hatch,” and read the water, you’ll shoulder your pack and head into
outdoor profession. This course offers either a 23-day backpack- the Wind River Mountains for a 21-day wilderness backpacking
ing expedition that includes four days of rock climbing at a base and fishing expedition where cutthroat, brook, brown, golden, and
camp or a 30-day backpacking expedition that includes a Wilder- rainbow trout abound. Your course will end on a world-renowned
ness First Responder (WFR) certification. Both formats are packed trout-fishing river with an Orvis-certified guide for five days of per-
with how-tos on living, traveling, and leading groups in the back- sonal instruction in drift boat handling, rowing techniques, and big
country. Granite peaks that reach 13,000 feet, rugged terrain, and water fishing. By the end of this monthlong course you will be a
high mountain lakes and rivers will teach you what it takes to lead high functioning member of any fly-fishing expedition.
and educate others in the West’s rugged ranges and beyond.
D E TA I L S
D E TA I L S Features world-famous Orvis™ fly-fishing curriculum and gear.
Features world-famous Orvis™ fly-fishing curriculum and gear. Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 30 days
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 27 • Duration: 23 days (with rock climb- Tuition: $6,500
ing) or 30 days (with WFR; no rock climbing) Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators 2 hours Skills Practicum
Tuition: $3,385 (23 days); $4,870 (30 days) Dates: page 105
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Risk Management (23 days);
2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Risk Management, 3 hours WFR (30 days)
Dates: page 105

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Jeff Wohl
Yearning for a Western adventure? There’s nothing quite like exploring Wyoming on the back of a horse. Lizard Head Meadows, Wind River Range, Wyoming
WILDERNESS HORSEPACKING
There’s nothing quite like seeing the wilderness on horseback.
We’ll take you from the NOLS-owned and -operated Three Peaks
Ranch into the wilderness of the Wind River Range and immerse
you in the basics of Western horsepacking skills—care and feeding,
horse behavior and herd dynamics, tack, saddling, and riding—
and other unique experiences of packing and traveling with horses.
You’ll care for your saddle horse and work together with a partner
to load and lead your packhorse. You’ll also be in charge of your
own well-being in the backcountry, learning how to choose a good
campsite and cook a good meal. Share this wilderness experience
not only with your fellow students and instructors, but also with
the worthy companionship of horses.
D E TA I L S
Age and Length:
Becca Parkinson

Tuition: $4,930 (16 & Over); $3,330 (23 & Over)
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum, 2 hours Environmental Ethics
(16 & Over); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Dates: page 105
Tie on your bedroll and explore the West on horseback, crossing rivers and climbing
to beautiful vistas. Red Desert, Wyoming
25
“
MY 19-YEAR-OLD TOOK A NORTH CASCADES MOUNTAINEERING COURSE, AND MY 17-YEAR-OLD WHO WENT ON
M
THE ROCK CLIMBING COURSE IN THE WIND RIVERS LAST SUMMER, JUST SIGNED UP FOR A RIVER EXPEDITION
NEXT. SO, YES, OUR FAMILY LOVES NOLS. WE CONSIDER NOLS TO BE THE IVY LEAGUE OF OUTDOOR PROGRAMS.
Sue Lovelace, Parent of NOLS Grads Anne and Katie Lovelace
S
S.
”
Dane Sherstad
Andy Davis
Work together as a team to accomplish great feats. Yukon Learn about the gear and techniques that are necessary to successfully climb Wyoming’s rock walls. Fremont Canyon,
Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming Wyoming
WIND RIVER MOUNTAINEERING ROCK CLIMBING

The rugged, glacier-carved Wind River Range is famous for its This backcountry climbing expedition is a comprehensive immer-
granite headwalls, soaring spires, and towering 13,000-foot sum- sion into the sport of traditional (“trad”) rock climbing. You’ll
mits covered with rock and surrounded by glaciers. This remote learn the fundamentals of climbing as well as backcountry living
range is also famous for mountaineering expeditions that have a and travel skills amidst some of Wyoming’s famous sheer granite
perfect blend of glacier travel, snow ascents, and rock climbing. walls and towering spires. Your instructors will emphasize skills
You’ll learn fundamental mountaineering skills such as belaying, such as movement on rock, rope systems, anchors, rappelling and
rappelling, climbing techniques, and anchor construction—all belaying, protection placement, risk management, and lead climb-
while traveling over, around, and through the rocky, steep terrain ing philosophy. You’ll have ample opportunity to practice your
of the Wind Rivers. Your route will allow you to learn rock, snow, climbing skills as you develop a strong foundation in wilderness
and ice climbing techniques that will lead to longer, more tech- ethics away from the frontcountry crags. With a student to in-
nical climbs such as the 13,804-foot Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s structor ratio of 4:1, you’ll get the personal attention necessary to
highest mountain. At the same time, you’ll master the camping, develop your climbing and backcountry skills rapidly.
hiking, and leadership skills necessary to thrive in the mountain
environment and beyond. D E TA I L S
Age and Length:
D E TA I L S 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 21 or 30 days
Features world-famous Orvis™ fly-fishing curriculum and gear. 16 & 17 Only • Duration: 21 days
Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 30 days Tuition: $4,150 (21 days); $5,030 (30 days)
Tuition: $4,290 Optional College Credit: 2 hours each Skills Practicum, Risk Management (21 days);
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Skills Practicum, 2 hours each Environmental Ethics, Skills Practicum, Risk Management (30 days)
2 hours Risk Management Dates: page 105
Dates: page 105

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Ashley Wise
The river is your classroom as you learn the skills to navigate some of the West’s most exciting whitewater. Hell’s Half Mile Rapid, Gates of Lodore, Green River, Colorado
ROCK AND RIVER WHITEWATER RIVER EXPEDITION

Imagine learning two skills in two very different wilderness envi- Imagine expeditioning 125 miles through the breathtaking canyons
ronments: the stunning crags of Wyoming and the whitewater of of Utah and Colorado’s wild Green River, the birthplace of white-
Utah and Colorado’s Green River. The climbing section in either water boating. This course offers a thorough introduction to travel
Sinks Canyon outside Lander, Wyoming, or Vedauwoo near Lara- skills on the same river that launched General John Wesley Powell’s
mie, Wyoming, explores granite, limestone, and sandstone rock famous 1869 expedition. You’ll learn to kayak, captain a paddle raft,
as well as stunning scenery. You’ll learn movement on rock, knots, and row an oar rig as you negotiate the whitewater of Desolation and
rope handling, belaying, anchors, protection placement, tradition- Lodore canyons. You begin in calm water and progress to moving
al and sport climbing systems, rappelling, and risk management. If water, learning increasingly advanced maneuvers. As the canyons
you are ready, experience the thrill of being on the sharp end of the get steeper and the rapids get bigger, instruction shifts to hydrology,
rope while lead climbing. The second component of your course hazard evaluation, and rescue techniques. Rapids like Disaster Falls
will take you through Green River’s Desolation and Gray canyons, and Hell’s Half-Mile, named by Powell himself, offer exciting chal-
where you’ll get the chance to row an oar rig, captain a paddle raft, lenges while exploring this magnificent river.
and steer a whitewater kayak—all through Class I–III+ rapids.
You’ll live and travel within the canyon’s sandstone walls rimmed D E TA I L S
with sage and piñon pine, experiencing what it takes to organize Tuition: $3,705
and lead your own river trips. Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 105
D E TA I L S
Tuition: $5,520
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Dates: page 105
27
SEMESTER IN
The Rockies
NOLS INVENTED THE OUTDOOR SEMESTER,
and this course is where it all began. A Rockies
Semester will take you on a Wild West “tour de
force” while giving you a complete set of skills
to lead and teach in the backcountry, whether
in the field of outdoor education or with your
own friends and family. Our grads are among
the most well-rounded and self-sufficient back-
Parkinson
country travelers in the world. Learn to paddle
Becca O’Donnell
a canoe down a class-III rapid, make sound
Jamie
first aid decisions miles from the nearest road,
Spend a semester in the Rocky Mountains and every day will be hands-on, from learning to climb to developing
and navigate through winding slot canyons.
good expedition behavior with your coursemates. Wind River Range, Wyoming
You’ll see some of the great American West’s
most treasured spots, carving a telemark turn ROCK CLIMBING (all seasons) This fast-paced section takes place in some of the West’s
most famous climbing areas, from Nevada’s Red Rocks to Idaho’s City of Rocks and the
through the winter wilderness on one section Needles in South Dakota. It begins with a foundation of skills such as bouldering, belay-
ing, rappelling, knots, and climbing techniques. We’ll also emphasize advanced topics
and jamming your hands into cracks while such as anchor construction, direct aid, belay escapes, and gear selection. If you’re ready,
climbing one of Wyoming’s world-class crags there will also be opportunities to lead climb.
on the next. Because the Rockies are a hotspot RIVER TRAVEL (all seasons) This multi-day expedition through Utah’s scenic river can-
yons will introduce you to the fun and excitement of whitewater. Whether in a kayak, a
for outdoor activities, this semester offers a va- canoe, an oar raft, or a paddle raft, you’ll learn to read the water, scout rapids, and execute
riety of skill sets, allowing students to choose maneuvers such as eddy-turns, peel-outs, and ferries. Depending on your craft, advanced
skills such as surfing, playboating, raft captaining, and solo canoeing will also be taught
the combinations they prefer. and practiced on this very hands-on section.
WINTER (fall and spring option) The Rocky Mountains’ harsh and beautiful winter
environment will create some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your
semester. After breaking trail from camp to camp, you’ll “dig in,” building a snow shelter
for you and your coursemates to camp in. Much time will also be devoted to practicing
your telemark turn on backcountry slopes and assessing snow and avalanche conditions.
CANYON (fall and spring) Developing and expanding your own leadership style and en-
Muderlak
CraigO’Donnell
vironmental ethics are the focus of this section, which culminates in a multi-day, student-
led expedition. You will travel through the unmistakable red rock canyons of southern
Utah where you’ll study Anasazi rock art and ruins, desert ecology, and land-use policies.
Jamie
Fried pasta, calzones, and scrambled brownies: A BACKPACKING (summer and fall option) Map reading, route finding, cooking, and
few of the delicacies you’ll cook at NOLS. Snake River Leave No Trace practices will become second nature as you travel through Wyoming’s
Range, Idaho
Wind River or Absaroka ranges. Advanced topics covered on this section include fly-fish-
Facing page: The canyon walls are your handrails ing, baking, off-trail navigation, GPS use, and environmental ethics.
while navigating and map reading. Sam’s Mesa Box,
Dirty Devil Canyon, Utah Semester in the Rockies sections continued on page 30

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
29
Ashley Wise
SEMESTER IN
The Rockies
Marco O’Donnell
PascalO’Donnell
Beauvais
Jamie Johnson
Jamie
Instructor Alexis Alloway assesses the snowpack and level of avalanche hazard before a day of winter travel. Tosi
Creek Basin, Bridger-Teton National Park, Wyoming
Continued from page 28

MOUNTAINEERING (fall option only) The rugged glacier-carved Wind River Range is
the ideal environment for learning wilderness mountaineering. The climbing, belaying, and
rappelling skills you’ll learn on this section will enable you to challenge yourself on technical
peak ascents while honing other fundamental backcountry living and traveling skills.
HORSEPACKING (spring option only) From NOLS’ Three Peaks Ranch at the base of
the Wind River Range, you’ll learn and practice the skills needed to enjoy an extended
horsepacking expedition. Four days at the ranch encompass saddling, riding, packing,
and getting to know your horses, then you’ll embark on a two-week trip exploring Wyo-
Pascal Beauvais
ming’s wilderness on horseback.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) (fall and spring option) The Wilderness Medicine In-
stitute of NOLS (WMI) presents this 16-hour section specific to wilderness emergencies.
The course is the approved certification for the American Camp Association, the United
States Forest Service, and many other governmental agencies and outdoor programs.
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) (fall and spring option) Offered by WMI
of NOLS, this 80-hour section is for outdoor professionals and will give you the tools to
make sound first aid and evacuation decisions in remote settings.
LEAVE NO TRACE (all seasons) Earn your Leave No Trace (LNT) Master certification,
which will allow you to teach LNT ethics to others in the future.
D E TA I L S SPRING SUMMER FALL

Craig Muderlak
Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 87 days (spring); 68 days (summer); 89 days (fall)
Tuition: $11,510 (spring); $12,275 (spring with WFR); $10,510 (summer); $11,775(fall); $12,525 (fall with WFR)
Fall and Spring Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership
Techniques, 6 hours Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management; 3 credit hours for sections with WFR
Summer Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
6 hours Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Learn to tape an ankle, perfect your tele turn, and nail Dates and Sections: page 105
a roll in a kayak: Do it all on a NOLS semester. Absorka
Range, Wyoming; Gros Ventre Mountains, Wyoming;
Green River, Utah
Are you between high school and college?
Facing page: Awe-inspiring landscapes help you to GAP There’s a special Semester in the Rockies for you!
!
reflect on all your new experiences. Green River, Utah YEAR
See page 105 for dates labeled “Gap.”

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
31
Shanan Sussman
SEMESTER FOR
Outdoor Educators
THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN LEARN
about outdoor education indoors. That’s why
we’ve created the NOLS Semester for Outdoor
Educators, a chance for aspiring and practicing
professional educators and students studying
outdoor education to get into the wilderness and
out of the classroom. This 89-day semester is
jam-packed with an entire curriculum dedicated
Craig Muderlak
to the field of outdoor education. You’ll be with
other professionals and students ages 21 and
older who want to learn outdoor skills and leader-

Winter travel can be daunting, but with the help of your instructors it’s a cinch. Wind River Range, Wyoming
ship as they further develop their teaching skills.
WINTER After a Level I Avalanche seminar and time spent practicing your telemark
This is your chance to translate your theoretical turns at a local ski area, you’ll leave from NOLS’ Three Peaks Ranch for the winter
wonderland of the mountains. Your backcountry skiing ability will progress as you learn
knowledge about outdoor education into reality. practical winter expedition skills like building snow shelters, understanding snow science,
and assessing snow and avalanche conditions.
The NOLS Semester for Outdoor Educa-
tors means more time teaching and more focus CANYON Travel through the red rock canyons of southern Utah for a month as you study
and teach natural history, desert ecology, and land-use policies.
on topics like group management as well as
ROCK CLIMBING You’ll practice teaching basic skills such as bouldering, belaying, and
field and in-town administrative practices. By knots while honing your proficiency in more advanced topics such as anchor construction,
direct aid, and belay escapes.
the end of your semester, you’ll be a competent
backcountry expeditioner, the first step to being BACKPACKING (fall only) An introduction to camping and hiking in the Wind River
Range will kick off the Outdoor Educator Semester in the fall before heading to our Three
ready to work for outdoor educational programs Peaks Ranch for your Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course.
across the country. CANOE (spring only) This multi-day expedition through Utah’s scenic river canyons will
introduce you to the fun and excitement of whitewater in a canoe. You’ll learn how to read the
water, scout rapids, and execute eddy turns, peel-outs, ferries, and basic rescue techniques.
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) Presented by the Wilderness Medicine Insti-

tute of NOLS, this 80-hour section prepares outdoor professionals to make make sound
first aid and evacuation decisions in remote settings.
CERTIFICATIONS In addition to the WFR and Level I Avalanche, you will also earn
Fredrik Norrsell
your Leave No Trace Master certification.
D E TA I L S SPRING FALL
Age and Length: 21 & Over • Average Age: 24 • Duration: 89 days
Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators
Timely feedback and formal evaluations are part of how
Tuition: $12,655 (spring); $12,905 (fall)
NOLS develops leaders. Dirty Devil Wilderness, Utah
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 4 hours
Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management, 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 3 hours WFR
Facing page: Instructor Brad Benter models crack
Dates and Sections: page 105
climbing techniques. Escalante Canyon, Colorado

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
33
Josh Beckner
TETON VALLEY
Matt Burke

Nestled below the western flanks of the magnificent Teton Mountains in Driggs, Idaho, NOLS Teton Valley is our base
TETON VALLEY
for exploring the western Rocky Mountain region. We specialize in winter and combination backpacking and rafting
courses, and we are the hub of the NOLS Adventure programs, offering two-week hiking and four-week hiking and
rafting courses for 14- and 15-year-olds ready for a summer outside. Join us this summer to look out over pristine moun-
tain valleys, hike over Lemhi Pass in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, and raft in the Lower 48’s largest designated
wilderness area when you paddle the wild and scenic Main Salmon River. Come in the winter to ski or ride unparalleled
powder in our Teton classroom where you will develop your avalanche awareness and rekindle your sense of play as you
build shelters made of snow. Discover with NOLS the rugged and intriguing mountains of the Old West—the vast
backcountry of Idaho, Montana, and western Wyoming—as you explore your leadership style.
Elliot Johnston
Whitewater paddling requires communication, teamwork, and technical skills—all part of the NOLS core curriculum. Salmon River, Idaho
SALMON BACKPACKING AND RAFTING

Explore the sculpted peaks of the craggy Lemhis and raft the Main
Salmon River, an exceptional blend of whitewater, wildlife, and
American frontier history. Your 28-day expedition starts with an 18-
day wilderness hiking section. You’ll climb peaks and fish for trout
as you learn to travel through rugged mountain terrain. Group man-
agement in steep terrain and map reading are two of the skills you’ll
learn on your way to becoming a competent backcountry traveler.
Then you’ll swap backpacks for boats. For 10 days you will navigate
the Salmon’s whitewater in paddle rafts and oar rigs, learning strokes,
commands, guiding basics, and advanced maneuvering. The Frank
Church River of No Return Wilderness is home to abundant wildlife,
including gray wolves, peregrine falcons, black bears, and bald eagles.
It is also full of human history and you will have the chance to stop
at one or more of the old homesteads along the river. Following in the
footsteps of mountain men like Buckskin Bill, you too will see great
Craig Muderlak
sights and learn skills for future exploration in the wilderness.
D E TA I L S
At NOLS, you’ll learn to recognize the strengths of every member of the team. Salmon Tuition: $5,335
River, Idaho. Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours Skills Practicum
Facing page: NOLS Teton Valley will be your portal to a winter wilderness. Kitten Ridge,
Dates: page 105
near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
35
“
WHEN YOU PUT YOURSELF IN AN EXTREME ENVIRONMENT, THERE’S ALWAYS GROWTH. MY NOLS COURSE TAUGHT
W
ME THAT AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER IS LIKE OR HOW YOUR
”
GROUP IS INTERACTING, THAT ATTITUDE REALLY MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR OVERALL SUCCESS.
S.
Annie Kiser, NOLS Alumni & Development Office Manager, Yukon Outdoor Educator ’06, Backcountry Skiing ’10
Pascal Beauvais
Craig Muderlak
Come together with other educators and learn to live and teach in the winter environment. Arizona Creek, Wyoming A splitboard and your NOLS instructors will get you to
the untracked powder. Teton Range, Wyoming
WINTER OUTDOOR EDUCATOR BACKCOUNTRY SNOWBOARDING

Designed for practicing and aspiring winter outdoor educators, Are you seeking the exhilaration of a perfect ride in untracked
this course gives you the skills to teach in any winter wilderness. powder? Want to learn the skills to transition from being an area
We begin with five days of workshops, including a Recreational rider to a backcountry boarder? Then come snowboarding with
Level I Avalanche clinic and two days of professional ski instruc- NOLS! You’ll venture through the mountains on your split board,
tion at Grand Targhee Resort. Then we’ll move into the backcoun- improve your snowboarding skills, and learn to be comfortable
try for miles of skiing in pristine powder. You’ll build elaborate and happy outside in the winter. In this snow-covered playground,
snow shelters complete with kitchen counters, benches, and a cozy you’ll learn to travel responsibly in avalanche terrain—an impor-
bedroom. With coaching from your instructors, you’ll teach class- tant skill for riders who want to venture out of ski areas into the
es of your own and be taught by fellow students. For educators untamed snowy wilderness. The adventure starts with snowboard-
of all levels, teaching in the winter will polish your presentation ing instruction at Grand Targhee Resort. Once in the backcoun-
skills and hone your class management. The longest of our winter try, you’ll construct elaborate snow shelters, learn about teamwork,
courses, these 21 days provide some of the best expedition train- and carve turns in fresh powder. Camping and traveling in the
ing at the school, preparing you to camp and lead well in any cold, winter is a lot of hard work, and surfing down the mountain in
snowy environment. knee-deep powder is a very cool reward.
D E TA I L S D E TA I L S
Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators, moderate skiing ability. Tuition: $2,215
Tuition: $2,635 Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Risk Management Dates: page 105
Dates: page 105

TETON VALLEY
Ashley Wise
With expert instruction and plenty of fresh powder, you’ll be linking turns in no time. Teton Valley, Idaho
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING 23-AND-OVER BACKCOUNTRY SKIING

Start with two feet of fresh powder. Now imagine the solitude of a This course is the close cousin of our 17-and-over Backcountry
winter night, the sky blanketed in endless stars. This is backcountry Skiing course. The slightly shorter 12-day format allows for week-
skiing. Living and traveling in this wild environment requires new end travel for those who have limited time to be away from family
skills and offers new challenges. To be a competent backcountry or work. The course begins with the same great ski instruction at
winter traveler, you’ll need a strong foundation in avalanche educa- Grand Targhee Resort, and the first two backcountry nights are
tion. We will teach you the skills and put you in terrain where you spent in a yurt—a semi-permanent soft-walled structure complete
need to make real decisions. This course is also excellent preparation with a wood stove and an outhouse! This allows participants to
for any big mountain expedition where snow and cold are everyday ease into the challenging winter environment and gain quick ac-
factors. You’ll start with two days of skiing instruction at Grand cess to untracked powder skiing. After such relative luxury, the
Targhee Resort before heading into the backcountry with a pack course moves further into the backcountry to build snow shelters,
and sled, where the snow is deep, the tracks are few, and a lifetime of hone avalanche skills, and seek fresh powder.
winter fun is about to begin.
D E TA I L S
D E TA I L S Age and Length: 23 & Over • Average age: 35 • Duration: 12 days
Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 23 • Duration: 14 days Tuition: $2,150
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum Dates: page 105
Dates: page 105
37
“
THE THING THAT I WOULD SAY TO GIRLS IS: DON’T WORRY, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO DO
TH
IT. WITH EFFORT, YOU WILL SUCCEED. YOU WILL HAVE AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL
”
SHOW YOU HOW TRULY COMPETENT YOU ARE. E.
Jane Fried, Dean of Admission at Phillips Academy, Wilderness Horsepacking ’07
See more of Jane at www.nols.tv
Craig Muderlak
Tony Jewell
Accomplish more than you’ve ever imagined on a co-ed or all-girls Adventure Course Adventure students get a chance to be a leader to their peers and gain experience and
in some of America’s most remote wilderness. Salmon River, Idaho skills they can use the rest of their lives. Big Hole Mountains, Idaho
IDAHO BACKPACKING ADVENTURE SALMON BACKPACKING AND RAFTING

FOR 14- AND 15-YEAR OLDS ADVENTURE FOR 14- AND 15-YEAR-OLDS
Independence, responsibility, achievement, and fun—these qualities This course is for young teens who want to traverse a little known
are the essence of this course. In a word: adventure. Whether you section of the Rocky Mountains near the Idaho-Montana border
travel in the Wyoming Range, the Palisades, the Beaverheads, the and raft the Main Salmon River, all in one action-packed month.
Beartooths, the Lemhis, or the Absarokas, the mountains will be un- In two very different environments, you’ll learn how to make deci-
like any classroom you’ve ever experienced with their fresh air and sions, develop confidence, and work through challenges with your
fresh opportunities. You’ll learn skills—backpacking, cooking, camp- coursemates (we call this “expedition behavior”). While backpack-
ing, and navigation with a map—and you’ll also learn things like how ing, you’ll become a competent map reader and backcountry cook,
to turn challenging situations into opportunities, how to get along and you’ll develop your Leave No Trace skills and stewardship and
with your group, and how to be a leader even when you’re following. sustainability values. Then, after climbing peaks, crossing rivers, and
This isn’t a kid’s version of other NOLS courses. You’ll get the famous hiking through pristine meadows, you’ll trade your backpack for a
NOLS curriculum taught by the same experienced instructors who dry bag. For 10 days on over 80 miles of the wild and scenic Main
teach for NOLS worldwide. And, as with every NOLS course, these Salmon River, you’ll navigate deep canyons and whitewater in paddle
are entirely field-based experiences where you’ll travel the country on rafts and oar rigs. You will learn basic river skills like paddle strokes,
foot and sleep under a blanket of stars. hazard evaluation, and boat rigging. Overall, you’ll work hard, have
fun, and return home with leadership skills to last a lifetime.
D E TA I L S
Age and Length: 14 & 15 Only • Duration: 14 days D E TA I L S
Tuition: $3,060 Age and Length: 14 & 15 Only • Duration: 28 days
Dates: page 106 Tuition: $5,575
Dates: page 106
Yes, you can! Recognize your full leadership potential in an
S
GIRL all-female environment with our girls-only Adventure Course Facing page: Paddle rafts gear up for a day’s lesson on the river. Main Salmon
!
LEAD River, Idaho
option. See page 106 for dates.

TETON VALLEY
39
Casey Kanode
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Jamie O’Donnell

PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Forest and ocean. Glacier and river. Heather and pine. This is the Pacific Northwest, with its temperate rain forests,
stunning ice-covered volcanoes, hidden bays and coves, and lush old-growth forests. Home to bald eagles, black
bears, mountain goats, elk, porpoises, and whales, this will be your classroom. The Pacific Northwest is the birth-
place of the outdoor industry and NOLS has been the region’s outdoor education pioneer for more than 35 years. We
specialize in courses for outdoor educators and trip leaders, and our easy-to-access facilities in Conway, Washington,
an hour north of Seattle, were specifically designed to support NOLS’ educational expeditions. We’ll outfit you with
everything you’ll need for an expedition into spectacular backcountry, from Oregon to British Columbia. Whatever
your method of exploration—sea kayaking, rock climbing, glacier mountaineering, backpacking, or sailing—you’ll
be in for the experience of a lifetime.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRIP LEADER

Washington’s wilderness areas are ideal training grounds for learn-
ing how to lead backpacking trips. Here you’ll join a diverse group
of trip leaders for an overview of the NOLS curriculum in a setting
designed for leaders and educators who don’t have a lot of time or
a huge budget. You’ll learn common leadership strategies through
dynamic, on-the-trail teaching methods including scenarios, real-
time problem solving, and experiential learning. You’ll learn the
intricacies of trip planning and how to organize expeditions of
your own. Our students leave the Pacific Northwest with a higher
level of competence and an inspiration to lead.
Betsy Winston
D E TA I L S
Eligibility: Practicing trip leaders
Tuition: $1,150
As an aspiring trip leader, you’ll learn how to plan routes, communicate with course- Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator
mates, and make sound backcountry decisions. Olympic National Park, Washington Dates: page 106
N EW
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BACKPACKING PACIFIC NORTHWEST BACKPACKING
ADVENTURE FOR 14- AND 15-YEAR-OLDS The Pacific Northwest is a richly diverse wilderness classroom,
This course is a 14-day expedition specifically designed for ranging from jagged, glacier-carved mountains and valleys to ev-
young people wanting to learn backcountry skills and explore ergreen forests and stands of lodgepole pine. This popular back-
the natural world. With your experienced NOLS instructors, packing course has two options for exploring this region. Early
you will explore the Pasayten Wilderness or Olympic National season students travel in the Pasayten Wilderness in northcentral
Park, backpacking through some of the Pacific Northwest’s Washington, while late season students backpack through Olym-
most pristine wild lands. These wilderness classrooms provide pic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula. The Pasayten boasts
an ideal setting to challenge yourself and build your leadership almost 150 peaks over 7,500 feet in elevation. Rugged ridges in
abilities. You’ll work hard traveling over varied terrain and be the west flatten into expansive plateaus toward the east, with deep
rewarded with views of towering peaks, clear alpine lakes, and drainages on both sides. Courses that travel in Olympic National
dense old-growth forests. You’ll sleep under the stars, learn to Park will traverse from east to west while viewing the area’s rugged
cook with flair on a camp stove, and make lifelong friends glacier-capped mountains and wide alpine meadows. Like the first
with fellow coursemates. When you return home, you’ll have Western explorers, you’ll travel along the wild and rugged Pacific
the skills needed to plan your own backcountry trips and the coast, seeing stands of moss-covered old-growth and temperate
leadership qualities to succeed in school and whatever else you rain forest. You’ll experience some demanding off-trail hiking as
put your mind to. you visit pristine and rarely seen parts of the park.
Age and Length: 14 & 15 Only • Duration: 14 days Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 31 days
Dates: page 106 Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
Facing page: The Pacific Northwest will teach you how to competently travel across Dates: page 106
tricky terrain as a team. Glacier Peak Wilderness, North Cascades, Washington
41
Madhu Chikkaraju
Work together on your NOLS course to achieve expedition goals and build lifelong relationships with your coursemates. Mt. Baker, North Cascades, Washington
WADDINGTON RANGE MOUNTAINEERING NORTH CASCADES MOUNTAINEERING

This demanding expedition travels into British Columbia’s Coast Washington’s North Cascades, often referred to as the “American
Mountains, including the Waddington Range, Whitemantle Range, Alps,” encompass some of America’s most spectacular scenery—
and Homathko Icefield, for a monthlong experience in rock, snow, jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and more glaciers
and ice mountaineering skills. Here you’ll get to experience some than any other location in the Lower 48. Many of the world’s
of the biggest and most remote glaciers NOLS travels on and you top mountaineers use this area as their training ground; the rea-
will have more time to practice actual mountaineering since these sonable access combined with challenging mountain classrooms
courses travel either in or out of the field via plane. In this area of continue to make this range one of the best places in the world to
huge glacial plateaus, long granite spires, deep fjords, and snow- learn to be a mountaineer. The pace is gradual in the beginning
capped peaks along the rugged coast of British Columbia, you’ll as you travel through lush, old-growth forests and tangled alder
learn what it takes to get a team ready to summit. Whether or not thickets, and it gains momentum as you ascend to the North Cas-
you’re the first one to the top, you’ll get to practice your newfound cades’ majestic, snow-clad peaks. You’ll get a well-rounded base
skills on at least one peak attempt. With tons of technical glacier of snow, ice, and crevasse rescue mountaineering skills, with some
mountaineering and a chance to visit a place few people have ever potential for rock climbing. With a student to instructor ratio
been, this expedition is a true alpine adventure. of 5:1 and many days of practice, you’ll receive an unparalleled
NOLS mountaineering education.
D E TA I L S
Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 31 days D E TA I L S
Tuition: $5,130 Age and Length:
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Skills Practicum, 17 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 31 days
2 hours Risk Management 23 & Over • Average age: 33 • Duration: 17 days
Dates: page 106 Tuition: $4,175 (17 & Over); $3,390 (23 & Over)
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Skills Practicum,
2 hours Risk Management (17 & Over); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Dates: page 106

“ IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING EXPERIENCES, BUT ALSO ONE OF THE MOST
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
REWARDING. I REALLY CAME BACK APPRECIATING WHAT IS AUTHENTIC. I BECAME
”
MUCH MORE AWARE OF MY SURROUNDINGS, CAPABILITIES, AND POTENTIAL.AL.
Yi Wei, Student at Harvard University, Pacific Northwest Backpacking ’07
Marco Johnson
Alan Neilson
Wind power is all the rage. Sails open up an expanse of a Instructors teach on land so students can perform on the water: A proper hip snap and high brace are key to executing
water-filled wilderness. Strait of Georgia, British Columbia the Eskimo roll. Wilke Point, British Columbia
PACIFIC NORTHWEST OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: PACIFIC NORTHWEST SEA KAYAKING

MOUNTAINEERING AND SAILING
With a team of dedicated teachers and a facility that’s ideal for ex- Find the full beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this all-ocean
pedition planning, we specialize in courses for educators at NOLS coastal exploration. You will sea kayak the remote waters of Van-
Pacific Northwest. On this outdoor educator course you’ll get a couver Island’s outer coast, visiting pristine sandy beaches and hid-
variety of skills—backpacking, mountaineering, and rock climb- den tidal lagoons while traveling in the wake of the many First
ing—and experience a variety of terrain, from forests to glaciers to Nations peoples and early explorers who opened the trade routes in
alpine rock. You’ll join a group of other motivated educators and this region. Along the way, learn a range of technical skills includ-
outdoor leaders for 31 days of action-packed learning. You’ll start ing fundamental paddling strokes, weather analysis, and interpre-
out in temperate rain forests, working up to the jagged, snow-clad tation of tides and currents. During the sailing section, you’ll find
peaks of either the North Cascades or the Olympics. Here you’ll yourself aboard a 36-foot keelboat to explore the remote Strait of
practice mountaineering skills, attempt a peak ascent, and learn Georgia and Desolation Sound. Along these precipitous coastlines,
the ins and outs of teaching and leading in the backcountry. You’ll you’ll learn boat handling under sail and power, chart reading,
then switch gears for rock climbing at either Squamish, B.C., or coastal navigation, and seamanship. From helm to foredeck to
Leavenworth, Washington. Throughout the course, your veteran navigation station, you will get a hands-on opportunity to crew all
instructors will pass along an in-depth look at NOLS’ time-tested the positions above and below deck. With a combo course like this
teaching and programming methods as well as their strong enthu- one, you’re sure to grow into your sea legs.
siasm for teaching in the wilderness.
D E TA I L S
Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
Tuition: $4,065 • Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Risk 2 hours Skills Practicum
Management, 2 hours Environmental Ethics Dates: page 106
Dates: page 106
43
SEMESTER IN THE
Pacific Northwest
THE WILDERNESS OF THE NORTHWEST—
your home for two and a half months—is like
no other region in the country. In close prox-
imity to the NOLS Pacific Northwest headquar-
O’Donnell
Sam Slosburg
ters are steep, heavily glaciated mountains,
Jamie
impressive forests of towering evergreens,
outstanding rock climbing areas, and miles of Offered exclusively on the Pacific Northwest Semester, coastal backpacking provides a unique natural history
opportunity and a chance to explore a breathtaking environment. Olympic National Park, Washington
wilderness coastline. You’ll explore all these
WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS,
environments, from jamming your hands into this 16-hour section covers first aid specific to wilderness emergencies and is essential for
anyone spending extended time in the outdoors.
granite cracks on a climb to taking the helm of
a 36-foot sailboat in British Columbia waters. MOUNTAIN TRAVEL The intricacies of backcountry living are revealed as you move
through this stunning environment, from packing your pack efficiently to staying warm
Throughout, you’ll be experiencing things few and dry in a wet and sometimes chilly climate. You’ll travel in canoes for four days of this
section to see the area from a unique perspective, and then you’ll hike up through forested
other semesters at NOLS offer, including keel- valleys to areas of snow and ice where you’ll learn specialized mountaineering skills such
boat sailing in Canada and a coastal hiking sec- as ice axe and crampon use, rope systems, and crevasse rescue.
tion where you’ll study the coast’s marine life COASTAL BACKPACKING On the outskirts of Olympic National Park, you’ll visit the Port
Townsend Marine Science Center and then embark on a coastal expedition, studying life in
and end at the Makah Indian Nation. From the tidal pools and camping and traveling beside the ocean. You’ll learn about tide charts, weath-
er patterns, and identifying coastal hazards. You’ll also visit the Makah Cultural Center for a
snow-capped peaks and clear mountain lakes
glimpse into the region’s human history. This section culminates in a student-led expedition.
to old-growth forests and tidal waters, you’ll
ROCK CLIMBING At a base camp at one of the Northwest’s many great climbing areas,
explore, navigate, learn, and practice your you’ll immerse yourself in the finer points of rock climbing techniques and systems. You’ll
progress at your own speed, learning skills such as belay and rappel techniques, protection
skills, returning home with a solid foundation placement, risk management, and single pitch versus multi-pitch climbing.
in wilderness expeditioning.
SAILING A 36-foot keelboat will be your moving classroom during this segment of your
adventure. Boats will sail in pairs, each carrying five students and one instructor, as you
learn the finer points of seamanship, including how to handle your boat under sail or
power, navigate using charts, and function with your coursemates as one tight-knit crew.
SEA KAYAKING (optional dates only) You’ll paddle the remote waters of British Colum-
bia’s central coast while learning a range of technical skills, from basic to advanced sea
kayaking strokes to weather awareness and knowledge of tides and currents.
Benjamin Lester
BACKPACKING (optional dates with sea kayaking) This section begins on the western
edge of the North Cascades National Park and traverses spectacular old growth forest and
rugged ridges to the shores of Ross Lake and beyond in the Pasayten Wilderness.
D E TA I L S FALL
Learn the ropes as you navigate the coastal beauty of the Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 80 days
Pacific Northwest. Strait of Georgia, British Columbia Tuition: $11,600
Facing page: By the end of your semester, no Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
obstacle will be insurmountable. Squamish, British Dates and Sections: page 106
Columbia

PACIFIC NORTHWEST
45
Rainbow Weinstock
SOUTHWEST
Lindsay Nohl

SOUTHWEST
Welcome to the American Southwest: A horizon studded with saguaro cactus, hidden nooks lush with watercress, gran-
ite strongholds glowing orange in the setting sun, the call of a Gambel’s quail, the smell of mesquite washed in a pound-
ing desert rain. Now put yourself in the picture. You will be climbing, hiking, canoeing, and caving in terrain as varied
as those skills. From our headquarters on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, we explore the amazing diversity of this
desert region, a land of mountain lion, javelina, and white-tailed deer. Birds such as the elegant trogon and white-eared
hummingbird fly the same skies as red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures. It’s a land that famed naturalist Aldo Leopold
called “near to being the cream of creation." Courses pass through areas also rich in human history, areas originally
inhabited by ancient cultures and areas with a more recent Spanish influence. With easy access, amazing contrasts, and
challenging technical skills, a course at NOLS Southwest is hard to beat.
Ryan Hutchins-Cabibi
Josh Beckner
The Southwest is an ideal learning ground for outdoor educators to strengthen their Going lightweight allows students to push the limits of their gear and put more miles
teaching and technical skills. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona under their feet. Galiuro Mountains, Arizona
SOUTHWEST OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: SOUTHWEST LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING

BACKPACKING AND ROCK CLIMBING Leave your hiking boots and water bottles at home; trail shoes and
Are you an active or aspiring outdoor educator? This is your hydration bladders are all the rage these days. Partnering with Go-
opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for Lite, we are proud to offer this cutting-edge course in the deserts
teaching and leading field-based wilderness education programs. of the Southwest. Your adventure starts in the equipment room as
While in the desert, you’ll learn basic outdoor living skills such NOLS instructors inspect and weigh your lightweight gear and
as minimum-impact camping, first aid, and map reading. We’ll pull together a specialized ration for your expedition, helping you
also give you an inside track into the fundamentals of running shave ounces for the lightest possible load without compromising
wilderness education courses with an overview of program su- functionality. Then, for the next two weeks, you'll explore either
pervision, risk management, and NOLS administrative practices. the Galiuro Mountains or the Gila Wilderness, some of the South-
While building a foundation of program knowledge, the course west’s most remote ranges, in a way you may never have thought
dives into a 19-day backpacking expedition in the pristine desert possible: with only 25 pounds on your back. The only thing we
landscape of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge followed by 10 won’t go light with on this course is our core curriculum. You’ll still
days of rock climbing at Cochise Stronghold, a maze of granite master the leadership and outdoor living skills that NOLS is built
pinnacles in the Dragoon Mountains. upon while learning the specific skills of lightweight backpacking.
Expect to leave this course with the skills and background neces-
D E TA I L S sary to plan and execute your own future lightweight adventures.
Eligibility: Qualified practicing or aspiring outdoor educators
Tuition: $4,215 D E TA I L S
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 23 • Duration: 14 days
2 hours Environmental Ethics Tuition: $3,325
Dates: page 106 Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 106
Facing page: Consistently good weather and solid rock contribute to another amazing
climbing day in the Southwest. Cochise Stronghold, Arizona
47
SEMESTER IN THE
Southwest
A SEMESTER IN THE SOUTHWEST WILL GIVE
you a unique glimpse into the American South-
west’s living desert. You will discover the desert
to be alive with plants and animals like coyote,
javelina, mountain lions, peregrine falcons, mes-
quite, and cactus. The different sections on this
semester will take you from the rushing waters
Weinstock
Chikkaraju
of the Rio Grande to the ponderosa pine forests
of the Gila Range. You will find yourself jamming
Rainbow
Madhu
your fingers and feet into granite cracks and ex-
ploring with all your senses through decorated Explore the ruins of the Southwest and see how local ancestors once lived. Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila Wilderness,
New Mexico
limestone caves.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of
Along with natural history, you’ll also dis- NOLS, this 16-hour section covers first aid specific to wilderness emergencies and is
essential for anyone spending extended time in the outdoors.
cover the desert’s rich human history and have
plenty of time to travel through the areas once BACKPACKING The Gila Range in New Mexico, the first designated wilderness area in
the U.S., or the rugged Galiuro Mountains in southeastern Arizona will be your class-
inhabited by ancient cultures, discovering draw- room for the backpacking section. Both destinations offer varied terrain and beautiful
surroundings in which to hone your backcountry living skills.
ings and other traces left behind by our ances-
CAVING (if available) On this section you’ll explore the miraculous underground world
tors. In this land of constant sun, backpacking,
visiting many caves either near the famous Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico or in the
caving, climbing, and canoeing will prepare you varied terrain of southeastern Arizona. You’ll have a unique chance to marvel at a subter-
ranean wilderness few people ever see or even know exists.
for the independent student expedition that is
ROCK CLIMBING Cochise Stronghold, a land of towering granite domes, is one of the best
the grand finale of your semester.
climbing locations in Arizona. As you hone your climbing risk management and judgment
skills, you’ll move at your own pace from the fundamentals of top-roping and anchor build-
ing to more complex techniques like multi-pitch climbing.
CANOEING You’ll paddle down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, Texas, where
water has carved out spectacular canyons in the Chihuahuan Desert. You’ll learn how to read
whitewater, practice river rescue techniques, and identifying hazards while scouting rapids.
STUDENT EXPEDITION Upon successful completion of the previous sections, you’ll have
the opportunity to apply all of your accumulated knowledge by planning and executing
an autonomous student expedition. Heading out in either the Galiuro or Gila mountains,
Nick Cross
this is the highlight of the Southwest semester.
Discover a new world underground. Lake Cave, New Tuition: $11,725 (spring); $11,990 (fall)
Mexico Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Facing page: Helmets off, sun hats on: a calm moment Dates: page 106
on the Rio Grande. Upstream of Lower Canyons, Texas

Brian Murphy
49
SOUTHWEST
SEMESTER ON THE
Borders
THERE’S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, THIS IS ONE
of the most geographically diverse semesters at
NOLS. Your adventure will begin in the desert
Southwest, a land of cactus and javelina, and as
winter subsides you will move north, to the lush
Pacific Northwest with its snow-covered peaks
and forested islands. During the only spring
semester that combines both desert travel and
maritime skills, you’ll experience a wide variety
of adventures that will allow you to be a well-
Alan Neilson
rounded wilderness traveler on land and sea.
You’ll begin at NOLS Southwest in Tucson,

Thirty-six-foot Catalina keelboats will be both your transportation and your home on your sailing section. Smuggler
Arizona, for wilderness first aid, backpacking, Cove, British Columbia
and climbing, and then transition to NOLS Pacific

WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of
Northwest outside Seattle, Washington, for sail- NOLS, this 16-hour section covers first aid specific to wilderness emergencies and is es-
sential for anyone spending extended time in the outdoors.
ing and sea kayaking. From scaling a rock wall
in Arizona to slicing through the waters of British BACKPACKING Whether hiking in Arizona's rocky Galiuro Mountains, with rugged
cliffs and natural springs, or New Mexico's Gila Range, the first designated wilderness area
Columbia, you’ll have the time of your life and see in the U.S., you will learn the essentials of backcountry living and soak up life outside.
just how versatile the NOLS curriculum is. ROCK CLIMBING Arizona’s Cochise Stronghold promises warm, sunny weather and
enough climbing routes to keep you roped up and cranking hard. The area’s tall domes
make it an ideal base from which to learn top-roping, anchor building, climbing move-
ment, and even multi-pitch skills.
SAILING The coastal sailing section takes place in the northern reaches of the Strait of
Georgia and Desolation Sound in British Columbia, Canada. You’ll learn how to sail and
navigate 36-foot keelboats, each carrying a group of students and an instructor. On-water
classes include boat handling, charts, coastal navigation, and seamanship.
SEA KAYAKING You’ll paddle the remote waters of British Columbia’s central coast on
this section, visiting pristine sandy beaches, majestic fjords, ancient moss-covered rain for-
ests, and remote islands and sea caves. At the same time, you’ll learn a range of technical
Josh Beckner
skills, from basic to advanced sea kayaking strokes to weather awareness and knowledge of
tides and currents. Whales, sea lions, and wolves are just a sample of the wildlife you could
see on this amazingly wild waterway.
Student Sean Bryant stays hydrated in the deserts of D E TA I L S SPRING

the American Southwest. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average Age: 21 • Duration: 86 days
Tuition: $13,465
Facing page: Southwest rock climbing sections start Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
with the basics: top-roping, belaying, and movement. Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Cochise Stronghold, Arizona Dates: page 106

Rainbow Weinstock
51
SOUTHWEST
YEAR IN THE
Sonoran
NOLS RUNS THE LONGEST COURSE IN THE
history of outdoor education, 135 days, or the
equivalent of a year at college. The Sonoran Year
will take you far from the classroom and give
you an education of practical and experiential
learning. The Sonoran Desert spans 120,000
Abe Goodale
square miles from the American Southwest
to the tip of Baja California, Mexico. On your

Instructor Alan Coulter demonstrates the strokes as students practice in their kayaks. Now that's hands-on learning.
Conception Bay, Baja California
NOLS year you will explore both the desert
BACKPACKING Backpacking will be the thread that runs through your entire year, learn-
and the sea. You’ll sea kayak, sail, climb, cave,
ing the camping and travel skills that will set the foundation for your entire course. You’ll
and hike in the unique Sonoran ecosystem, the hone your backpacking proficiency in both the Southwest and Mexico, and if your skills
are up to par, the end of your year will culminate in a student-led expedition—an oppor-
most lush, diverse desert in North America, tunity to apply all of your accumulated knowledge, independent of your instructors.
while also learning about the distinctive local ROCK CLIMBING Cochise Stronghold is a beautiful remote climbing area in the Dra-
cultures through Baja human and natural his- goon Mountains of Arizona that provides excellent opportunities to cover a comprehen-
sive technical curriculum, including climbing movement, anchor systems, and multi-
tory. Whether its through the culture of Mexican pitch climbing.
fishermen and rancheros, whales breaching WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) Presented by the Wilderness Medicine In-
stitute of NOLS, this 80-hour certification designed for outdoor professionals will give you
within sight, or leading a group of your peers the tools to make sound first aid and evacuation decisions in remote settings.
through the wild Southwest, you’ll leave NOLS
CAVING (if available) This section is a rare chance to marvel at a subterranean wilderness
with new skills, new motivation, and a year’s that is rarely visited. You'll explore many caves either near the famous Carlsbad Caverns
in New Mexico or in the varied terrain of southeastern Arizona.
worth of college credit.
LEADERSHIP EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (LEADS) This seminar
takes a closer look at the NOLS leadership curriculum and explores in greater depth your
personal style of leadership and that of your coursemates.
SEA KAYAKING Paddling the desert coastline of the Baja Peninsula includes hands-on
expedition planning, interpreting tides and currents, reading weather conditions, and ex-
ploring the underwater world by snorkeling, free diving, and, potentially, spear fishing.
COASTAL SAILING, BAJA NATURAL HISTORY, AND WHALE-WATCHING While on

Steele Weinstock
our 22-foot Drascombe Longboat you’ll work toward mastering the mechanics of sailing
this open boat, including sail and line handling, wind awareness, anchoring procedures,
and capsize recovery. Then you will spend time with local naturalists, students, and
Rainbow
fishermen observing endemic flora and fauna, global warming evidence, and the migra-
tion of gray whales.
Nate
Become master of the seas as you learn to navigate using D E TA I L S ACADEMIC YEAR
nautical charts. Punta Rosa, Sea of Cortez Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 135 days; 65 days (fall), 70 days (spring)
Tuition: $21,750
Facing page: Learn to move confidently and efficiently Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 4 hours Leadership Techniques,
on vertical rock as you master the techniques needed to 8 hours Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management, 2 hours Expedition Planning, 3 hours WFR credit
get to the top. Cochise Stronghold, Arizona Dates: page 106

Dave Anderson
53
SOUTHWEST
NORTHEAST
David Durant

NORTHEAST
A patchwork of public and private lands, the Adirondack Park in northern New York is the largest park in the Lower 48
and is just hours from major population centers such as Montreal, New York City, and Boston. This is NOLS’ newest
wilderness classroom and the ideal place in the Northeast for a unique wilderness experience. Sparkling lakes, tannin-
colored ponds, and rivers large and small punctuate this landscape, while Mount Marcy and other high peaks preside
over countless lesser peaks and valleys of the Adirondack Mountains to provide a spectacular setting for adventurous
mountain travel. Experience the landscape that provided shelter and sustenance to the Algonquian and Mohawk In-
dians, and the unique boreal forests that are home to beaver, deer, moose, fisher, pine marten, osprey, lynx, and over
250 species of birds. Come along with NOLS Northeast and explore the Adirondack Mountains while practicing real
leadership and outdoor living skills.
David Durant
The Adirondacks, with their mixed conifer and hardwood forests, mountains, and lakes, are a premier wilderness destination. Henderson Lake
N EW
ADIRONDACK BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
FOR 14- AND 15-YEAR-OLDS
Designed for young teens with a sense of adventure, this course
takes you to the Adirondack Mountains where you will hike, learn,
and explore with your peers for two weeks. The Adirondacks are
the premier wilderness destination of the northeastern United
States with mountain summits, conifer and hardwood forests,
wetlands, lakes, ponds, and rivers—in a nutshell, a mosaic of eco-
system discovery. Under the mentorship of the same experienced
NOLS instructors who teach for the school worldwide, you will
experience the time-tested NOLS core curriculum: leadership,
backpacking, environmental ethics, camping, fly-fishing, naviga-
tion, map reading, and much more. You will challenge yourself,
gain trust and support from your coursemates, and develop new
leadership skills that transfer to your everyday life. In short, you
will work hard, have fun, and bring home unforgettable stories and
David Durant
memories for a lifetime.
D E TA I L S
Age: 14 & 15 • Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $3,060
Feel the accomplishment of traveling and working as a team through exciting and
Dates: page 106
beautiful terrain. Northville-Placid Trail, Silver Lake Wilderness Area, Adirondack Park
Facing page: You’ll feel ten-feet tall when you complete your NOLS course. High
Peaks Wilderness, Adirondack Park
55
A LASKA
Madhu Chikkaraju

ALASKA
The boundlessness of the place will grab you first, for there is nowhere as far-flung as Alaska. It will alter your concept of
space. Glaciers calve into the sea, Arctic tundra stretches beyond the horizon, rugged and expansive mountains reach into
the sky, wildlife is abundant, and humans are scarce. The Land of the Midnight Sun has a whopping 238 million acres of
public land. The around-the-clock daylight of summer, the vast geographic distance from the Lower 48, and the variety
of cultures set it apart. From our state-of-the-art headquarters in the historic Matanuska Valley outside Palmer or one of
our operations bases in Fairbanks or Petersburg, we’ll outfit you with everything you need for an expedition into the wild.
No other organization offers the breadth of opportunities in Alaska that NOLS does, from the Arctic Circle to the South-
central coastal ranges to the Southeast archipelagos. Backpacking, sea kayaking, or mountaineering: no matter how you
choose to explore Alaska, you’ll learn with NOLS all you need to know about living and traveling in this vast wilderness.
Tracy Baynes/STEP
Elliot Johnston
Learn to navigate your way through Alaska's awe-inspiring fjords by sea kayak. Become one with the rhythm of our planet as you paddle the rolling tides of Alaska's
Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound coastal waters. Inside Passage
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND 23-AND-OVER SOUTHEAST ALASKA SEA KAYAKING

SEA KAYAKING Since 1971, NOLS students have been exploring the wilds of Alas-
Our 23-and-over courses paddle in Alaska’s world famous Prince ka in sea kayaks. There’s no better way to take in Alaska’s dramatic
William Sound, past towering tidewater glaciers that moan and coastline than by gliding on the water. Your launching point for
crackle, crystal-blue icebergs bobbing on the ocean’s surface, and this course is Petersburg, located in the heart of Southeast Alaska’s
wooded coves perfect for camping. The sea teems with various Inside Passage. This archipelago is a remote land of forest and
forms of life, and you’ll have the ideal vantage point to view it all. ocean. Beaches jut up against dense temperate rain forests, where
Sea birds wheel in the sky overhead while tidal pools with star- giant spruce and hemlock rise to neck-craning heights. Much of
fish, anemones, and other small creatures dot the shorelines. You’ll your time will be spent near Kuiu Island, an ancient forest home to
work hard paddling with all your gear stowed in your boat, but black bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, and river otters.
you’ll have opportunities to play as well. There are fish to catch You’ll learn to plan routes and navigate them using nautical charts,
and so many things to learn about in your surroundings. You’ll as well as hone technical skills such as paddling and open-water
hone your wilderness skills, have fun, and practice your leadership crossings. You may be rewarded by catching halibut or salmon or
as you explore wild, wonderful Alaska. seeing the humpback and orca whales that abound in the area.
Age and Length: 23 & Over • Average age: 33 • Duration: 14 days Age and Length:
Tuition: $3,310 16 & Over • Average age: 18 • Duration: 30 days
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum 16 & 17 Only • Duration: 30 days
Dates: page 106 Tuition: $4,100
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
Dates: page 106
Facing page: A snow class at NOLS. Soon "rest step" and "self arrest" will be part of
your outdoor vocabulary. Matanuska Glacier
57
“
ONE OF THE GREATEST LESSONS I LEARNED ON THE TRIP IS TO BE MINDFUL OF HOW
O
DIFFERENT PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES COLOR THE WAY THEY REACT TO A SITUATION.
Ilana Saxe, Teacher, Alaska Outdoor Educator ’07
N.
Madhu Chikkaraju
Fredrik Norrsell
Take a deep breath. Exhale. You'll see and experience all Alaska has to offer. Prince Take a break and pass the trail food. Peanut butter pretzel, anyone? Matanuska Valley
William Sound
ALASKA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING ALASKA OUTDOOR EDUCATOR:

Alaska is a land of incredible fjords, forested ocean coasts, and BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING
high alpine meadows. Your monthlong adventure will give you a If you’re a practicing or aspiring outdoor educator, you know that
chance to learn two wilderness travel skills, backpacking and sea learning to lead groups in two different skill areas is a professional
kayaking. While kayaking, you’ll follow a route in Prince William advantage. This course will prepare you to do just that, giving you
Sound where glaciers flow directly into the ocean and a variety the chance to learn how to lead on land and sea. Your classroom for
of marine animals are easy to spot. You’ll learn how to handle the sea kayaking section is Prince William Sound with its plentiful
your boat in different conditions of wind and tide, and also how wildlife and booming tidewater glaciers. Using either Whittier or
to be a good leader and keep a positive attitude after a long day of Valdez as a starting point, you’ll learn how to glide along the coast
paddling. The mountains of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the in a sea kayak and have a chance to practice your teaching skills in
Talkeetnas, the Kenai Mountains, or the Chugach Range will be some of the most beautiful parts of the Sound. For the backpacking
your home for the backpacking section. Here you’ll start below portion of the course, you’ll be in either Wrangell-St. Elias National
tree line and head into the mountains along glacier-carved river Park, the Talkeetna Mountains, or the Kenai Mountains. In this
valleys, reaching open high country known as tundra. The vistas land of tundra and rocky passes, you’ll work with our veteran educa-
here are wide, the mountains rugged, and the lessons lifelong. tors to learn skills such as risk management, ration planning, and
program supervision. By the end of this expedition, you’ll be better
D E TA I L S equipped to teach, lead, and explore, whether in a boat or on foot.
Tuition: $4,770
D E TA I L S
Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators
Dates: page 106
Tuition: $4,175
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Risk Management,
2 hours Environmental Ethics
Dates: page 106

ALASKA
Bryan Palmintier
Being so small in Alaska's big wilderness will magnify your and your coursemates' accomplishments. Turtle Flats, Matanuska Glacier
ALASKA MOUNTAINEERING DENALI MOUNTAINEERING

This course takes you to a place in Southcentral Alaska often re- (Alumni only) The highest peak in North America—known
ferred to as “the mountain kingdom of North America,” where a as Denali or “Great One” by Alaska Natives—is the site for
chain of rugged mountain ranges and spectacular glaciers converge this expedition designed for qualified NOLS graduates.
to make a mountaineer’s dreamscape. Within this region you’ll Denali offers extremely challenging glacier travel and some
explore the coastal Chugach Range, the interior Alaska Range, of the most difficult weather in the world, so this course is
or the vast Wrangell-St. Elias Range. The specific route for each one of the most demanding NOLS offers, both physically
course is entirely season dependent, with expeditions in the early and mentally. During the course you’ll attempt to climb the
season climbing mostly above snow line to access terrain via huge Muldrow Glacier route on the north side of the mountain. The
snowfields, and courses operating in the later season completing expedition begins with several days of tundra hiking followed
technical ice routes on glacier. All routes on the course for students by navigating up the lower expanses of the Muldrow Glacier.
ages 17 and older are classically Alaskan with long approaches on After a resupply at McGonagall Pass, you’ll continue up the
large glaciers. The shorter course for students ages 23 and older Muldrow, encountering crevasses and deep snow, and ascend
flies directly onto a glacier to maximize time for technical skill the dramatic Karsten’s Ridge to the Harper Glacier. There you’ll
development. Both courses provide an ideal training ground for establish high camp at approximately 17,000 feet, from which
learning to live and travel responsibly and efficiently in challeng- you’ll attempt the 20,320-foot summit. This route has a remote
ing mountain terrain. wilderness flavor that is not found on the more frequented
routes up the mountain.
D E TA I L S
Age and Length: D E TA I L S
17 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 30 days Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 26 • Duration: 34 days
23 & Over • Average age: 29 • Duration: 14 days Eligibility: Qualified NOLS graduates
Tuition: $5,750 (17 & Over); $3,750 (23 & Over) Tuition: $7,750
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Skills Practicum, Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Skills Practicum,
2 hours Risk Management (17 & Over); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over) 2 hours Risk Management
Dates: page 106 Dates: page 106
59
Evan Horn
Packrafting is the latest technique for exploring Alaska's deep wilderness. Paxon Lake
N EW
ALASKA BACKPACKING ALASKA BACKPACKING AND PACKRAFTING
An Alaska Backpacking course is a wilderness expedition in every Packrafting is at the forefront of Alaskan exploration and NOLS
sense, allowing you to explore beautiful landscapes in the Talk- is right there with it. Designed for students 18-and-over, this
eetna Mountains, the Alaska Range, or Wrangell-St. Elias Na- 30-day land- and water-based expedition uses packrafts—single-
tional Park, where the trees disappear and the land stretches into person inflatable rafts weighing four pounds each—to open up
alpine tundra plains with a backdrop of rugged and heavily eroded some of the world’s most remote country that would be otherwise
mountains. Up here where it’s still light at midnight, you’ll follow inaccessible to overland travel. With this equipment and the
the tracks of the seasonal caribou migration. How to hike on tun- help of experienced instructor teams, you will navigate the
dra; identify the birds, flowers, wildlife, and plants of the North rivers of the eastern Alaska Range and the Talkeetna Mountains
Country; and keep warm, dry, and happy even when it’s wet are that would otherwise be obstacles on a traditional backpacking
all part of your backcountry curriculum. You’ll become a seasoned course. On this self-sustained monthlong expedition you’ll
wilderness traveler, learning how to read a map, navigate off trail, learn how to live comfortably in the backcountry, hike through
and scan the horizon for grizzly bears, black bears, moose, wolves, mountains and across tundra, and paddle your packraft through
and Dall sheep. Class II rapids. You might even see Dall sheep, moose, caribou,
wolves, and black and grizzly bears along the way.
D E TA I L S
Age and Length: D E TA I L S
16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 30 days Age and Length: 18 & Over • Duration: 30 days
16 & 17 Only • Duration: 30 days Tuition: $4,770
Tuition: $4,110 Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 2 hours Skills Practicum
2 hours Skills Practicum Dates: page 106
Dates: page 106

“ AT NOLS IT'S ALL ABOUT CREATIVITY, IT'S ALL ABOUT INNOVATION,
ALASKA
”
IT'S ALL ABOUT EXPLORING THE EDGES OF ONE'S ABILITIES.
S.
Tori McClure; Author, Adventurer, and President of Spaulding University; Semester in Alaska '85, Semester in Kenya '86
See more of Tori at www.nols.tv
TC Rammelkamp
TC Rammelkamp
Learn the value of a bluebird day as you navigate Arctic Scouting the right path through pristine and fragile tundra is the perfect place for students to practice their Leave No
rivers. Noatak River, Gates of the Arctic National Park Trace skills. Brooks Range
BROOKS RANGE BACKPACKING AND RIVER BROOKS RANGE 23-AND-OVER BACKPACKING

The Brooks Range is one of the wildest mountain ranges in North North of the Arctic Circle and aptly dubbed Land of the Midnight
America. Stretched across the tundra north of the Arctic Circle, Sun, much of the landscape in the Brooks Range lies above tree line
this Land of the Midnight Sun is defined by big open river bot- and elevations range from sea level to over 9,000 feet. Designed
toms, steep mountain slopes, and expansive tundra. After flying especially for students ages 23 and older, this 14-day backpacking
into the area with an experienced Alaskan bush pilot, you’ll spend course packs in backcountry travel lessons in the steep shale moun-
the first 10 days of this extended Arctic expedition on foot, mov- tains and expansive tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
ing across the tundra and up braided river channels. Then you’ll and the Philip Smith Mountains. This is not a guided tour. You’ll
swap boots and backpacks for folding canoes and touring kayaks learn the skills in these two weeks needed to travel in a mountain
for a three-week river trip in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge environment long after your course ends.
or Gates of the Arctic National Park, one of North America’s larg-
est mountain-ringed river basins. The mountains are spectacular D E TA I L S
and rugged and the rivers flow through wilderness for hundreds of Tuition: $4,350
miles. It’s possible to see Dall sheep, moose, caribou, wolves, black Optional College Credit: 2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 107
and grizzly bears, and lynx as you travel.
D E TA I L S
Tuition: $7,400
Dates: page 106
61
SEMESTER IN
Alaska
YOUR SEMESTER IN ALASKA INCLUDES
everything from forested coastlines to the snow
and ice of the high mountain peaks to the tundra
and rivers in between. In the long days of the
northern summer, you’ll have plenty of time to
learn about and travel through wild Alaska.
Hiking takes you to the continent’s largest
assemblage of glaciers and itss greatest collec-
tion of peaks over 16,000 feet in elevation. The
semester’s mountaineering section travels even
further into this area, an ideal training ground for
learning to live and climb on snow and ice. Finally,
Madhu Chikkaraju
you will spend 23 days sea kayaking in Prince
William Sound. Amidst all this activity, you can
also expect an extensive environmental studies

Alaska's mountains and rivers set the stage for your course to work as a team through expedition behavior, com-
curriculum, giving you a unique perspective on munication, and setting goals. Matanuska Valley
some of the world’s most stunning wilderness. SEA KAYAKING You’ll explore the wilderness coastline of Prince William Sound by
starting with basics, such as learning how to load your sea kayak, then moving to more
After honing skills and leadership for 75 days at
advanced topics in a gradual progression that allows for quality learning. Classes will
NOLS Alaska, you can be confident traveling in include paddling techniques, ocean hazards, tidal evaluation, natural history, and risk
management. You’ll camp among the spruce or on rocky beaches and live and learn with
a variety of wilderness settings. your instructors and coursemates.
BACKPACKING Learning how to pack a backpack and walk lightly on the tundra of Alas-
ka's Southcentral mountain ranges kicks off this section. Then you’ll progress to studying
flora and fauna of the region, learning practical leadership skills, and practicing Leave No
Trace camping techniques. Map reading, river crossing, bear camping, hazard identifica-
tion, and decision-making will all be part of your continuing education.
GLACIER MOUNTAINEERING This section includes intensive skill training for living
and climbing in Alaska’s glaciated mountains. You’ll learn things such as belaying, an-
chors, rope systems, crevasse rescue, and ice climbing techniques while practicing basic
Fredrik Norrsell
glacier camping and travel. Crossing vast fields of snow and ice in rope teams will require
using the clear judgment, technical know-how, and decision-making skills that you have
honed all semester.
Another day in paradise. Beats four walls and an un- D E TA I L S SUMMER

comfortable chair! Prince William Sound Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 75 days
Tuition: $11,000
Facing page: Student Caroline Cheung ties a trucker's Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
hitch like a champ. Divide Basin, Black Rapids Glacier, Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Eastern Alaska Range Dates: page 107

Fredrik Norrsell
63
ALASKA
YUKON
Ashley Wise
YUKON
The Yukon Territory is an undiscovered wilderness paradise with little development, few people, and pristine back-
country. Located in the far northwest of Canada, this territory encompasses almost 500,000 square kilometers of pure,
untouched wilderness and you’ll have access to it from our base in Whitehorse, dubbed “The Wilderness City” and
capital of the Yukon. This northern paradise of wild, technical rivers and sweeping tundra begs exploration. During the
summer, the land explodes from its winter months of darkness for a season of continuous daylight. In this Land of the
Midnight Sun, you’ll share the wilderness with caribou, bear, wolf, moose, and migrating birds. The only trails you’ll
follow are those made by the wildlife and likely the only people you’ll see are your fellow coursemates. Whether you call
Canada home or you’re traveling from abroad, the Yukon’s stunning rivers and little-used mountain ranges provide the
ideal setting for a wilderness adventure. The NOLS Yukon experience is one you won’t want to miss.
YUKON BACKPACKING
Roam through the Yukon’s expansive and trail-less wilderness of
forest and mountains. This is the perfect training ground for mas-
tering camping and traveling skills as well as for developing leader-
ship skills and teamwork. You’ll explore and learn in the Yukon’s
wild and remote mountain ranges, where you’ll climb far above
tree line for awe-inspiring views. You’ll enjoy untapped fly-fishing
and spin fishing in wild rivers and clear alpine lakes. Hiking here
can be hard work, but the rewards of endless ridges and open tun-
dra are well worth the effort. After just 30 days, you’ll come home
with the skills and know-how to lead your own backpacking trips,
Steve Javorski
although you’ll always long for the freedom of the Yukon.
D E TA I L S
Rivers are the highways and canoes are the vehicles in the Yukon's untrammeled Tuition: $3,970
wilderness. Hess River Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
Dates: page 107
YUKON BACKPACKING YUKON OUTDOOR EDUCATOR:

AND WILDERNESS CANOEING BACKPACKING AND WHITEWATER CANOEING
Take full advantage of the remote, pristine Yukon wilderness on this This 30-day expedition for practicing and aspiring outdoor educators
self-supported 30-day expedition. This course is perfect for students combines the skills of wilderness backpacking with northern whitewa-
wanting to develop two distinct skills—hiking and canoeing—be out ter canoeing in Canada’s Yukon Territory. A remote Yukon mountain
for a month without re-supply, and get the quintessential Yukon ex- range is the perfect classroom for developing the skills of the backcoun-
perience. With the diverse, captivating terrain, you’ll be able to focus try professional. You’ll find an abundance of mountain wildlife amidst
on developing the skills to lead your peers in small groups. With all of the alpine wildflowers and chest-high forests of dwarf birch and wil-
your supplies for the month packed into a canoe, you’ll experience true low. While learning the hiking and camping skills needed to manage
expedition river travel with weeklong backpacking loops that provide groups in the remote backcountry, you’ll also spend time on technical
incredible views of the wild Yukon peaks and spectacular ridge walks. canoeing skills, teaching techniques, and river rescue concepts. After a
You may even catch a glimpse of bear or caribou or get to experience month in the rugged mountains and on the river, you’ll have a power-
the world-class fly-fishing. After this combo course, you’ll come home ful set of water and mountain skills for future professional and personal
an excellent camper and leader with an unparalleled appreciation for adventures in the backcountry.
Canada’s history and environment.
D E TA I L S
Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 30 days Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, Optional College Credit: 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 2 hours Risk Management,
2 hours Skills Practicum 2 hours Environmental Ethics
Facing page: NOLS Yukon students are true explorers, visiting isolated wilderness
few people have ever seen. Ogilvie Mountains
65
SEMESTER IN THE
Yukon
AN ACTION-PACKED LEARNING ADVENTURE,
this semester begins and ends in Whitehorse,
Yukon Territory, Canada, and is one of our most
unique wilderness leadership programs. It takes
place entirely in Canada’s North Country, where
remote, wild land stands unparalleled. For 76
days your expedition will explore the wilds of the
Yukon with a backpack, canoe, and rope team,
seeing few people along the way. In fact, with a
ratio of six caribou and one moose to every Yu-
kon resident and a grizzly bear to every Yukon
family of four, you’re more likely to share this vast
Pascal Beauvais
wilderness with animals than with humans.
Along your route, you will fish, cross un-
named rivers, summit unnamed peaks, and Leader-of-the-day opportunities allow students to think independently and implement the skills they have learned.
Coast Mountains
explore the same areas as turn-of-the-century
BACKPACKING From our base in Whitehorse, you’ll embark on the first phase of your
gold seekers. After this semester, you’ll be a adventure: a backpacking section through the river valleys, alpine tundra, and boreal for-
ests of the Yukon Territory. You’ll move up remote mountain valleys, planning routes and
comfortable traveler in the backcountry with choosing campsites. You’ll learn camping and travel skills pertaining to bear country—and
unmatched technical expeditionary skills in a metric tonne about being comfortable outdoors—while traveling through alpine meadows
and tundra and bushwhacking through trees and over passes in all kinds of weather.
backpacking and whitewater canoeing, as
MOUNTAINEERING What you learn about mountain weather, leadership, and route find-
well as glacier, snow, and ice mountaineering. ing on the backpacking section will prepare you to face the high glaciers on the mountain-
eering section. The Yukon’s mountains are an ideal classroom for learning technical moun-
taineering skills such as negotiating rocky mountain passes, icefalls, and glaciers. You’ll
climb stunning peaks while learning rope-team, crampon, and other techniques to move
over snow, ice, and rock terrain.
WHITEWATER CANOEING The Yukon provides some of the best whitewater expedition-
ing in the world. For over three weeks, you’ll learn all the skills necessary to effectively
paddle a variety rivers, including assessing, running, lining, and portaging rapids; river
rescue techniques; and river management and navigation. As your technical maneuvers
improve, you’ll be polishing your backcountry and leadership skills while you explore and
Roo Riley
live under the midnight sun.
The cross-bow draw is a difficult stroke that your NOLS D E TA I L S SUMMER
instructors will be sure to help you master. Hess River Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 22 • Duration: 76 days
Tuition: $10,270
Facing page: Get your feet wet with NOLS: Fording Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
rivers is sometimes the only way to get from point A to Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
point B. Tributary of the Chilkat River Dates: page 107

Pascal Beauvais
67
YUKON
P ar a
informa
ció
en esp a n
MEXICO
ñol,
visíteno
s en
www.no
ls.mx
TC Rammelkamp

MEXICO
Imagine a land of stark contrasts: ocean and desert, cactus and pine, teeming seas and sparse shores. This is the Baja
Peninsula, a land of unique wilderness opportunity. NOLS Mexico is the home of our ocean-based programs where you
can learn how to sea kayak and sail as well as backpack. You’ll learn about the rich diversity of this marine ecosystem,
about the whales and sea birds and fish that call this place home. There will also be occasion to interact with the people
of Baja California. We provide educational opportunities for local educators, students, and land managers, as well as
financial aid and scholarships for NOLS courses in both Spanish and English. We have a long-standing partnership
with the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, collaborating with their departments of marine biology, geol-
ogy, and alternative tourism. We have been off-the-grid in Coyote Bay near Mulegé in central Baja for over 30 years,
and our high-tech, low-impact facility was specifically designed to meet the needs of our students.
Abe Goodale
Alex Plank
The Drascombe Longboat is the perfect venue to learn how to sail and develop as a With personal coaching from your NOLS instructors you'll master surf landings and
team. Coyote Bay more. La Zorra Beach, San Nicholas Bay
BAJA COASTAL SAILING BAJA SEA KAYAKING

A NOLS sailing course will get you well on your way to sailing on Baja Sea Kayaking has it all—technical skills, incredible scenery,
your own and being a competent crew member. You’ll be aboard a leadership practice, and unique opportunities for cultural ex-
unique yawl-rigged open boat, the Drascombe Longboat, which is a changes. On this course you’ll navigate the Sea of Cortez, carry-
light, maneuverable craft perfect for learning sailing basics, exploring everything you need for your journey inside the hull of your
ing shallow coves, or hauling onto desert beaches. You’ll learn coastal sea kayak. Your instructors will teach you how to maneuver this
navigation on waters rich with marine life, from intricate sea fans to craft onto remote beaches surrounded by cliffs and how to handle
raucous sea lions. This course follows nature’s rhythms, so you may the boat when waves and winds pick up. On land, you’ll practice
find yourself up before dawn or sailing until dusk to take advantage cooking, Leave No Trace camping, and maybe some beginning
of a favorable breeze. There are bound to be some long, challenging Spanish. Free diving is a special part of this course, and you’ll of-
days on the water, but there should also be time to wonder at the ten spend afternoons exploring coastal reefs and the vast array of
night sky or at the sea stars in a tidal pool. You’ll learn to read winds multi-colored fish that inhabit them. You may even have the op-
and waves with confidence, work as a crew with your coursemates, portunity to enjoy the catch of the day from local fishermen. By
and on windless days, practice rowing and towing. The boat will the end of your expedition, you’ll walk away with the ability to
be your home on the water, but you’ll also practice Leave No Trace lead your own sea kayaking adventure and an appreciation for this
camping on shore in this unique desert that greets the sea. dramatic Mexican coastline.
Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 23 • Duration: 22 days Age and Length:
Tuition: $3,955 16 & Over • Average age: 23 • Duration: 22 days
Optional Optional College Credit: 2 hours Risk Management, 2 hours Leadership 23 & Over • Average age: 35 • Duration: 14 days
Techniques Tuition: $3,410 (16 & Over); $3,235 (23 & Over)
Dates: page 107 Optional College Credit: 2 hours each Environmental Ethics, Leadership Techniques
(16 & Over); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Dates: page 107
Facing Page: Running with the wind, these students enjoy the ride. Isla San Marcos
69
SEMESTER IN
Baja
FLANKED BY THE PACIFIC OCEAN ON THE
west and the Sea of Cortez on the east, the
Baja California Peninsula is a land of extremes
and contrasts. Granite and volcanic mountain
ranges extend over 1,000 miles down the pen-
insula’s central spine, and Picacho del Diablo,
a 10,126-foot peak in the northern mountains,
is snow-covered in winter months. The rest
of Baja California, while still very rugged and
mountainous, is Sonoran Desert country, re-
ceiving less than 10 inches of rainfall each
Leia Berg
year. Here exists an amazing variety of desert
life, including more than 110 species of cacti.

Group dynamics are an integral part of any expedition. Your NOLS course will concentrate on team building and
For three months, you’ll explore these contrast- communication that will help you achieve group goals. Baja California Sur
ing environments on foot, in a sea kayak, and

BACKPACKING Starting with Leave No Trace camping, route selection, map reading,
under sail while having ample opportunities for risk management, and hazard evaluation, your backpacking section takes you deep into
the desert and mountains of beautiful Mexico. Classes include discussions on group
cultural and Spanish language interactions with dynamics, leadership, geology, wildlife identification, and maybe some informal Span-
local students, educators, ranchers, and fisher- ish instruction.
men. You will learn the skills you need to visit SAILING Your mode of travel for this section will be a 22-foot Drascombe Longboat,
which lets you explore remote coves that larger sailing vessels can’t reach. You’ll move
these ecosystems and communities comfort- along the coastline, camping on shore at night and hoisting sail during the day. Expect to
learn coastal navigation, teamwork, seamanship, anchoring, sail trim, line handling, and
ably and responsibly in the future.
steering, as well as snorkeling and diving to check out fish and your anchors!
SEA KAYAKING Along with learning coastal kayaking skills like navigation, rolling, surf-
ing, and paddle strokes, you’ll focus on free diving skills and water risk management. Des-
ert natural history classes happen when the sea is too rough for travel. Some semesters make
an open water crossing to explore the uninhabited islands of the Gulf of California.
CULTURE Throughout your semester you’ll learn about Baja’s culture and history, gain-
ing insight into the diversity of lifestyles of Baja residents—sometimes en español! Oppor-
tunities include visits with local staff during course preparation, travel to remote fishing
Benjamin Lester
villages like San Nicolás, tortilla-making classes with ranchero families high in the Sierra,
and exchanges with the local university community.
Smile and soak in the warm brine air of Mexico's northern Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 78 days
coasts. Baja California Sur Tuition: $11,830 (spring); $11,975 (fall)
Facing page: ¡Ay carambaaaa! Cultural interactions Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
abound on international NOLS semesters. Estuche Dates: page 107

Benjamin Lester
71
MEXICO
PATAGONIA
Kyle Hammons

Patagonia is a remote wilderness of isolated mountain valleys, ragged icy peaks, turbulent rivers, and island archipela-
PATAGONIA
gos. This is a land that demands exploration, and you will experience firsthand its dramatic landscape. In the Aisen
Region of Chile, our main base is a working farm of several hundred acres near the city of Coyhaique. We do all of
the planning and logistics to make your expedition into the wilderness an educational experience that lasts a lifetime.
NOLS is an important contributor to the outdoor community in this region as well, offering specialized courses for
Chilean educators and students, teaching No Deje Rastro (Leave No Trace), outdoor skills, and leadership. The hall-
marks of a NOLS Patagonia course are remoteness, fickle weather, and exploration. Patagonia has mountains that have
never been climbed and valleys populated by pobladores (subsistence ranchers). The conditions in this part of the world
are extreme, but they are perfect for fine-tuning your outdoor skills and leadership traits.
Dane Sherstad
Rich Brame
Teamwork is central to success in the Patagonian mountains. Northern Patagonian Ice Field Master the cast and then go after those Patagonian browns. Rio Baker
PATAGONIA MOUNTAINEERING PATAGONIA BACKPACKING AND FLY-FISHING

The Patagonian Andes are the site of your mountaineering expedi- For a backcountry expedition that combines scenic hiking and
tion. Among the peaks, expansive rivers, and thick coastal rain unique culture with excellent fly-fishing, come to NOLS Patago-
forests, you’ll learn the techniques of alpine big-glacier mountain- nia. The fundamental travel and expedition skills that are the hall-
eering and camping in challenging weather. You’ll develop all the mark of a NOLS experience are coupled with a tailored fly-fishing
skills necessary to carry out remote expeditions and explore rugged progression based on students’ individual knowledge and experi-
and little-traveled mountain terrain. Teamwork, motivation, lead- ence. Whether you are picking up a fly rod for the first time or have
ership, and communication are critical components of the course, been fishing for years, you will the find wild brown and rainbow
as are meticulous glacier travel, hazard evaluation, and technical trout in our pristine lakes and streams an experience to remember.
ropework. This course will offer you the challenges of unknown NOLS provides a rural-remote, self-sufficient, educational expedi-
terrain and fierce Andean weather, preparing you for travel in any tion in an area renown for its culture and beauty.
mountain area in the world.
D E TA I L S
D E TA I L S Age and Length: 23 & Over • Average Age: 33 • Duration: 14 days
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 2 hours Skills Practicum, 2 Dates: page 107
hours Risk Management
Dates: page 107
Facing page: Put traditional education on ice when you learn in this classroom.
Glacier Soler
73
SEMESTER IN
Patagonia
DEEMED ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING
NOLS courses, the Semester in Patagonia has
strong leadership outcomes on account of adapt-
ing to and operating in harsh weather. Teamwork,
communication, and problem solving are critical
to the success of this expedition. You begin your
semester in Coyhaique, Chile, for five days of wil-
derness first aid training and expedition prepara-
tion before stepping into the backcountry for 75
Kyle Hammons
days. Once on this unique continuous expedition,
your transition between sections includes swap-

Pod up! Work together to navigate to the next take-out. Canal Martinez
ping gear in the field with another Patagonia se-
mester group on an opposite route. WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Before embarking into the field, you and your course-
mates will receive a 20-hour WFA training taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine
You’ll hike and camp in Patagonia’s valleys
Institute of NOLS. Fast paced and hands-on, this three-day course covers a wide range of
and mountains and sea kayak in breathtaking wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors.
archipelagos, stopping to visit with locals along MOUNTAIN TRAVEL You’ll move up remote mountain valleys, plan daily routes, and
choose campsites. Early in the course, your instructors will lead you, helping you to read
the way. The grand finale of this remote adven-
maps, find routes, and judge and evaluate hazards. They will then step back incrementally
ture is the extended student expedition, when you until you find yourself in charge. Some days you’ll be named “leader of the day” and be
responsible for a small group of your fellow coursemates. Depending on the weather and
and a small group of your peers earn the privilege how your entire group is progressing, you may have a chance to cross glaciers and work on
such skills as tying knots, handling ropes, and ice climbing.
of planning and traveling a route on your own.
SEA KAYAKING Most of Chile is off the beaten path for world travelers, and the island
chains of the southern part of the country are no exception. You’ll learn about the dy-
namic environment of the region, strong currents, tidal fluctuations, and fickle weather.
Instruction will include paddling techniques, rescue skills, route planning, and coastal
weather patterns. You’ll also study the natural history of the area while you continue to
hone your leadership and communication skills.
STUDENT EXPEDITION After you’ve successfully completed the previous three sections,
you’ll move into the student expedition. Typically, groups of four to six students travel
without immediate instructor supervision for a 7- to 10-day hike through the wilds of
Patagonia. Before setting out, and under the supervision of your instructors, your group
Betsy Winston
will craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and get ready to use and refine what
you’ve learned over the past months.
A shared cup of maté warms the soul and always brings

out smiles. A campo near Rio Baker
Facing page: Cramponing on dry glacier is just one Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 4 hours
of many skills you'll learn on your Patagonia semester. Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management
Glacier Soler Dates: page 107

Betsy Winston
75
PATAGONIA
YEAR IN
Patagonia
THIS IS IT—THE LONGEST COURSE TYPE
at NOLS. This extended expedition packs in
outdoor skills, wilderness certifications, and
international culture to create an unparalleled
Betsy Winston
adventure. From mountain travel on remote
peaks to sea kayaking along Patagonia’s ar-
chipelagos and rock climbing at the foot of the When in Chile....have a traditional feast! Students enjoy an asado with a local rancher. Valley of Rio Canal
Andes, the components of this course form a
comprehensive backcountry immersion. BACKPACKING In order to have a successful year, it is essential to build a foundation of both
technical and interpersonal skills. This first section of the year gives you a chance to focus on
With a strong focus on Spanish language
getting the basics down so you can expand to more advanced skills in the following months.
and cultural interaction, the Patagonia Year
SERVICE PROJECT You will participate in a backcountry service project that will posi-
allows you to spend one section living and tively contribute to the care of the land. This project will focus on land stewardship and
will range from two to four days in length.
working with local poblador families. Along
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) As part of your comprehensive wilderness
with developing an appreciation of Patagonian education, the Year in Patagonia includes an 80-hour WFR course taught by staff of the
Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS.
culture, you’ll also see more of this region’s re-
mote and breathtaking scenery than most visi- MOUNTAINEERING The large glaciers and rarely climbed peaks of the Patagonian Andes
will be your classroom for this section. Alpine mountaineering techniques and how to live
tors. Also, the course offers certifications for and camp in a harsh-weather Andean environment are parts of the curriculum.
students interested in outdoor careers around SEA KAYAKING The fjords of southern Chile offer breathtaking scenery and changing
weather. Your expedition into this region will include lessons in navigation, paddling tech-
the world, including Leave No Trace Master
niques, rescue skills, planning routes, and Patagonia’s natural history.
certification and Wilderness First Responder.
CULTURE During this section you’ll live on mountain campos with poblador families,
helping them with the daily chores of subsistence living. This is your chance to further
develop your language skills while fully experiencing the extraordinary Patagonian culture.
ROCK CLIMBING You’ll set up a base camp for your rock climbing experience at the foot
of the Andes. It begins with a foundation of skills such as climbing techniques, knot craft,
belaying, rappelling, and bouldering. As you progress we will focus on more advanced
topics such as anchor construction, belay escapes, and gear selection. If you are ready, and
weather permits, there will be opportunities for multi-pitch and lead climbing.
STUDENT EXPEDITION Typically, groups of four to six students travel without immedi-
Betsy Winston
ate instructor supervision for an 8- to 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Your
group will craft a travel plan and work out a proposed route in order to practice what
you’ve learned over the past months.
Hazard assessment is an important skill on technical ter- D E TA I L S ACADEMIC YEAR
rain and back in town. Cerro Largo Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 135 days; 67 days (fall), 68 days (spring)
Tuition: $26,250
Facing page: Explore stunning Chilean peaks and pris- Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 4 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
tine mountain lakes. Lago General Carrera Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management, 2 hours Expedition Planning, 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 3 hours WFR
Dates: page 107

Kika Bradford
77
PATAGONIA
A MAZON
Dalio Zippin Neto

AMAZON
Adventure and challenge in the wildest place on earth. NOLS Amazon demands commitment and hard work. Based in
the state of Mato Grosso in southcentral Brazil, we are located in a transition zone between the two largest biomes of the
country, the dry forest and savannah of the southern uplands known as the cerrado and the moist lowland forests of the
Amazon Basin. Our location puts us in a good position to access some of largest tributaries of the Amazon River, and these
rivers provide ideal corridors for wilderness and wildlife exploration. Our courses offer opportunities for real expedition
adventure, including remoteness from civilization and the challenges of self-care in the tropical forest. As well as its natural
diversity, Brazil also has a diverse and fascinating human culture. The Amazon region is still frontier country. Its inhabit-
ants have a fascinating way of life that we are privileged to sometimes share, and we are pleased to be collaborating with
land management agencies in Brazil as a pioneer in outdoor education in this region. Come explore with us.
Atila Rego-Monteiro
Solid communication and trust in your coursemates help to successfully navigate the jungle’s river corridors. Rio Juruena
N EW
AMAZON BASIN RIVER EXPEDITION
This 40-day course offers a classic expedition experience on one
of the large southern tributaries of the Amazon River. Beginning
at our base in the dry upland forests where the river has its source,
you will transition through a variety of tropical environments
as you travel north to the equator and the rain forest. The
journey is done in canoes and the river offers both a flat-water
and whitewater component. In addition to the core NOLS
curriculum, natural history and technical canoe skills will receive
special emphasis. Heat and humidity, insects, and the remoteness
from modern infrastructures are some of the particular challenges
of an expedition in the Amazon Basin, but we will teach you
the basics of self-care that will enable you to survive and thrive
in this environment. There are also excellent opportunities for
interactions with the people who lead subsistence lifestyles on
the banks of the river. Your whole visit to Brazil will be rich in
Dalio Zippin Neto
cultural experience and diversity. Come see the Amazon and

have the adventure of a lifetime on a real expedition!
D E TA I L S
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Duration: 40 days
Tuition: $6,900
Land the canoes. It’s class time in the Amazon Basin. Rio Juruena
4 hours Skills Practicum Facing page: The Amazon is the perfect place for students to learn about forest ecol-
Dates: page 107 ogy and environmental ethics. Sumauma, Rio Juruena National Park
79
SEMESTER IN THE
Amazon
THIS SEMESTER IS AN EXPEDITION THROUGH
the southern part of the Amazon Basin. You
will experience the natural environment—the
diverse forest types and their myriad insects,
birds, and mammals—as well as the fascinat-
ing culture of some of the people who live there.
The Amazon region is an incredibly beautiful
Dalio Zippin Neto

part of the world but a highly challenging place
to travel through. For 80 days you’ll explore
a variety of environments that transition from A river ecology class is more meaningful, and cooler, when you’re actually in the river. Rio Juruena National Park
dry upland forests known as the cerrado, to the

WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) The first few days of your course will be spent learn-
lowland rain forest closer to the equator. You ing first aid at the NOLS Amazon base before leaving on your expedition. Being
oriented to the various health concerns of the tropics and practicing good hygiene are
will see the southern sources of the Amazon
part of our basic curriculum.
River in the highlands and also travel by ca-
AMAZON RIVER TRAVEL The Juruena River in the state of Mato Grosso is our river of
noe on some of the huge lowland clear-water choice and canoes are our mode of transportation. You’ll begin this section by practic-
ing paddling and other travel skills on flat water for seven days before entering areas of
tributaries. If you crave a remote, extended, and
the river with more rapids. There are cultural experiences along the way with chances
demanding tropical expedition that enables you to visit remote subsistence communities and meet people who make a living along the
river. This is where you will experience the classic style of Amazon Basin river travel
to visit part of the Amazon Basin, this unique as you hone your paddling skills and learn both tropical and river risk management
while negotiating rapids one day and paddling long stretches of still water the next.
NOLS program is the best option.
BACKPACKING There are two hiking sections during which you will practice back-
packing skills and land navigation: one in the Brazilian Highlands on the southern
rim of the Amazon Basin and another in the lowland rain forest. Each of the areas
offers different learning opportunities. On hiking sections, occasions for small group
travel and independent student expeditions are possible.
CULTURE The Amazon Basin’s biodiversity is matched only by the cultural diversity
of its inhabitants. Locals live off the land and use the rivers as their main avenue of
transport. During your semester you will spend time with caboclos, seringueiros, and
other inhabitants of the Amazon backcountry in their communities as you travel by
foot, canoe, voadeira (a small dugout canoe with an outboard), and riverboat. Our
Dalio Zippin Neto
options include staying with local families, contributing to community projects, and
visiting isolated riverside communities.
D E TA I L S FALL
Discover Amazon culture as you engage with locals in Tuition: $14,800
day-to-day tasks. Rio Madeira Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 4 hours
Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management
Facing page: Experience the raw power of the Amazon Dates: page 107
watershed up close and personal. Serra Ricardo Franco

Mario Friedlander
81
AMAZON
INDIA
Pascal Beauvais

INDIA
Dev Bhoomi, called “The Abode of the Gods,” is a land steeped in culture, history, and mythology. It is the setting for some
of NOLS’ most culturally oriented courses. You will explore the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of India—places of stagger-
ing beauty, high ranges, and ancient civilizations. The holy river Ganga (Ganges) is born in these mountains, and some of
the trails here are the oldest trade routes between India and Tibet. Our base is in the mountain town of Ranikhet in the state
of Uttarakhand, a peaceful rural haven with spectacular views of the Himalayas where you will acclimatize before heading
for the high country. On our courses, there is at least one Indian NOLS field instructor, and you’ll benefit from this person’s
extensive knowledge of the region and its human and natural history. You will get a complete introduction to the languages,
myths, cultures, and wild beauty of this country. You’ll hike through subtropical forests and high alpine meadows, attaining
heights you never thought possible—both in elevation and in what you are able to achieve as a NOLS student.
Madhu Chikkaraju
Madhu Chikkaraju
Class time. What will it be today —Hindi, leadership, meteorology, or first aid? The With a history of famed ascents and unmatched beauty it is easy to see why India is a
NOLS syllabus is packed. Ralam Valley popular NOLS location for learning mountaineering. Pindari Valley
HIMALAYA BACKPACKING HIMALAYA MOUNTAINEERING

The Kumaon and Eastern Garhwal regions of the Indian Hima- The remote and spectacular Kumaon region in the state of Ut-
laya are rugged glacially carved ranges world famous as destina- tarakhand is the setting for this high-altitude mountaineering
tions for climbing and trekking. Long ago, these low-lying val- course. In these surroundings, you’ll learn how to carry out an
leys provided traditional trade routes between India and Tibet. international expedition, focusing on topics such as expedition
You’ll make your way up high mountain passes, some reaching planning, cultural awareness, high altitude physiology, and
15,000 feet above sea level, and travel through river valleys lush mountaineering skills. Beginning your trek into the moun-
with foliage. You’ll visit teahouses and hike past fields that are tains at 5,500 feet, you’ll travel on trails through forests and
still worked with water buffalo. You’ll accumulate backcountry small villages, interacting with the local people. Taking advan-
skills and learn the core NOLS curriculum while experiencing tage of non-moving days to learn the technical skills necessary
the land and culture on a staggering scale. All the while, your to move higher in an alpine environment, this course has the
cultural studies and classes in conversational Hindi will aid in potential for camping as high as 18,000 feet. The breathtaking
your interactions with local villagers. You’ll go beyond the nor- scenery, variety of terrain and travel, and tremendous opportu-
mal parameters of tourist treks and see an India that few foreign- nities for cultural interactions are what make this a once-in-a-
ers ever encounter, deep into the remote Himalayan wilderness. lifetime experience.
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Skills Practicum,
2 hours Skills Practicum 2 hours Risk Management, 2 hours Leadership Techniques
Facing page: Explore the amazing Himalaya and indulge yourself in big wilderness
on a NOLS India course. Milam Valley
83
SEMESTER IN
India
TOUCH DOWN IN THE ANCIENT WORLD OF
the Himalayas and prepare for a semester
packed with unparalleled language and cultural
opportunities in one of the most breathtaking
backcountry classrooms in the world. The Hi-
Madhu Chikkaraju
malayas, or “Abode of Snow,” swing in a wide
arc across four countries and are home to both
Everest and K2. Your Semester in India begins
at NOLS Pacific Northwest in Conway, Wash- Discover India’s wilderness on foot, including remote villages and farms amidst the hills and high peaks. Kathi Village,
Pindari Valley
ington, to prepare rations and gear before flying
to New Delhi. A bus ride through the plains of WILDERNESS ADVANCED FIRST AID (WAFA) While in Ranikhet, you’ll experience
rural mountain life while you receive your WAFA certification through the Wilderness
northern India to the mountain town of Ranikhet
Medicine Institute of NOLS. This 40-hour course focuses on injury stabilization, treat-
in Uttarakhand will deliver you to the NOLS ment, and evacuation guidelines of patients in backcountry environments.
base, located in an idyllic setting at 6,500 feet WHITEWATER RAFTING This 12-day section is based in the area around Rishikesh, one
of the holiest places for Hindus and home to many of their rituals and mythology. You
in the foothills of the Himalaya. From here, you will begin rafting on the holy Ganges River as you hone paddling fundamentals. Once
your skills advance and you begin to “read” the water, you’ll be ready for a few multiday
will travel through the valleys of the Kumaon
expeditions where you will learn to be paddle captain and row an oar raft.
and Garhwal regions where the thick conifer CULTURE The village of Kalika, a tiny hamlet at 6,000 feet near the town of Ranikhet,
will be the hub for these ten days. Pairing up with a fellow coursemate, you will participate
and broad-leaf trees of the lower altitudes turn
in a homestay to experience firsthand what it takes to live in remote, rural India. You will be
to evergreens, rhododendron, and juniper for- engaged in domestic chores and eat meals with your host family. Group classes will include
subjects such as landscapes, forest use and farming as a means of livelihood, and yoga. You
ests in the high ridges and shrubs, grasses, and will travel to learn about local food products, economy, and alpine ecology, as well as to visit
Gandhi Ashram, a national monument to the Indian independence movement.
wildflowers in the alpine zone.
MILAM VALLEY BACKPACKING The Milam (Johar) Valley was once the trade route
between India and Tibet. You’ll travel in those traders’ footsteps over high altitude passes,
through remote villages, and across lush river valleys and flower-strewn meadows, all with
alpine glaciers in the distance.
STUDENT EXPEDITION Your semester will culminate in India’s Pindari Valley with
an opportunity for a student expedition, a chance to apply with a small group of your
coursemates all the skills you have learned over the past months. Although groups will
travel without the immediate supervision of your instructors, you will work closely with
TC Rammelkamp
them to craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and plan for contingencies. In-
dependent student group travel is typically 7 to 10 days in length and is a reward for
working hard throughout your entire semester.
Whitewater rafting and Hindu religion mesh on the holy D E TA I L S SPRING FALL
river Ganges. Rishikesh Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 80 days
Facing page: Find time to reflect on your NOLS ex- Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 4 hours
perience and how it will impact the rest of your life. Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management
Milam Valley Dates: page 107

Madhu Chikkaraju
85
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
Jen Klewitz

AUSTRALIA
It’s name alone—Australia—brings to mind unusual wildlife and wide-open space, flora found nowhere else on Earth,
friendly people, and different cultures. The Land Down Under is a wild continent of waterfalls and crocodiles, of adven-
ture and exploration. Our headquarters is located in Broome, a community of less than 25,000 that was founded in the
1880s as a hub of the pearling industry. Since 1996 we’ve concentrated our explorations from Broome to northwestern Aus-
tralia, in places like the Kimberley and the Pilbara that are characterized by dramatic landscapes and intense colors, vast
plains, ancient mountains, huge tidal rivers, and breathtaking gorges. You’ll never tire of the unique beauty of either place
but you will discover their remoteness, learning from your instructors and enjoying the opportunity to explore a landscape
not known to many. We are also honored to be able to collaborate with local Aboriginal groups, from whom our students
have fantastic opportunities to learn about different ways of life. NOLS Australia is an adventure and an experience.
Leslie Palotas
Jen Klewitz
NOLS has been exploring the Australian outback by foot, canoe, and sea kayak for Hiking past a classic Australian billabong, a watering hole to native plants and animals
more than 14 years. Dampier Archipelago endemic to the Land Down Under. The Kimberley
AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING

Western Australia has it all: rugged plateaus, blue waters, and The rich cultural history, subtropical habitats, and ancient land
white sandy beaches. You’ll begin your sea kayaking adventure formations of the Kimberley make this part of Western Australia
in the waters surrounding the Dampier Archipelago, where ideal for a backpacking expedition. Among tight canyons, dry
you’ll have plenty of opportunity for learning sea kayaking plateaus, and secluded waterfalls, you’ll be challenged by this
skills, exploring the marine ecosystem, and discovering the land of extremes, where days can be hot and nights cool, and
area’s rich human history, which includes the most prolific Ab- explore areas very few people have ever seen. You’ll navigate
original petroglyph site in the world. You’ll backpack either in through woodlands of gum trees and cane grass one moment and
the Kimberley or Pilbara, both offering ideal terrain to explore hike to the top of an escarpment the next. You’ll see crocodiles,
the Australian outback. The Kimberley has tight canyons, se- kangaroos, wallabies, geckos, and birds, including cockatoos,
cluded waterfalls, and plateaus, while the Pilbara has escarp- kookaburras, and honeyeaters. You’ll also learn about the Ab-
ments, deep basalt gorges, and cool oases. Western Australia is original culture by spending a couple of days with our Aboriginal
home to a variety of exotic wildlife, it can be rugged, and it is guides, discovering their traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
hot here, but the natural history and unique Australian setting Through informative classes and discussions, interaction with
will give you an unparalleled NOLS education. our guides, and travel through local cattle stations, you’ll leave
this course with a new understanding of the rich and diverse nat-
D E TA I L S ural and cultural history of the Kimberley and Australia.
Tuition: $7,340
D E TA I L S
Tuition: $5,865
Dates: page 107
Facing page: Learning map reading skills is crucial in the vast interior of the Austra- Dates: page 107
lian bush. Drysdale National Park
87
SEMESTER IN
Australia
AUSTRALIAN SEMESTERS ARE EXPEDITIONS
of discovery in a land of great contrasts. The
spring semester consists of canoeing, backpack-
ing and cultural sections. For 75 days, you’ll travel
as a group through northwestern Australia’s Kim-
berley region, a place so remote you’ll get there
by four-wheel drive vehicle or light plane, and
you won’t return to civilization until the semes-
ter ends. The 68-day summer semester includes
Jen Klewitz
first-aid, backpacking, sea kayaking, and cultural
sections, where you’ll explore the Kimberley and
the Pilbara regions, learning how to be comfort- Spending a semester in Australia’s sun-soaked land is the perfect time to learn outdoor skills, environmental ethics,
and leadership. King Leopold Range, The Kimberley
able in both bush and marine environments.
You’ll see crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, BACKPACKING Your backpacking section will be in the Kimberley, in areas that offer
everything from gorges and grasslands to billabongs (watering holes) and waterfalls. You’ll
and kookaburras, as well as huge termite mounds. learn about the local cattle stations and how to backpack effectively in this hot, dry envi-
ronment. You may also get the opportunity for a student expedition, hiking close by, yet
Both semesters spend time on the coast, spotting
independent of, your instructors.
sea turtles, reef fish, coral and other marine ani-
CULTURE For a week of your semester you’ll have an opportunity to explore the Bardi
mals. The uniqueness of Australia’s natural sur- Aboriginal homelands, studying marine ecology and learning Bardi crafts and traditions
like boomerang and spear making, or visit another local Aboriginal community, like Jarl-
roundings makes this an ideal place for you to madangah, learning about their traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
challenge yourself, learn, and have fun. CANOEING (spring only) During this five-week section, you’ll travel through the heart
of the Kimberley, both by canoe and on foot. You’ll paddle and portage your boat and gear
down the Drysdale River, one of the most remote rivers in the world, while you learn the
intricacies of canoe travel and develop your leadership style. You’ll also take exploratory
day hikes into the wilderness.
SEA KAYAKING (summer only) You’ll begin your sea kayaking adventure in the waters
surrounding the Dampier Archipelago, a group of 42 rocky islands offering scrubby euca-
lyptus valleys and isolated coral reefs. Here you’ll have the opportunity to learn sea kayak-
ing skills, explore the colorful marine ecosystem, and visit the most prolific Aboriginal
petroglyph site in the world.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) (summer only) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine
Jen Klewitz
Institute of NOLS, this 16-hour section covers first aid specific to wilderness emergencies
and is essential for anyone spending extended time in the outdoors.
D E TA I L S SPRING SUMMER
Learning Bardi crafts and culture is a highlight for NOLS Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 75 days (spring); 68 days (summer)
Australia students. Sunday Island Tuition: $13,870 (spring); $11,500 (summer)
Facing page: Quiet stretches of river will give you time Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management
to appreciate the unique scenery of the region. Drysdale
Dates and Sections: page 107
River, The Kimberley

Jen Klewitz
89
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
Fredrik Norrsell

NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a land of contrasts. The South Island’s west coast drips with rain. Its forests are dense with tree ferns and
towering podocarps, ancient remnants of conifer forests that existed when New Zealand was part of a gigantic continent
called Gondwonaland. On the eastern side of the island, in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps, the hills are brown in
late summer and backcountry travel is often across open slopes covered with tussocks of grass or through beech forests that
smell like honey. Raw and young, this landscape is steep and rugged and its weather is capricious. You can go from hot sun
in the morning, to cold winds, rain, and snow in the afternoon. We leave behind the tourist routes and plunge deep into the
forests or climb high up into remote alpine areas. Some courses float down its rivers or explore its coastlines, experiencing the
country’s rich marine life—whales, dolphins, and seals—and its wide variety of endemic birds. New Zealand is a dramatic
place that engages your senses, challenges you physically and mentally, and promises to give you the adventure of a lifetime.
Alice Hill
Maori culture, leadership classes, and mountaineering: The NOLS syllabus is packed with excitement. Maruia Valley
N EW
NEW ZEALAND BACKPACKING
New for 2011, New Zealand’s 30-day backpacking course takes
you into the South Island’s rugged interior: a land of moun-
tains, rivers, waterfalls, tundra, and forests. The routes here are
demanding, but the rewards great. Most backcountry travel-
ers in New Zealand stick to the main tramping paths; we leave
them behind. So you’ll see few people as you explore the island’s
tangled forests and cruise its rocky “tops” (mountaintops). The
length of this course allows you time to delve into New Zea-
land’s unique natural history. You’ll encounter plants and ani-
mals found nowhere else on Earth: Strange trees that look like
they’re straight out of Dr. Seuss’ imagination and large mountain
parrots that live high in the alpine zones. You can expect chal-
lenging travel. The mountains are precipitous, and the rivers are
prone to sudden rises after a rain. You can also expect to learn the
skills required to travel safely and comfortably in this environ-
Fredrik Norrsell
ment—skills that will serve you later in life wherever you may go.
DETAILS
Tuition: $6,025 (includes 15% New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
Become a leader and decide your route to the top! Big Hill Range
2 hours Skills Practicum Facing page: Get your bearings at NOLS. A NOLS experience is the perfect time out.
Dates: page 107 Tennyson Inlet, Marlborough Sounds
91
SEMESTER IN
New Zealand
JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING EDUCATIONAL
opportunity in a remarkable country. New Zea-
land’s South Island is a varied region of alpine
grasslands, snowfields, rain forests, rugged
mountains, spectacular gorges, and broad
valleys with unique birds and plants found
nowhere else in the world, such as the only
mountain parrot, the Kea. For 77 days, you’ll
learn about the region’s natural history and cul-
Roo Riley
ture as you travel through the island’s forests,
which contain remnants of Gondwanaland,

Instructor Dave Pigott points out river features. Clarence River
a prehistoric continent. Along the way, you’ll
spend some time with the local Maori who will BACKPACKING A common element to all New Zealand semesters, tramping (Kiwi
for backpacking) is where you will learn all the basics of backcountry travel. New
teach you about their culture and connection to
Zealand is known for its spectacular landscape, and during your semester you will
the land. Then, whether you choose to canoe, explore all it has to offer. Be ready for steep terrain and variable weather. Students
find this a physically demanding section but also the one with the greatest learning
sea kayak, or sail, you’ll practice technical skills opportunities.
along New Zealand’s coastlines or rivers. And
CANOEING (optional dates) For three weeks, you’ll follow the South Island rivers like
no matter where this semester takes you, you’ll the Clarence (Wai-au-toa), Hurunui, or Waiau. You’ll learn the essentials of canoe ex-
peditioning as you paddle through some of New Zealand’s most classic hill country.
experience the varied and unpredictable weather
SEA KAYAKING (optional dates) Set in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds, this
of the “Roaring Forties”—an apt nickname for
section will begin with basic maneuvering and move to additional classes on paddling
the area between latitudes 40° and 50° south techniques. You’ll also have classes on navigation, tides and currents, marine weather
and communications, and other aspects of seamanship.
known for strong and prevailing winds.
MOUNTAINEERING SKILLS (fall only) Up to three weeks long, this section provides a
solid foundation of mountaineering skills that build on the skills you learn backpack-
ing. You will travel in the challenging and dramatic alpine environments of one of sev-
eral areas: Arthur’s Pass National Park, the Arrowsmith Range, Ahuriri/Ruataniwha
Conservation Park, or Nelson Lakes National Park.
SAILING (spring only) This 10-day section takes place in the Cook Strait and Mar-
lborough Sounds regions. You will cook and live aboard two sailing yachts, rotating
Tom Attwater
crew positions and learning the fundamentals of basic coastal cruising.
Your home for 10 days of coastal sailing. Queen Char- Tuition: $16,100 (spring, includes New Zealand’s 12.5% Goods and Services Tax); $16,675 (fall, includes New Zealand’s
lotte Sound, South Island 15% Goods and Services Tax)
Facing page: There’s a reason New Zealand’s lati- Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
tude is called the “Roaring Forties.” Ashburton Glacier, Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Arrowsmith Range Dates and Sections: page 107

Fredrik Norrsell
93
NEW ZEALAND
SCANDINAVIA
Caitlin Buttor-Feoderl

SCANDINAVIA
With remote Arctic coastlines and lush tundra, Scandinavia beckons. Your NOLS expedition along the Arctic Circle will
take you around rugged islands, in and out of fjords, and along coastal brim, the lowland area stretching from the ocean to
the steep glaciated peaks of the Scandinavian Mountains. Lying along the same latitudes as Siberia, Greenland, and Alaska,
Arctic Scandinavia will provide long summer days of midnight sun as you learn technical sea kayaking or backpacking
skills needed for an expedition anywhere in the world. From the coast to the limestone caves to forested valleys and high
peaks, this unique backcountry classroom provides ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the core NOLS curriculum.
And as one of the newest NOLS operating locations, Scandinavia will provide a sense of adventure and expedition that is
very much exploratory. You may go where no NOLS student has gone before. Whether in your boat or on your feet, you’ll
master leadership and outdoor living skills while immersing yourself in the culture and wilderness of Scandinavia.
SCANDINAVIA SEA KAYAKING

The Norwegian coastline is unlike any place else in the world.
Its proximity to the Arctic Circle provides long daylight hours
to witness abundant sea life and breathtaking views. From cod
to herring to halibut, fishing opportunities abound. You will
travel by sea kayak in and out of fjords, past small fishing vil-
lages, around rugged islands, and next to land punctuated by
steep, glaciated mountains. As you explore the beautiful coast,
you’ll learn to read nautical charts, hone your paddling skills,
and navigate different wind and tidal conditions, all while hav-
ing fun and refining your leadership skills.
Lena Conlan
D E TA I L S
Tuition: $4,400
Kayak the rugged coastlines of this unique territory while learning what it means to
have good expedition behavior. Salten Coast, Norway
Dates: page 108
SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING

The Kingdom of Norway is the westernmost country of the If you have always dreamed of hiking near the Arctic Circle,
Scandinavian Peninsula in Europe. Sea kayaking its impres- this exploratory backpacking course will take you north into
sive coastline offers a mix of remote paddling without any hu- those remote regions of Norway and Sweden. You may go where
man encounters and days where you can purchase fresh food no NOLS student has gone before. With the expert guidance of
in the small fishing communities that dot the rugged shores. your instructors, you’ll learn to travel and camp in areas such
The Norwegian Sea has a rich marine life, abundant with cod, as Tromsø, Finnmark, or Lyngen. With roots reaching back to
herring, and halibut, and is home to the largest deepwater coral the indigenous Sami traditions as well as the migrations of the
reef in the world. Your trekking section will start in Norway at Vikings during the late 800s, Scandinavia is a unique place rich
fjord level and move to higher elevations that are remarkably in culture, history, and wilderness. Here you will dive into the
unspoiled. A mix of rolling hills and snow-covered peaks punc- NOLS core curriculum—honing your leadership skills, back-
tuated by glaciers, this area has been home to the indigenous country navigation savvy, and Leave No Trace ethics. Students
Sami peoples for over two thousand years. Whichever skill you 18 and older can opt for a 30-day expedition. We also offer
tackle first, you’ll walk away with a comprehensive understand- a shorter, though no less intense or beautiful, 14-day trek for
ing of the land, water, and culture of Scandinavia. students 23 and older.
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 22 • Duration: 30 days Age and Length: 18 & Over • Duration: 30 days
Tuition: $6,185 23 & Over • Duration: 14 days
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, Tuition: $5,240 (18 & Over); $3,495 (23 & Over)
2 hours Skills Practicum Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
Dates: page 108 2 hours Skills Practicum (18 & Over); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Dates: page 108
Facing page: No, it’s not a dream. Explore all this desolate and rugged landscape
has to offer. Above Sorfjorden, Norway
95
CUSTOM COURSES & CONSULTING
by NOLS Professional Training
Ignacio Grez

NOLS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
NOLS Professional Training offers innovative, customized NOLS courses for businesses and organizations, focusing on
any aspect of the NOLS core curricula—leadership, technical skills, risk management, or environmental studies. Our
program coordinators help you select course dates and an optimum group size to meet your desired outcomes. Then, we
build a curriculum and progression around concrete learning objectives. To meet these objectives, our many operating
locations offer unique opportunities to utilize various technical outdoor skills, from backpacking to mountaineering
to sea kayaking and sailing. Additionally, NOLS consultants can train administrators in program risk management,
review programs, and train your staff. We can bring our expert educators to you or you can join us in one of our wilder-
ness classrooms around the world.
Find client outcomes stories at www.nols.edu/nolspro/clients.shtml.
Dave Anderson
Brian Fabel
Working together in a high-performing team is one expected outcome of NOLS Profes- Invest in your people. Invest in their leadership. The payoff is a highly functioning
sional Training wilderness expeditions. Sinks Canyon, Wyoming team that spends more time driving your mission. Lander, Wyoming
CUSTOM WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS LEADERSHIP NAVIGATION CHALLENGE

NOLS Professional Training teaches leadership on multiday The Leadership Navigation Challenge (LNC) is a focused team
wilderness expeditions. Unlike many guided travel adventure leadership development program. The training delivers core as-
programs, our expeditions focus on learning and practicing pects of the NOLS leadership curriculum customized to your work
your own travel and camping skills and environmental stud- context and needs in a facilitated environment. The culminating
ies as part of leadership training. These expeditions include activity of the LNC requires participants to practice their skills
our most complete leadership curriculum, using the same and actively engage in an outdoor GPS orienteering mission that
model with which we train NASA astronauts and shuttle requires in-the-moment decision-making, collaboration, analyti-
crews. Participants rotate serving as designated leaders each cal thinking, and strategic planning. This hands-on condensed
day, while others learn active followership to help make an expedition mimics challenges that teams face anywhere: making
optimal team. Time is prioritized for individual and group expedient decisions, balancing task achievement with group devel-
reflection about effective situational leadership. The NOLS opment, blending distinct individuals to form a cohesive team, and
curriculum provides a shared language and real-time experi- working through unforeseen hurdles. Through group coaching
ence for examining personal leadership skills and improving that includes shadowing and debriefing, our clients see increased
team performance. Research shows the skills most valued by functionality in their teams and return to their organizations more
NOLS participants after their courses are as applicable in the resilient, productive, and efficient. The LNC is highly portable
boardroom as they are in the backcountry. and can be delivered in a classroom and green space near you. Your
team is removed from the distractions of the daily routine in order
D E TA I L S
Duration: 7–30 days to focus and examine critical work issues, processes, and patterns.
Dates, locations, and tuition vary by client. Contact our program coordinators to
design your custom course today: nolspro@nols.edu or 1-800-710-NOLS, ext. 3. D E TA I L S
Curriculum: see pages 6–7 Duration: 1–3 days
Dates, locations, and tuition vary by client. Contact nolspro@nols.edu or call us at
Facing page: NOLS Professional Training custom courses focus on helping your 1-800-710-NOLS, ext. 3.
team reach its potential. Wind River Range, Wyoming Curriculum: see page 7
97
“ IF IT WEREN’T FOR THE NOLS TRAINING, WE WOULD HAVE Read more about how NOLS training helped
Bering’s save $400,000 at www.nols.edu/nolspro/
BEEN HIT REALLY HARD BY THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. N.
”
custom_courses/berings_store.shtml.
Augie C. Bering V, Executive Vice President, Bering’s Retail Store
RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES
TC Rammelkamp
Brian Fabel
Whether you are working to build a thorough risk management plan or test established NOLS is a cosponsor and the convener of the Wilderness Risk Management Conference
strategies, our four specialized services empower you to manage risks within the con- (WRMC), the foremost annual gathering of risk management professionals and outdoor
text of your time, budget, and organizational priorities. Green River, Utah edcuators in the nation. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 2008 WRMC
RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTING

Improve your curriculum, administrative processes, staff hiring, We’ll provide a professional assessment of your risk management
field support services, and crisis planning in this open-enrollment strengths and deficiencies and identify specific opportunities for
seminar offered at predetermined locations. Our main objective is improvement in your risk management strategies with a targeted
to help you build or improve on your comprehensive risk manage- list of recommendations.
ment plan.
D E TA I L S
D E TA I L S Duration: 3–10 days • Stage of Client Program: Building or Established
Duration: 2 days (16 hours) • Stage of Client Program: Building Tuition: Varies (see website)
Tuition: $565 Dates and locations are client dependent. Contact us at nolspro@nols.edu
Dates and locations: page 108
WILDERNESS RISK MANAGEMENT

CUSTOMIZED STAFF TRAINING CONFERENCE (WRMC)
Enhance staff performance through this customized training. We Connect and learn with other risk managers while sharing risk
will help you identify and refine staff training priorities using case management practices. This annual three-day event provides prac-
studies and protocols from your organization. tical solutions for challenging risk management issues.
Duration: 2–3 days • Stage of Client Program: Established Duration: 3 days
Tuition: Varies (see website) Conference Registration Costs: Varies (see website)
Dates and locations are client dependent. Contact us at nolspro@nols.edu Dates and locations: page 108
98 www.nols.edu/nolspro • (800) 710-NOLS ext. 3 • nolspro@nols.edu

NOLS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Craig Muderlak
Jaret Slipp
Betsy Winston
Abe Goodale
NOLS Professional Training builds strong relationships and delivers successful courses to a diverse group of clients. Clockwise from top left: Salmon River, Idaho; Hidden Valley,
Patagonia; Sinks Canyon, Wyoming; NOLS Mexico
SOME WHO HAVE CHOSEN NOLS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:

Secondary Schools Government
Fort Washakie Charter High School Interagency Wildland Firefighters
Fremont County School District 1, Wyoming NASA
Lawrenceville Academy Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers
Sun Valley Community School UNESCO
Universities and Colleges Corporate

Harvard Medical School Google
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) Merrill Lynch (Wharton Executive Education)
United States Naval Academy Mountain Equipment Cooperative
Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)
Wyoming Catholic College
Scholars and Fraternities

Beta Theta Pi (leadership fraternity)
Robertson Scholars Program
Levine Scholars Program
Camps and Youth Organizations

“ AFTER WORKING IN THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY FOR 15 YEARS,
AF
I AM AMAZED TO BE ABLE TO RETURN TO NOLS AND STILL HAVE
SO MUCH TO LEARN. THE DEPTH AND INSIGHT OF YOUR RISK
MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND THE THOROUGH INQUIRY INTO
CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES LEFT ME HUMBLED, INSPIRED,
”
Boy Scouts of America AND WELL-PREPARED TO MOVE AHEAD WITH MY CLIENTS. TS.
National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple® Camp
North Country Camps Steve Smith, Owner and Consultant, Experiential Consulting, LLC
Student Expedition Program (STEP) Hear other professionals talk about NOLS at www.nols.tv
99
WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE
Bradly J. Boner

WILDERNESS MEDICIINE INSTITUTE
When 911 is not an option, the rules change—plain and simple. For two decades and with over 100,000 graduates, the
Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (WMI) has defined the standards in wilderness medicine training. Our mission
is to provide the highest quality education and information for the recognition, treatment, and prevention of wilderness
emergencies. WMI empowers people to act with confidence in emergency situations by providing students with the tools
and training to respond to and evaluate potentially complex medical situations in remote environments. Our curriculum
is evidence-based, relevant, and practical and our faculty are seasoned and professional. We seek out the best medical
science to support our practices and work closely with a medical advisory panel to ensure our students are receiving the
most up-to-date material available. We don’t just teach lessons that work in the classroom; we teach skills that work in
the outdoors and offer a wide range of course and certification opportunities tailored to meet your needs.
TRAINING FOR OUTDOOR PROFESSIONALS
WILDERNESS FIRST AID WILDERNESS EMT

Fast paced and hands-on, this two- or three-day course covers a The Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) is
wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and the highest level of wilderness medicine training available. This
work in the outdoors. monthlong intensive program combines wilderness medicine with
urban medical care practices, including time at a hospital and in
D E TA I L S an ambulance. After four weeks of classroom education, practical
Age: 16 & Over • Duration: 16-24 hours • Tuition: Varies (see website)
Dates and locations: www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/schedule.shtml skills, scenarios, and full-scale mock rescues, you will be ready to
handle medical emergencies in the wilderness or right in town.
Successful completion of the course and both written and practi-
WILDERNESS ADVANCED FIRST AID cal examinations will certify the student as a National Registry of
A more extensive training program than the Wilderness First Aid EMT’s Basic EMT and as a Wilderness EMT.
course, this five-day course focuses on stabilization, treatment, and
D E TA I L S
evacuation guidelines of patients in backcountry environments. Age: 18 & Over • Duration: 180 hours • Tuition: $3,290
More emphasis is placed on long-term patient care management Eligibility: Current healthcare provider-level CPR (most commonly called CPR for
and specific injury evaluation. the Professional Rescuer or BLS Healthcare Provider CPR) and a TB test completed
within one year of the last day of the course.
Optional Credit: 9 semester hours of college credit
D E TA I L S
Dates: page 108
Age: 16 & Over • Duration: 40 hours • Tuition: Varies (see website)
Optional Credit: 32 hours of CEUs available for EMTs.
Dates and locations: www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/schedule.shtml
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER

Essential for a professional career in the outdoors, the Wilderness
First Responder (WFR) will increase your medical confidence,
skills, and knowledge. This 80-hour course includes a comprehen-
sive wilderness medicine curriculum that focuses on extended care
and unique wilderness therapies.
“ I SPECIFICALLY CHOSE TO TAKE MY
WILDERNESS EMT THROUGH WMI OF
NOLS BECAUSE OF THE HIGH QUALITY
OF EDUCATION I RECEIVED DURING MY
D E TA I L S WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER WITH THEM.
Optional Credit: 3 semester hours of college credit; 70 hours of CEUs available for I FIRMLY BELIEVE MY WMI EDUCATION HAS
EMTs; Approved for up to 59.5 hours of credit towards a FAWM.
Dates and locations: www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/schedule.shtml HELPED IN MY PROFESSION AND WITH MY
CONFIDENCE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD. I WILL
”
BE A LIFELONG ADVOCATE OF NOLS.
Molly K. Caldwell, Wildfire Crew, National Park Service
Facing page: Realistic field senarios are a part of WMI’s WEMT course, and the hard
work pays off. WMI graduates have a 92% first-time pass rate on the National Registry
Basic EMT exam compared to a 68% national average. Wind River Range, Wyoming
101
“
AFTER MY WMI COURSE, I HAVE GAINED CONFIDENCE IN TRANSFERRING MY KNOWLEDGE AS A DOCTOR IN A
AF
LARGE HOSPITAL TO THE WILDERNESS SETTING. I AM INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED BY YOUR TEACHING ABILITIES...
CONVEYING INFORMATION IN AN EASY, CONCRETE, USEFUL, AND FUN WAY. YOUR CLASSES WERE TOP-NOTCH.
Sara Selander, 2009
EDUCATION FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

H.
”
WILDERNESS MEDICINE FOR THE
PROFESSIONAL PRACTITIONER
Managing a patient in a wilderness, remote, or disaster setting re-
quires you to adapt your existing medical knowledge into a new
context. This two-day course focuses on the critical wilderness
medicine skills needed to take care of a patient in an extended
care environment. These skills include orthopaedic injury man-
agement and improvised splinting, focused spine assessment,
improvised litter construction, environmental emergency manage-
ment, and leadership and communication skills. We will provide you
with the latest information on decision-making principles that guide
wilderness treatment and evacuation decisions and allow you to apply
your new knowledge through practical scenarios and case studies.
D E TA I L S
Eligibility: Current status as an EMT, physician, or nurse
John Hovey
Optional Credit: 16 hours of CEUs available for EMTs; 16 hours of Category 1 CMEs
available for physicians; Approved for up to 16 hours of credit towards a FAWM.
Dates and locations: www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/schedule.shtml
Medicine in the Wild students gain familiarity with a portable ultrasound during their
elective in the Gila Wilderness, New Mexico.
WILDERNESS UPGRADE FOR MEDICINE IN THE WILD

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS MEDICAL STUDENT ELECTIVE
Building on your background in urban emergency care you will WMI and the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency
learn how to improvise equipment, deal with challenging environ- (HAEMR) partner to offer the ultimate combination of wilderness
mental conditions, and make difficult medical decisions in remote medicine, leadership, and medical education in a remote environ-
locations. This intense, hands-on curriculum utilizes daily role- ment. This is the ideal course for third- or fourth-year medical
plays, case studies, and practical scenarios. It covers a wide breadth students looking for a uniquely challenging opportunity to practice
of wilderness medicine topics, current controversies, and an ex- medical decision-making in a backcountry setting. This is an un-
tended night rescue. paralleled opportunity to gain proficiency in wilderness medicine,
leadership, wilderness travel and living skills, and medical education
D E TA I L S techniques. No other medical school elective offers this breadth of
curriculum or a true extended wilderness expedition.
Optional Credit: 4 semester hours of college credit; 48 hours of CEUs available for
D E TA I L S
EMTs; 36 hours of Category 1 CMEs available for physicians; Approved for up to Age: 23 & Over • Duration: 26 days • Tuition: $4,450
35.75 hours of credit towards a FAWM. Eligibility: 3rd- and 4th-year medical students and residents
Dates and locations: www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/schedule.shtml Optional Credit: Approved individually at student’s medical school
Custom Training WMI also offers customized wilderness medicine and medical educator
trainings and presentations for medical professionals. We work with student interest groups,
medical schools, residencies, and clinical training programs. Contact us to discuss your needs.
102 www.nols.edu/wmi • (800) 710-NOLS ext. 4 • wmi@nols.edu

WILDERNESS MEDICIINE INSTITUTE
Alan Neilson
Lena Conlan
Pascal Beauvais
Casey Kanode
Wilderness medicine and a NOLS field course —the perfect combination. Clockwise from top left: Strait of Georgia, British Columbia; Titcomb Basin, Wind River Range, Wyoming;
Main Salmon River, Idaho; Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
WILDERNESS MEDICINE EXPEDITIONS CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS FOR MEDICAL

PROFESSIONALS
These expeditions offer an unparalleled opportunity for physicians,
nurses and EMTs who want to learn practical, hands-on wilderness • Our courses are accredited through the Continuing Education Coordinating
medicine and decision-making in a true wilderness environment. Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) to provide continuing
Whether your passion is backpacking, sailing, rafting or sea kayak- education for EMTs.
ing, we have an expedition for you. Each expedition includes WMI’s • Category 1 CMEs are available for physicians and nurses. These activities
signature Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner have been planned and implemented in accordance with the essential areas
course. The expedition allows you to learn and practice the NOLS and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
outdoor skills curriculum while moving your team through the wil- (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the Wilderness Medical Society
derness. Evenings are dedicated to exploring the NOLS leadership and WMI.
curriculum and its application to medical practice. Our Wilderness • For active members of the Wilderness Medical Society, these courses have
Medicine Expeditions are truly unique and showcase the best of what been approved for designated hours towards a Fellowship of the Academy
NOLS has to offer. of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM).
D E TA I L S
Age: 23 & Over • Duration: 7-9 days • Tuition: Varies (see website)
Optional Credit: 16 hours of CEUs available for EMTs; 16 hours of Category 1 CMEs
available for physicians; Approved for up to 28 hours of credit towards a FAWM.
Visit WMI of NOLS online at www.nols.edu/wmi for more course information,

eligibility, and dates.
103
This could be your job.
If you love the outdoors and have great

communication skills, instructing for NOLS
may be your opportunity of a lifetime. Launch
your NOLS instructor career with:
• NOLS Instructor Course (IC), a month-long
course for aspiring NOLS instructors. You’ll get
the tools to teach the next generation of NOLS
students—in-depth instruction on teaching
the NOLS curriculum and training about
NOLS protocols.
• Professional Instructor Course (PIC),
a 16-day course for very experienced practicing
outdoor educators. We’ll recognize your
accomplishments and put you on the fast-track
to working for NOLS.
• Wilderness Medicine Instructor Training
Course (ITC), You’ll become a part of a highly
qualified team of WMI instructors who are leaders
in the field of wilderness medicine education.
Year-round work, instructor seminars to continue
your growth, and NOLS support for personal
expeditions are all part of the package. Work and
travel the world with NOLS!
For more information, check out:
www.nols.edu/alumni/employment
Fredrik Norrsell
COURSE DATES AND TUITIONS
The most up-to-date course date and
tuition information can be found on
the web at www.nols.edu.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS HORSEPACKING PAGE 25 FALL

16 & Over Tuition: $11,775; $12,525 w/WFR • Equipment
WIND RIVER WILDERNESS PAGE 21 Deposit: $700
Tuition: $4,930 • Equipment Deposit: $300
16 & Over Optional College Credit: 4 hours Optional College Credit: 16 hours; 19 hours w/WFR
Tuition: $4,035 • Equipment Deposit: $350 June 1–21, 2011 July 7–27, 2011 Section 1 & 2 • Aug. 26–Nov. 22, 2011
Optional College Credit: 6 hours June 12–July 2, 2011 July 19–Aug. 8, 2011 WFR, Canoe, Backpacking, Climbing, Canyon
May 30–June 28, 2011 June 30–July 29, 2011 June 25–July 15, 2011 Aug. 2–22, 2011 Section 3 • Sept. 2–Nov. 29, 2011
June 2–July 1, 2011 June 27–July 26, 2011 WFA, Backpacking, Climbing, River Travel, Canyon
23 & Over
June 9–July 8, 2011 July 7–Aug. 5, 2011 Section 4 (Gap) • Sept. 2–Nov. 29, 2011
June 16–July 15, 2011 July 11–Aug. 9, 2011 WFA, Backpacking, Climbing, River Travel, Canyon
Optional College Credit: 2 hours
June 20–July 19, 2011 July 18–Aug. 16, 2011 Section 5 • Sept. 5–Dec. 2, 2011
Aug. 28–Sept. 10, 2011
June 23–July 22, 2011 July 21–Aug. 19, 2011 Backpacking, River Travel, WFA, Canyon, Winter (Ski)
WIND RIVER MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 26 Section 6 • Sept. 5–Dec. 2, 2011
16 & 17 Only
Tuition: $4,290 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Backpacking, Climbing, WFA, Canyon, Winter (Ski)
Optional College Credit: 6 hours Section 7 • Sept. 9–Dec. 6, 2011
June 6–July 5, 2011 June 20–July 19, 2011 Mountaineering, River Travel, Canyon, Winter (Ski)
June 9–July 8, 2011 June 30–July 29, 2011
June 13–July 12, 2011 Section 8 & 9 (Gap) • Sept. 12–Dec. 9, 2011
June 13–July 12, 2011 July 7–Aug. 5, 2011
WFA, Backpacking, Climbing, Canyon, Winter (Ski)
ROCK CLIMBING PAGE 26
June 27–July 26, 2011 July 18–Aug. 16, 2011 21-day SEMESTER FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATORS PAGE 32
Tuition: $4,150 • Equipment Deposit: $250 SPRING
23 & Over
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Tuition: $12,655 • Equipment Deposit: $700
Optional College Credit: 2 hours 16 & Over Optional College Credit: 19 hours
July 17–30, 2011 Sept. 4–17, 2011 July 14–Aug. 3, 2011 July 28–Aug. 17, 2011 Feb. 10–May 9, 2011
July 31–Aug. 13, 2011 July 21–Aug. 10, 2011 WFR, Winter, Canyon, Canoe, Climbing, Leave No
Trace Master’s
16 & 17 Only
ABSAROKA BACKPACKING PAGE 22 FALL
July 14–Aug. 3, 2011 July 21–Aug. 10, 2011
Tuition: $3,945 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Tuition: $12,905 • Equipment Deposit: $700
Optional College Credit: 6 hours 30-Day Optional College Credit: 19 hours
May 30–June 28, 2011 July 11–Aug. 9, 2011 Tuition: $5,030 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Sept. 16–Dec. 13, 2011
June 6–July 5, 2011 July 21–Aug. 19, 2011 Optional College Credit: 6 hours Backpacking, WFR, Climbing, Canyon, Winter,
June 27–July 26, 2011 July 7–Aug. 5, 2011 Leave No Trace Master’s
ROCKY MTN. LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING PAGE 22
Tuition: $3,325 • Equipment Deposit: $150 ROCK AND RIVER PAGE 27
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Tuition: $5,520 • Equipment Deposit: $350 TETON VALLEY
July 17–30, 2011 July 31–Aug. 13, 2011 Optional College Credit: 6 hours
June 6–July 5, 2011 July 3–Aug. 1, 2011 SALMON BACKPACKING AND RAFTING PAGE 35
WYOMING BACKPACKING ADVENTURE FOR Tuition: $5,335 • Equipment Deposit: $250
14- & 15-YEAR-OLDS PAGE 23 Optional College Credit: 6 hours
WHITEWATER RIVER EXPEDITION PAGE 27
Tuition: $4,925 • Equipment Deposit: $350 July 1–28, 2011 July 17–Aug. 13, 2011
June 9–July 8, 2011 June 27–July 26, 2011 Optional College Credit: 2 hours
WINTER OUTDOOR EDUCATOR PAGE 36
June 16–July 15, 2011 July 14–Aug. 12, 2011 June 1–16, 2011 July 13–28, 2011
June 23–July 22, 2011 June 30–July 15, 2011 Aug. 1–16, 2011
ROCKY MTN. OUTDOOR EDUCATOR PAGE 24 Jan. 10–30, 2011
SEMESTER IN THE ROCKIES PAGE 28
Backpacking with Rock Climbing SPRING BACKCOUNTRY SNOWBOARDING PAGE 36
Tuition: $3,385 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Tuition: $11,510; $12,275 w/WFR • Equipment Tuition: $2,215 • Equipment Deposit: $250
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Deposit: $700 Optional College Credit: 2 hours
June 6–28, 2011 Sept. 2–24, 2011 Optional College Credit: 16 hours Jan. 6–19, 2011 Feb. 14–27, 2011
July 14–Aug. 5, 2011 Section 1 & 2 • Feb. 14–May 11, 2011
Winter (Ski), WFR, Canyon, Canoe, Climbing BACKCOUNTRY SKIING PAGE 37
Backpacking with Wilderness First Responder
Section 3 & 4 • Feb. 21–May 18, 2011 Tuition: $1,855 • Equipment Deposit: $250
Tuition: $4,870 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Optional College Credit: 2 hours
WFA, Winter (Ski), Canyon, River Travel, Climbing
Optional College Credit: 7 hours Jan. 2–15, 2011 Feb. 22–March 7, 2011
Section 5 • March 3–May 28, 2011
WFA, Canyon, River Travel, Climbing, Horsepacking
23-AND-OVER BACKCOUNTRY SKIING PAGE 37
NOLS/ORVIS TM WILDERNESS FLY-FISHING PAGE 24 SUMMER Tuition: $2,150 • Equipment Deposit: $250
Tuition: $6,500 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Tuition: $10,510 • Equipment Deposit: $700 Optional College Credit: 2 hours
Optional College Credit: 6 hours Optional College Credit: 16 hours Dec. 29, 2010–Jan. 9, 2011
June 16–July 15, 2011 June 30–July 29, 2011 June 6–Aug. 12, 2011 Feb. 6–17, 2011 March 1–12, 2011
Backpacking, Climbing, River Travel
105
IDAHO BACKPACKING ADVENTURE Section 1 • Aug. 17–Nov. 4, 2011 ALASKA
FOR 14- & 15-YEAR-OLDS PAGE 38 Sea Kayaking, Climbing, WFA, Backpacking, Sailing
Tuition: $3,060 • Equipment Deposit: $200 Section 2 • Aug. 24–Nov. 11, 2011 PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND 23-AND-OVER SEA
June 17–30, 2011 Girls only: June 25–July 8, 2011 Mountain Travel, WFA, Sailing, Rock Climbing, KAYAKING PAGE 57
July 7–20, 2011 July 26–Aug. 8, 2011 Coastal Backpacking Tuition: $3,310 • Equipment Deposit: $200
July 14–27, 2011 Section 3 • Aug. 31–Nov. 18, 2011 Optional College Credit: 2 hours
Mountain Travel, Rock Climbing, WFA, Coastal July 17–30, 2011
SALMON BACKPACKING AND RAFTING ADVENTURE Backpacking, Sailing
FOR 14- & 15-YEAR-OLDS PAGE 38 SOUTHEAST ALASKA SEA KAYAKING PAGE 57
Section 4 • Sept. 7–Nov. 25, 2011
Mountain Travel, WFA, Sailing, Rock Climbing,
June 16–July 13, 2011 July 10–Aug. 6, 2011 Optional College Credit: 6 hours
Coastal Backpacking
June 24-July 21, 2011
Section 5 • Sept. 14–Dec. 2, 2011 16 & Over
Mountain Travel, WFA, Rock Climbing, Coastal June 10–July 9, 2011 June 14–July 13, 2011
Backpacking, Sailing
PACIFIC NORTHWEST 16 & 17 only
July 17–Aug. 15, 2011 July 20–Aug 18, 2011
PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRIP LEADER PAGE 41 SEMESTER ON THE BORDERS PAGE 50
Tuition: $1,150 • Equipment Deposit: $100 SPRING ALASKA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING PAGE 58
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Tuition: $13,465 • Equipment Deposit: $700 Tuition: $4,770 • Equipment Deposit: $350
June 8–16, 2011 Aug. 10–18, 2011 Optional College Credit: 16 hours Optional College Credit: 6 hours
July 27–Aug. 4, 2011 March 10–June 3, 2011 May 24–June 22, 2011 June 23–July 22, 2011
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BACKPACKING PAGE 41
SOUTHWEST ALASKA OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: BACKPACKING
Optional College Credit: 6 hours AND SEA KAYAKING PAGE 58
May 25–June 24, 2011 June 22–July 22, 2011 SOUTHWEST OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: BACKPACKING Tuition: $4,175 • Equipment Deposit: $350
June 8–July 8, 2011 June 29–July 29, 2011 AND ROCK CLIMBING PAGE 47 Optional College Credit: 6 hours
June 15–July 15, 2011 July 20–Aug 19, 2011 Tuition: $4,215 • Equipment Deposit: $350 July 21–Aug. 19, 2011
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE Jan. 6–Feb. 5, 2011 ALASKA MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 59
FOR 14- AND 15-YEAR-OLDS PAGE 41
Tuition: $3,060 • Equipment Deposit: $200 17 & Over
SOUTHWEST LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING PAGE 47
July 10–23, 2011 Tuition: $5,750 • Equipment Deposit: $350
Optional College Credit: 2 hours June 24–July 23, 2011 June 28–July 27, 2011
WADDINGTON RANGE MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 42
Jan. 10–23, 2011 Sept. 20–Oct. 3, 2011
Tuition: $5,130 • Equipment Deposit: $350 23 & Over
Optional College Credit: 6 hours SEMESTER IN THE SOUTHWEST PAGE 48 Tuition: $3,750 • Equipment Deposit: $200
June 15–July 15, 2011 July 13–Aug. 12, 2011 Optional College Credit: 2 hours
June 29–July 29, 2011 SPRING
July 3–16, 2011 July 24–Aug. 6, 2011
NORTH CASCADES MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 42 Optional College Credit: 16 hours DENALI MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 59
Jan. 11–April 8, 2011 Jan. 29–April 26, 2011 Tuition: $7,750 • Equipment Deposit: $350
17 & Over
Tuition: $4,175 • Equipment Deposit: $350 FALL Optional College Credit: 6 hours
Optional College Credit: 6 hours Tuition: $11,990 • Equipment Deposit: $700 June 8–July 11, 2011
May 25–June 24, 2011 July 6–Aug. 5, 2011 Optional College Credit: 16 hours
June 1–July 1, 2011 July 13–Aug. 12, 2011 Sept. 5–Dec. 1, 2011 ALASKA BACKPACKING PAGE 60
23 & Over SEMESTER ON THE BORDERS PAGE 50 Optional College Credit: 6 hours
SPRING 16 & Over
Tuition: $13,465 • Equipment Deposit: $700 June 7–July 6, 2011 June 30–July 29, 2011
Aug. 10–26, 2011 Aug. 31–Sept. 16, 2011
Optional College Credit: 16 hours June 13–July 12, 2011 July 7–Aug. 5, 2011
PACIFIC NORTHWEST OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: March 10–June 3, 2011 June 21–July 20, 2011 July 15–Aug. 13, 2011
MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 43 June 26–July 25, 2011 July 18–Aug. 16, 2011
Tuition: $4,065 • Equipment Deposit: $350 YEAR IN THE SONORAN PAGE 52
16 & 17 Only
Optional College Credit: 6 hours FALL June 16–July 15, 2011 July 7–Aug. 5, 2011
May 18–June 17, 2011 July 20–Aug. 19, 2011 Tuition: $21,750 • Equipment Deposit: $750 June 21–July 20, 2011 July 12–Aug. 10, 2011
June 1–July 1, 2011 Optional College Credit: 27 hours
Oct. 1, 2011–March 14, 2012 ALASKA BACKPACKING AND PACKRAFTING PAGE 60
PACIFIC NORTHWEST SEA KAYAKING Tuition: $4,770 • Equipment Deposit: $350
(Holiday Break: Dec. 5, 2011–Jan. 4, 2012)
AND SAILING PAGE 43 Optional College Credit: 6 hours
Tuition: $4,990 • Equipment Deposit: $350 June 24–July 23, 2011
June 8–July 8, 2011 June 22–July 22, 2011
NORTHEAST
BROOKS RANGE BACKPACKING AND RIVER PAGE 61
ADIRONDACK BACKPACKING ADVENTURE Tuition: $7,400 • Equipment Deposit: $350
SEMESTER IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST PAGE 44 Optional College Credit: 8 hours
FOR 14- AND 15-YEAR-OLDS PAGE 55
FALL Tuition: $3,060 • Equipment Deposit: $200 July 8–Aug. 16, 2011
Tuition: $11,600 • Equipment Deposit: $700 June 30–July 13, 2011 July 17–30, 2011

BROOKS RANGE 23-AND-OVER BACKPACKING PAGE 61 YEAR IN THE SONORAN PAGE 52 SEMESTER IN INDIA PAGE 84
FALL SPRING
Aug. 7–20, 2011
Optional College Credit: 27 hours Optional College Credit: 16 hours
Oct. 1, 2011–March 14, 2012 March 9–May 27, 2011 March 22–June 9, 2011
SEMESTER IN ALASKA PAGE 62
(Holiday Break: Dec. 5, 2011–Jan. 4, 2012)
FALL
SUMMER
Optional College Credit: 16 hours PATAGONIA Aug. 23–Nov. 10, 2011 Sept. 7–Nov. 25, 2011
May 25–Aug. 7, 2011 June 4–Aug. 17, 2011
PATAGONIA MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 73
YUKON Optional College Credit: 6 hours
AUSTRALIA
Jan. 6–Feb. 8, 2011
AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING AND
YUKON BACKPACKING PAGE 65
SEA KAYAKING PAGE 87
Tuition: $3,970 • Equipment Deposit: $350 PATAGONIA BACKPACKING AND FLY-FISHING PAGE 73
Optional College Credit: 6 hours Tuition: $3,470 • Equipment Deposit: $250
June 20–July 19, 2011 Optional College Credit: 2 hours
June 23–Aug. 6, 2011 July 6–Aug. 19, 2011
March 9–22, 2011
YUKON BACKPACKING AND
AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING PAGE 87
WILDERNESS CANOEING PAGE 65 SEMESTER IN PATAGONIA PAGE 74
SPRING Optional College Credit: 6 hours
Tuition: $14,670 • Equipment Deposit: $500 June 29–Aug. 2, 2011
Jan. 14–April 3, 2011 Jan. 19–April 8, 2011 SEMESTER IN AUSTRALIA PAGE 88
YUKON OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: BACKPACKING
AND WHITEWATER CANOEING PAGE 65 FALL SPRING
Tuition: $3,840 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Tuition: $14,900 • Equipment Deposit: $500 Tuition: $13,870 • Equipment Deposit: $700
Optional College Credit: 6 hours Optional College Credit: 16 hours Optional College Credit: 16 hours
July 26–Aug. 24, 2011 Sept. 22–Dec. 10, 2011 Sept. 30–Dec. 18, 2011 March 18–May 31, 2011 March 24–June 6, 2011
SUMMER
SEMESTER IN THE YUKON PAGE 66 YEAR IN PATAGONIA PAGE 76
SUMMER FALL Optional College Credit: 16 hours
Tuition: $10,270 • Equipment Deposit: $700 Tuition: $26,250 • Equipment Deposit: $750 June 10–Aug. 16, 2011
Optional College Credit: 16 hours Optional College Credit: 27 hours
June 11–Aug. 25, 2011 Oct. 16, 2011–March 14, 2012
(Holiday Break: Dec. 22, 2011–Jan. 6, 2012) NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND BACKPACKING PAGE 91
MEXICO
Tuition: $6,025 (includes 15% NZ Goods and
AMAZON Services Tax) • Equipment Deposit: $350
BAJA COASTAL SAILING PAGE 69
Tuition: $3,955 • Equipment Deposit: $225 AMAZON BASIN RIVER EXPEDITION PAGE 79
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Tuition: $6,900 • Equipment Deposit: $100 Feb. 10–March 11, 2011
Jan. 3–24, 2011 Oct. 13–Nov. 3, 2011 Optional College Credit: 6 hours
SEMESTER IN NEW ZEALAND PAGE 92
July 18–Aug. 26, 2011
BAJA SEA K AYAKING PAGE 69 SPRING
16 & Over SEMESTER IN THE AMAZON PAGE 80 Tuition: $16,100 (includes 12.5% NZ Goods and
Tuition: $3,410 • Equipment Deposit: $225 FALL
Services Tax)
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Tuition: $14,800 • Equipment Deposit: $100 Equipment Deposit: $700
Jan. 4–25, 2011 March 3–24, 2011 Optional College Credit: 16 hours Optional College Credit: 16 hours
Oct. 18–Nov. 8, 2011 Sept. 7–Nov. 25, 2011 Section 1 • Jan. 27–April 13, 2011
Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking, Culture
23 & Over
Section 2 • Jan. 27–April 13, 2011
INDIA Sea Kayaking, Backpacking, Sailing, Culture
Section 3 • Feb. 6–April 23, 2011
Feb. 3–16, 2011
HIMALAYA BACKPACKING PAGE 83 Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking, Culture
SEMESTER IN BAJA PAGE 70 Tuition: $6,590 • Equipment Deposit: $350 Section 4 • Feb. 6–April 23, 2011
Optional College Credit: 6 hours Backpacking, Sea Kayaking, Sailing, Culture
SPRING
May 1–June 4, 2011 Sept. 21–Oct. 25, 2011 FALL
May 12–June 15, 2011 Tuition: $16,675 (includes 15% NZ Goods and
Jan. 12–March 30, 2011 Jan. 19–April 6, 2011 Services Tax)
HIMALAYA MOUNTAINEERING PAGE 83
Equipment Deposit: $700
FALL Tuition: $7,095 • Equipment Deposit: $350
Section 1 • Sept. 15–Nov. 30, 2011
Optional College Credit: 16 hours April 2–May 11, 2011 Sept. 1–Oct. 10, 2011
Mountaineering, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking, Culture
Sept. 7–Nov. 23, 2011 Sept. 21–Dec. 7, 2011 Section 2 • Sept. 15–Nov. 30, 2011
Sea Kayaking, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Culture
Section 3 • Sept. 22–Dec. 7, 2011
107
Canoeing, Backpacking, Mountaineering, Culture MEDICINE IN THE WILD PAGE 102 UPCOMING: TANZANIA
Section 4 • Sept. 29–Dec. 14, 2011 Tuition: $4,450
Backpacking, Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Culture Credit: Awarded individually at student’s school. Fall 2011 could find NOLS back in Africa! Stay
Section 5 • Sept. 29–Dec. 14, 2011 April 4–28, 2011 • Gila Wilderness, NOLS Southwest tuned to www.nols.edu for details about this exciting
Backpacking, Sea Kayaking, Canoeing, Culture new offering in the wilderness and culture of
WILDERNESS MEDICINE EXPEDITIONS PAGE 103 Tanzania.
Tuition: Varies (see below)
SCANDINAVIA Optional Credit: 16 hours of CEUs available for
EMTs; 16 hours of Category 1 CMEs available for
SCANDINAVIA SEA KAYAKING PAGE 95
Physicians. Approved for up to 28 hours of credit
towards a FAWM.
July 29–Aug. 19, 2011 Backpacking in the Galiuros
October 16–23, 2011 • NOLS Southwest • $1,950
SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING
Sailing in British Columbia
AND SEA KAYAKING PAGE 95
June 4–11, 2011 • NOLS Pacific Northwest • $2,850
Optional College Credit: 6 hours Sea Kayaking in Prince William Sound
June 9–July 8, 2011 June 26–July 25, 2011 July 9–16, 2011 • NOLS Alaska • $2,550
Rafting the Main Salmon River
SCANDINAVIA BACKPACKING PAGE 95
August 26–Sept. 3, 2011 • NOLS Teton Valley • $2,950
18 & Over
Backpacking in the Wind River Range
August 28–Sept. 4, 2011 • NOLS Rocky Mountain • $2,200
July 14–Aug. 12, 2011 Backpacking in the Galiuros
Elliot Johnston
Sept. 25–Oct. 2, 2011 • NOLS Southwest • $1,950
23 & Over
July 31–Aug. 13, 2011
INSTRUCTOR COURSES
STANDARD INSTRUCTOR COURSES (IC) PAGE 104
Tuition: $4,590 • Duration: 35 days
NOLS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Equipment Deposit: $250
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Leadership
RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING PAGE 98
Techniques, 2 hours Risk Management, 2 hours
Tuition: $565
Outdoor Educator
March 5–6, 2011 • Seattle, WA, USA
April 5–6, 2011 • Atlanta, GA, USA MOUNTAIN
May 11–12, 2011 • San Francisco, CA, USA Rocky Mountain May 5–June 8, 2011
October 4–5, 2011 • Northeast USA July 6–Aug. 9, 2011
November 3–4, 2011 • San Antonio, TX, USA May 19–June 22, 2011
WILDERNESS RISK MANAGEMENT Alaska May 20–June 23, 2011

CONFERENCE PAGE 98 Southwest April 1–May 4, 2011
Registration: see www.nols.edu/wrmc
Tracy Baynes/STEP
October 14–16, 2010 • Colorado Springs, CO RIVER
October 5–7, 2011 • Boston, MA Rocky Mountain April 17–May 20, 2011
Yukon June 1–July 5, 2011
WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE SAILING
Visit www.NOLS.edu/wmi/courses for the latest Mexico Nov. 2–Dec. 6, 2011

WFA, WAFA, and WFR offerings.
PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR COURSES (PIC) PAGE 104
WILDERNESS EMT PAGE 101
Tuition: $300 • Duration: 16 days
Tuition: $3,290 (January–August 2011);
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Leadership
TBA (September–December 2011
Techniques, 2 hours Outdoor Educator
Optional Credit: 9 semester hours of college credit
January 3–28, 2011 • Lander, WY, USA MOUNTAIN
January 10–February 4, 2011 • Midpines, CA, USA Rocky Mountain May 19–June 3, 2011
February 4–March 25, 2011 • Midpines, CA, USA
April 11–May 6, 2011 • Lander, WY, USA
Kyle Hammons
WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTRUCTOR

May 9–June 3, 2011 • Midpines, CA, USA
TRAINING COURSES (ITC) PAGE 104
May 16–June 10, 2011 • Lander, WY, USA
Tuition: Call WMI for more info
June 13–July 8, 2011 • Midpines, CA, USA
June 20–July 15, 2011 • Lander, WY, USA Wilderness First Responder ITC
July 18–August 12, 2011 • Midpines, CA, USA November 6–15, 2011
July 25–August 19, 2011 • Lander, WY, USA Wilderness First Aid ITC
Work independently and as a group as you become an
November 6–12, 2011
efficient and enthusiastic backcountry traveler. From top
September 19–October 14, 2011 • Lander, WY, USA
to bottom: Point Hamilton, Inside Passage, Alaska; Prince
October 24–November 18, 2011 • Midpines, CA, USA William Sound, Alaska; Isla Merino Jarpa, Patagonia

NOLS is an equal opportunity service provider, operating under permit and in part- Sinks Canyon State Park, Smith Rock State Park, State of Alaska Department
nership with the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Man- of Natural Resources, Texas State Parks, The Access Fund, The Nature Conser-
agement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state organizations, and international land vancy, Utah Division of State Lands and Forestry, Washington State Parks and
management agencies. Recreation Commission
NATIONAL PARKS AND REFUGES: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Big INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS: Arthur’s Pass National Park, Nelson
Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, City of Rocks National Lakes National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve, Lake
Scenic Reserve, Colorado National Monument, Crooked River National Grass- Sumner Conservation Park, Craigieburn Conservation Park, Bardi Aboriginal
land, Denali National Park and Preserve, Devils Tower National Monument, Community, Department of Conservation-Te Papa Atawhai, Drysdale River
Dinosaur National Monument, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Glen Canyon National Park, Jarlmadanga Burru Aboriginal Community, King Leopold Ranges
National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Conservation Park, Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park, Ngati Kuri subtribe of
Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Humboldt National For- Ngai tahu, Western Australia Department of Environment and Conservation,
est, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Rush- Alacalufes National Reserve, Alberto de Agostini National Park, Bernardo
more National Monument, Noatak National Preserve, North Cascades National O’Higgins National Park, Hornopiren National Park, Isla Magdalena National
Park, Olympic National Park, Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Wrangell-St. Park, Lago Palena, Laguna San Rafael National Park, Mapu lahual Indian
Elias National Park and Preserve, Yellowstone National Park Reservation, Parque Pumalin Puyehue National Park, Queulat National Park,
San Pedro de Atacama, Torres del Paine National Park, Villarrica National Park,
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Reservas Nacionales: Katalalixar, Tamango, Lago Jeinimeni, Cerro Castillo, Rio
Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming Simpson, Manihuales, Las Guaitecas, Lago Rosselot, Coyhaique, Trapananda,
Lago Carlota, Rio Cipreces, Juruena National Park, Amazonia National Park
USDA FOREST SERVICE: Ashley National Forest, Beaverhead National For- (ICM), Ricardo Franco State Park, Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos
est, Bighorn National Forest, Black Hills National Forest, Bridger-Teton National Naturales (SEMARNAT), Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas
Forest, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Chugach National Forest, Coronado (CONANP), Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), Parque
National Forest, Custer National Forest, Deschutes and Ochoco National For- Nacional Marino Bahía de Loreto, Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna: Islas del
est, Gallatin National Forest, Gila National Forest, Gunnison National Forest, Golfo de Baja California Norte, Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna: Islas del
Kaibab National Forest, Klamath National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, Golfo de Baja California Sur, Reserva de la Biosfera el Vizcaíno, Reserva de la
Lolo National Forest, Manti-LaSal National Forest, Medicine Bow National Biosfera Valle de Los Cirios, Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, Reserva
Forest, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Ocala National Forest, Okano- de la Biosfera Sierra La Laguna. Sierra de la Giganta, Canada Heritage River
gan National Forest, Quachita National Forest, Salmon-Challis National For- System: Bonnet Plume River, First Nation Lands: Tr’ondek Hwech’in Nacho
est, Shoshone National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Tongass National Forest, Nyak Dun, Tetlin Gwich’in, Vuntut Gwitchin, Kaska, Teslin Carcross Tagish,
Wenatchee National Forest, White River National Forest, Willamette National British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Sports and the Arts, British Columbia
Forest, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Ministry of Environment: BC Parks, Pacific Rim National Park and Reserve,
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory, Yukon Territorial Government: Peel
OTHER U.S. PARTNERS (STATE PARKS, ETC.): Alaska State Parks, River Watershed Area, The Tahltan Nation, Yukon and Northwest Territories
American Legion State Forest, Anacortes Park and Recreation, Ahtna, Incorpo- Canada, Kluane National Park, Uttaranchal Tourism and the Forest Department
rated, Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Custer State Park, Government of Uttaranchal state (India)
SHAPING THE
Future of Travel
NOLS is the proud nonprofit, educational partner of the Adventure Collection,

a collaboration of ten leading independent outdoor travel organizations.
Founded in 2000, the Adventure Collection has been shaping the future of
adventurous exploration with a laser focus on responsible travel and a
dedication to innovation. To learn more, visit www.adventurecollection.com.
109
NOLS’ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
Creating a Climate For Change
Rainbow Weinstock
Part of the NOLS curriculum is environmental studies, and here at NOLS we take environmental issues seriously. We are striving as an organization to be a leader in sustainable
business practices. Arizona Creek, Wyoming
Let’s face it. NOLS students travel the globe MAXIMUM IMPACT EDUCATION
At the end of the day, our students and graduates are NOLS’ greatest contribution to the
to far-flung locations. We use outdoor gear and environment. They experience our planet’s power and beauty, and they understand its fragil-
clothing made from synthetics derived from pe- ity. NOLS grads are skilled positive leaders with an environmental awareness and a strong
ethical foundation. Through our students, NOLS is creating a climate for change.
troleum. We hike and paddle in pristine wilder-
MINIMUM IMPACT PRACTICES
ness. NOLS makes a mark, and not just with the From our off-the-grid facility on Mexico’s Bahía Concepción to our geo-thermal facility in
Chile, NOLS has a long tradition of finding unique and environmentally responsible ways
incredible education our students receive.
of supporting our educational expeditions. We’ve made a centralized and coordinated effort
Since 1965, NOLS has constantly refined to strengthen our environmental sustainability practices at every level schoolwide.
its environmental practices to minimize the foot- ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

The NOLS Sustainability Initiative gained even more momentum this year. Sustainability
print we leave, whether we are educating stu- at NOLS doesn’t mean just reducing our impact; we want to teach others how to as well.
Our five-year plan includes goals pertaining to conservation, education, and outreach, and
dents in the backcountry or conducting business
we made significant strides in each of these areas.
around the world. We research, reduce, reuse,
Highlights from 2010:
recycle, and most importantly, lead by example. • Exceeded our 2010 schoolwide carbon goal of a 10% reduction below 2006 levels.
• Received over $370,000 in grant funding to retrofit our Wyoming facilities for greater
energy efficiency.
• NOLS Teton Valley’s solar project (grant and NOLS funded) will cover nearly 30% of
their energy usage.

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT WE MET OUR 2010
GOAL IN 2009!
With a few carbon measurements under our belt and one reduction goal already met (see graph), we
2000
Metric Tons of CO 2 Emissions

feel good about the path we’re taking, but we know we can’t rest easy based on our early successes. 1800 1,865
We’re committed to continuing to reduce our facility emissions, to move forward with transportation 1600 Goal: 1,679*
1,572
efficiencies, and to measure the impact of our instructor travel to course locations. Each time we 1400
measure our carbon footprint, we learn how to manage it a little bit better. 1200 Goal: 1,306
1000
In terms of this catalog, we strive to reduce our footprint by choosing paper with high recycled
800
content. This year, by using New Leaf Paper’s Primavera and Frontier, and West Linn Paper Company’s 600
Nature, NOLS saved the following resources: 224 trees, 88,687 gallons of water, more than 400
8 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, over 10,000 pounds of solid waste, and 139 million 200
BTUs of energy.* 0
2006 2009 2010 2020
*
Paper calcaulations based on research by Environmental Defense and other members of the Paper Task Force.
• Created a NOLS student impact poster to highlight backcountry practices that can pre-
serve resources in our frontcountry lives.
• Moved toward 100% local sourcing for rations in Mexico and India.
• Reduced fuel use in India 50% by shifting student and instructor travel from private
vehicles to public transportation.
• Implemented schoolwide “Environmentally Preferable Purchasing” and “Sustainable
Foods” protocols to raise our environmental standards.
Rainbow Weinstock
• Expanded our website resources (check us out at www.nols.edu/creating_a_climate_for_
change).
• Reduced vehicle emissions by replacing gasoline vehicles with more efficient diesel
counterparts that can transport more students with fewer trips.
• Hosted the Popo Agie Riverbank Clean-Up community event in Lander, Wyoming, to
make our community green spaces greener. At NOLS, you won’t just read about biology, you’ll expe-
rience it. Wind River Range, Wyoming
SUSTAINABLE PRINTING PROCESSES
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span
economic, social, and environmental concerns. Like last year, both the papers and printer
we’ve chosen for this year’s catalog are FSC chain-of-custody certified. Furthermore, one
paper mill is just 25 miles away from the printer in Portland, Oregon, which keeps the bulk
of the project local and minimizes the transportation of paper. The result is not only a great
final product, but one that contributes to conservation, responsible management, and the lo-
cal economy while creating markets for better recycled paper options. We also post a virtual
paper catalog and a PDF version to www.nols.edu as paperless alternatives to the hard copy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?

As a NOLS student, you can join our conservation and alternative energy efforts. Carbon
offsetting is a small, yet worthwhile, last step you can take before heading into the back-
Ignacio Grez
country for your NOLS expedition. While planning travel to your course location, visit
www.nols.edu and use our Travel Calculator to buy offsets.
Traveling through fragile ecosystems can be a chal-

lenge, but with the right Leave No Trace skills it’s a
FPO: breeze. Chugach Mountains, Alaska
FSC Logo & info here
111
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH NOLS IS A LIFELONG EXPEDITION
Alumni Benefits and Networks

We’re all that and a bag of chalk. Don’t think your NOLS
adventure ends after taking a course. NOLS grads reap benefits
beyond technical skills, college credit, and wilderness experience
long after their course is over.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
• Alumni Representatives: Most of our students learn about
NOLS from a grad. Become a volunteer to help spread the word.
• Alumni Chapters: A chance to join other NOLS alumni in
your area for outings, networking, social events, and more.
• NOLS.TV: Find videos that capture the NOLS experience at
www.youtube.com/nols1965 and www.vimeo.com/nols.
• Facebook: Become a fan of NOLS at www.facebook.com/nolspage.
• Flickr: Share your course photos at www.flickr.com/groups/nols.
• Twitter: Follow “nols_alumni” or “NOLSedu” and catch up
on NOLS news in 140 characters or less.
Brad Christensen
ALUMNI RESOURCES
• NOLS Alumni Website: From reunion details to obtaining
your transcripts and evaluations, www.nols.edu/alumni is
your one-stop source.
• The Leader: Our alumni newsletter brings you school news
and alumni adventures three times a year.
• NOLS Alumni Jobsnetwork: A free electronic subscription
sends outdoor job openings to your inbox every day.
• NOLS Store: Books, gear, gifts, and more at www.nols.edu/store.
ALUMNI EVENTS
• Alumni Courses: Demanding backcountry trips reserved
specifically for NOLS expedition grads.
• Alumni Trips: Shorter backcountry trips designed for alumni,
friends, and families.
• Alumni Seminars: Short, skills-intensive workshops for
Rich Brame
alumni, friends, and families. A great way to learn a new skill.
• Alumni Reunions: Get-togethers and presentations organized
by alumni volunteers in your area.
• For a full inventory of alumni trips and events, visit
www.nols.edu/alumni.
Keep a finger on the pulse of NOLS, visit http://nols.blogs.com.
Top: The excitement never ends! NOLS Social Networking Engineer William Roth
Rich Brame
checks in online to see what NOLS grads around the world are up to. NOLS Headquarters.
Center: Take friends and family on an alumni trip and show them what NOLS is all
about. Wind River Range, Wyoming. Bottom: Find solitude and beauty in the wilder-
ness for the rest of your life. Dolomites, Italy

RISK MANAGEMENT AT NOLS
Marco Johnson
Betsy Winston
Ashley Wise
Left: Hazard assessment is a key element of the NOLS curriculum. Wind River Range, Wyoming. Center: Instructors clarify risk management protocols before engaging
students in a new skill. Blue John Canyon, Dirty Devil, Utah. Right: Student to instructor ratios average 5 to 1 and vary according to skill being taught and student age.
Northern Icefield, Patagonia
At NOLS we embrace the physical and emotional challenge of the present in the outdoor environment. Indeed, much of the value of
natural environment to attain our learning objectives. NOLS cours- a NOLS course lies in learning how to identify hazards and adapt
es are not easy and involve the pursuit of adventurous activities in behavior to strive to avoid injury or illness.
rugged terrain in which there are real dangers. Risk, both physi-
cal and emotional, is an important element of a NOLS education. INDEPENDENT STUDENT TRAVEL
The uncertainty posed by nature combined with the judgments and On many courses, one of the ways we help you develop into an
abilities of students and staff leads to risk. Risk management, in this outdoor leader is by giving you the opportunity to travel without
context, is the ability to make a decision when the outcome is un- instructors. Our students say that this is a highlight of their course
certain and relies on our ability to perceive and quantify the risks and one of the best ways that they learn to be leaders.
we face. Risk management is taught and practiced on every course. By the second week, you will travel in student groups with-
NOLS is committed to promoting the physical and emotional well- out instructors for a day at a time. To prepare for this you’ll have
being of all students and we are proud of our excellent record man- classes and gain practical experience in backcountry travel while
aging the risks of wilderness travel. being coached by your instructors as they help you develop your
Wilderness adventure involves hazards: rockfall, fast-flowing riv- leadership skills.
ers, and steep terrain can pose a risk to even the most experienced If your instructors decide that your group is ready, the culmi-
outdoor leader. Activities ranging from simple day hikes to climbing nating experience of many courses is the student expedition where,
glaciers can, due to the unpredictable forces of nature or an error in for several days, you and a few of your coursemates will travel
judgment, become dangerous and potentially life-threatening. without an instructor. Your instructors help the course divide into
Students transport their own gear; sleep outdoors, possibly in groups, select a leader, and plan a route. You will know your in-
co-ed tent groups; prepare their own meals; and are expected to care structors’ route and campsites (no more than a day away), instruc-
for themselves in weather conditions that can be extreme. Each stu- tors will carry a phone, and each student group will carry a satellite
dent plays an important role in the success of a NOLS course. Good location transmitter or phone. You and your group make the daily
physical conditioning and a positive mental attitude are essential. leadership decisions but still have all the benefits of NOLS’ sup-
Our courses are expeditions that travel through remote areas port systems.
that can create complex situations should an emergency arise. The
majority of medical incidents that might occur are simple and of- LEADERS IN WILDERNESS EDUCATION
ten treated in the field. A more serious incident, such as a fracture, When you come to NOLS, you will be attending the school that
will require evacuation to a medical facility. It is not uncommon sets the standards in wilderness risk management, wilderness med-
to be days from medical help, but NOLS instructors are trained in icine, and student well-being. We have published one of the lead-
wilderness first aid and backed by comprehensive wilderness emer- ing texts on wilderness medicine, and the Wilderness Medicine
gency response and evacuation systems. Institute of NOLS (WMI) is at the cutting edge of this growing
We carry satellite telephones, radios, or other electronic com- field. We are the leaders in promoting professional standards in
munication devices on each course for life threatening emergen- wilderness risk management and each year convene the Wilderness
cies, but this does not guarantee communication from the field to Risk Management Conference for outdoor educators and adven-
our support bases. Portable telephones and radios can be unreliable ture program administrators.
depending on terrain, atmospheric conditions, and other variables. Before you arrive on your NOLS course, thoroughly read all
It is important you understand that there are risks. Some ad- materials we send you and call us if you have questions. A report
venture programs say that they can guarantee your safety. NOLS on NOLS risk management and history is available from our ad-
does not. The risk of injury, even serious injury or death, is always mission office.
113
APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS POLICIES
HOW TO APPLY
The easiest way to apply for a NOLS course is online at www.nols.edu.
You can also fill out the application in this catalog and fax or mail it
along with the $65 non-refundable application fee. After reviewing
your application, we will enroll you on the course of your choice. If
Rainbow Weinstock
appropriate, be sure to provide several choices in order of preference.
An enrollment packet containing a course description, equip-
ment list, travel information, and other materials to help you prepare
for your course will be forwarded to you. You must return the follow-
ing information from the enrollment packet:
• health form
No experience necessary: A good attitude and a desire to learn are the most important
• student agreement and release form factors for success on a NOLS course. Snow King Peak, North Cascades, Washington
• insurance form
• statement of good standing, transcript, and student informa-
tion form (semester students only) For all other courses, if you cancel or leave for any reason:
All forms and a $500 non-refundable deposit are due 14 days • between 15 and 29 days from the course starting date, NOLS
after the receipt of your packet. The remaining tuition is due 75 will retain 25 percent of the course tuition.
days before your course. • between 8 and 14 days from the course starting date, NOLS
will retain 50 percent of the course tuition.
ADMISSION POLICIES • less than 8 days prior to the course starting date or once the
Final acceptance is contingent upon the receipt and approval of course has begun, there will be no refunds.
the materials listed above. NOLS seeks students who are motivated
to learn outdoor skills and develop leadership, are in good health TRANSFER POLICIES
physically and emotionally, and are socially responsible. For semesters, academic years, and courses in India, if you transfer
NOLS is not an appropriate choice for individuals dealing from one course to another:
with behavioral, motivational, or rehabilitation issues. We will deny • more than 60 days prior to the first course starting date, there
admission to anyone we believe to be unable to meet the physical, will be a $50 processing charge.
mental, social, or safety demands of our courses. • 60 days or less prior to the course starting date, regular cancel-
lation and refund charges will apply.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
NOLS students come to us from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some For all other courses, if you transfer courses:
have quite a bit of outdoor experience; many others’ greatest outdoor • 30 or more days prior to the first course starting date, there
accomplishment has been sleeping out in their backyard. If you are will be a $50 processing charge.
in good health physically and emotionally and are motivated to learn • 29 days or less prior to the course starting date, regular cancel-
you can excel on a NOLS course. The desire to learn and participate lation and refund charges apply.
is the most important factor for success.
Although we rarely need to do so, we reserve the right to cancel a
STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE course or change a course duration, tuition, or location. NOLS is not
NOLS will expel any student who exhibits behavior that is unsafe or responsible for costs associated in these cases. We recommend that
disrupts or distracts from the educational mission of a course. Harass- you consider refundable airplane tickets and tuition insurance.
ment; use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and other substances; misuse of
prescription medications; theft or misuse of property; low motivation; CONTACT US
and disregarding instructions are examples of behavior that will lead
to expulsion. If a student is expelled, there will be no refund. NOLS Admissions
Phone: (800) 710-NOLS (6657)
CANCELLATION POLICIES Fax: (307) 332-1220
For all semesters, academic years, and courses in India, if you can- Email: admissions@nols.edu
cel or leave for any reason: Talk to a NOLS Alumni Rep: alumni_reps@nols.edu
• between 30 and 60 days from the course starting date, NOLS
Hours:
will retain 25 percent of the course tuition.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Mountain Time
• between 15 and 29 days from the course starting date, NOLS
will retain 50 percent of the course tuition. Extended hours January 3–July 15:
• less than 15 days prior to the course starting date or once the Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Mountain Time
course has begun, there will be no refunds. Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Mountain Time

NOLS APPLICATION
The easiest way to apply for a NOLS course is online at www.nols.edu.
Or, fill out this application and fax or mail it along with the $65 non-refundable application fee.
For more information about financial aid, please visit www.nols.edu/courses/financialaid.
NAME
First Last Middle Preferred
Please check only one box indicating where you want your information sent:
PERMANENT ADDRESS ❏ Send information to this address TEMPORARY ADDRESS ❏ Send information to this address
Address good from: / / to: / /
Street (include apt., box, etc.)
City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Street (include apt., box, etc.)
Permanent Phone Number City State/Province Zip/Postal Code
Cell Phone Number Temporary Phone Number
E-mail address
Birthdate / / Age Sex ❏ F ❏ M Height Weight

Citizen of Names and ages of siblings
ETHNIC ORIGIN (Optional. Your response will help us meet student needs more effectively.)
U.S. citizens: ❏ American Indian or Alaska Native ❏ Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander ❏ Asian ❏ Black or African American
❏ Hispanic ❏ White ❏ Two or more races ❏ Other
Non-U.S. citizens: Please specify your race/ethnicity
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT NOLS?

❏ NOLS Graduate (who?) ❏ NOLS Instructor (who?)
❏ NOLS Parent (who?) ❏ NOLS Staff (who?)
❏ Magazine/newspaper article ❏ Television program ❏ Educational consultant ❏ Outdoor retail store
❏ Conference/trade show ❏ School counselor or teacher ❏ Web search ❏ NOLS catalog ❏ Parent/friend
EDUCATION AND WORK HISTORY

Current or last school attended
Are you currently enrolled ❏ Yes ❏ No If yes, estimated year of completion:
Highest level completed (check one): ❏ H.S. Diploma ❏ B.A./B.S. ❏ M.A./M.S. ❏ Ph.D. Other
Employer Title Industry
PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN INFORMATION (required for students age 25 or younger)

❏ Mother (Mrs., Ms., Dr.) or ❏ Legal Guardian 1 ❏ Father (Mr., Dr.) or ❏ Legal Guardian 2
❏ Address is the same as the student’s permanent address. ❏ Address is the same as the student’s permanent address.
First name Last name Middle Initial First name Last name Middle Initial
Street (include apt., box, etc.) Street (include apt., box, etc.)
City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country
Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Home Phone Number Work Phone Number
Cell Phone Number Cell Phone Number
E-mail E-mail
Employer Title Employer Title
COURSE REGISTRATION
Have you applied for a NOLS course before? ❏ Yes ❏ No Course Course Date / /
Indicate your course selections in order of preference. If available, we will enroll you in one of these.
1st Choice Course Title Start date
2nd Choice Course Title Start date
3rd Choice Course Title Start date
Outdoor Educator Applicants: Are you currently employed, or are you seeking employment, in outdoor education? ❏ Yes ❏ No
(continued on the other side)

115
STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE
This questionnaire is designed to help you identify your reasons for electing to pursue a NOLS course, while providing us with an
opportunity to get to know you better.
What has been your greatest success in the last six months?
A NOLS course is very physically demanding. Describe your regular physical activities or sports, including what types of exercise
you do, how often and for how long. If you do not exercise regularly, tell us how you plan to prepare for your course.
A NOLS course requires that all participants commit physically, mentally, and emotionally to the success of the expedition. Identify
an activity to which you have made a major commitment. Describe how you demonstrated that commitment.
PERSON TO NOTIFY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (required for all applicants)

Name
Phone
Home Work Cell
Address
Street City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country
Relationship to applicant (check one): ❏ parent ❏ spouse ❏ other relative ❏ friend ❏ guardian ❏ employer ❏ partner
I have read, understand, accept and agree to abide by the rules, policies and guidelines set forth in this catalog. I understand that the
relationship between me and NOLS will be governed by the substantive laws of the State of Wyoming and any suit, mediation or
arbitration of any dispute with NOLS must be filed exclusively in the State of Wyoming. I understand that I am not accepted on
my course until all enrollment forms have been received and approved by the NOLS Admission Office. I give NOLS permission to
share my contact information with other NOLS students or graduates and/or with environmental organizations or strategic part-
ners in which NOLS graduates may be interested. I also give NOLS permission to use my name, contact information and picture
in promotional materials and press releases.
Signature of Applicant Date / /
Signature of Parent or Guardian is also required, to reflect agreement, if applicant is under 18 years of age:
Date / /
Applications without the application fee will not be processed. Complete the credit card information below or attach the $65
application fee, payable to NOLS, to the front of application and forward to:
NOLS Admission Office

284 Lincoln Street
Lander, WY 82520-2848
(800) 710-NOLS (6657)
admissions@nols.edu
NOLS also accepts applications by fax: (307) 332-1220
If faxing, the application fee must be paid by credit card.
Please charge my application fee to my ❏ VISA ❏ MasterCard
Name on card: Expiration Date:

Signature: Catalog 2011
Account number:
WE WROTE THE BOOKS
ON WILDERNESS EDUCATION
Bear Essentials NOLS Bear Essentials: River Rescue NOLS River Rescue: NOLS Cookery:
Hiking and Camping in Bear Country Hiking and Camping Essential Skills for Boaters Essential Skills
COOKERY
NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL Field Edition
Field Edition
in Bear Country for Boaters Edited by Claudia Pearson

NEW NEW NEW $19.95, 4” x 6”, 96 pages
By John Gookin and Tom By Nate Ostis
Reed, $9.95, 4” x 6”, 84 pages $9.95, 4” x 6”, 106 pages waterproof, spiral-bound
1st edition © 2009 NOLS 1st edition © 2010 NOLS © 2010 NOLS
Published by Stackpole Books Published by Stackpole Books Published by Stackpole Books
John Gookin and Tom Reed Edited by Claudia Pearson
Nate Ostis
NOLS students benefit from over 45 years of curriculum innovation, but you
don’t have to spend 30 days in the backcountry to get a taste of NOLS expertise.
Our library of wilderness books contains titles ranging from wildland ethics to
wilderness medicine.
Used in university classrooms and an essential part of any outdoor book

collection, NOLS titles represent the cutting edge in outdoor literature.
The textbooks of wilderness skills from the leader in wilderness education.

Available at www.nols.edu/store or your local bookseller.
NOLS Library of Wilderness Skills: WMI Titles:

The National Outdoor Leadership School’s Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care
Wilderness Guide Wilderness First Responder Textbook
NOLS Wilderness Medicine
NOLS Wilderness Mountaineering
New NOLS Titles Coming Soon:
NOLS Expedition Planning
NOLS Soft Paths: How to Enjoy the
Wilderness Without Harming It NOLS Mountain Weather
NOLS Cookery
NOLS Wilderness Ethics: Valuing and
Managing Wild Places
NOLS Wilderness Navigation
NOLS Winter Camping
NOLS Wilderness Wisdom
NOLS Backcountry Cooking: Creative Menu
Planning for Short Trips
NOLS Backcountry Nutrition: Eating Beyond
the Basics
Fredrik Norrsell
The National Outdoor Leadership School
284 Lincoln Street
Lander, Wyoming 82520-2848
www.nols.edu | admissions@nols.edu
Phone: (800) 710-NOLS | Fax: (307) 332-1220
E D U C AT I O N A L M E M B E R
THE NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL

w ww.a d v e n tu r e c o lle c ti on.com
Expedition leadership means setting goals, planning, teamwork, and achievement. It’s a model that works everywhere, from the
classroom to the boardroom. Tolerance for adversity, vision and action, expedition behavior: These are some of the NOLS skills
you’ll master as you become a leader. Other programs talk about leadership. At NOLS, you’ll do it!
•
2011 COURSE CATALOG
(800) 710-NOLS • www.nols.edu

2011 NOLS Course Catalog

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T H E L E A D E R I N W I L D E R N E S S E D U C AT I O N | 2 0 11

NOLS’ COLLEGE CREDIT AND FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS ARE UNPARALLELED IN

NOLS EMBRACES DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION. NOLS is committed to ensuring an

4 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

6 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

“ LEADERSHIP IS SITUATIONALLY APPROPRIATE ACTION THAT DIRECTS OR GUIDES

A CONVERSATION WITH JABALI SAWICKI

J abali Sawicki is the founding principal of Excellence Boys Charter School in

Photos courtesy of Shane Young

10 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

NOLS EXPLORES REMOTE BACKCOUNTRY ON EXTENDED

A CONVERSATION WITH ERICA PEREZ

12 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

NOLS GIVES YOU THE BEST FACULTY AND

14 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

TYSON LEHMANN EMILY LEDINGHAM

wood dancing skills.

LENA CONLAN MARGO VAN DEN BERG

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS The following colleges allow the easy transfer of

16 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

Contact the NOLS Admission ofﬁce or visit

www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

ROCK AND RIVER

SEMESTER IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

WE HAVE A COURSE FOR YOU!

SEMESTER IN THE SOUTHWEST

WINTER OUTDOOR EDUCATOR

SEMESTER ON THE BORDERS

SEMESTER IN NEW ZEALAND

SEMESTER IN THE AMAZON

YEAR IN THE SONORAN

• • Planning your own outing or training for a ﬁeld

20 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

WIND RIVER WILDERNESS

Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 30 days

ABSAROKA BACKPACKING ROCKY MOUNTAIN LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING

22 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

WYOMING BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN OUTDOOR EDUCATOR: NOLS/ORVISTM WILDERNESS FLY-FISHING

24 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

23 & Over • Average age: 27 • Duration: 14 days

WIND RIVER MOUNTAINEERING ROCK CLIMBING

26 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

ROCK AND RIVER WHITEWATER RIVER EXPEDITION

and this course is where it all began. A Rockies

Semester will take you on a Wild West “tour de

force” while giving you a complete set of skills

to lead and teach in the backcountry, whether

in the ﬁeld of outdoor education or with your

own friends and family. Our grads are among

the most well-rounded and self-sufﬁcient back-

28 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

Continued from page 28

ming’s wilderness on horseback.

D E TA I L S SPRING SUMMER FALL

30 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu

about outdoor education indoors. That’s why

we’ve created the NOLS Semester for Outdoor

Educators, a chance for aspiring and practicing

professional educators and students studying

outdoor education to get into the wilderness and