This story tells of the journey of two NOLS instructors and three horses who traveled coast to coast along the Camino De Costa Rica, and learned how ...
A mountaineering adventure on the Patagonia northern icefield brought four friends together to explore, share, and get challenged in a complex ...
After a strenuous hike, you and your team find a tent just off the trail at 11,300 ft. You call out, “Hello, is anyone in the tent? This is search ...
Lhakpa Sherpa has grit, determination, and goals. As the first woman to summit Mt. Everest ten times and under adverse life circumstances, she ...
Alumni Trips instructor Susan Brame talks about the impetus behind the new Portugal trips.
An expedition to climb Mount Hooker in the Wind River Range via “The Optimist.” The trip provided ample learning, an opportunity to scout a new route ...
Test your wilderness medicine skills to see how you would respond to this first-aid scenario.
Your hiking partner slips on a snowy slope and slides head-first into a tree. What do you do next?
In March 2024, two groups of NOLS alumni ventured into Sweden's Arctic winter. Although they faced the cold, the kind hospitality of Sweden's locals, ...
Thanks to the Rothberg-Birdwhistell Exploration Fund for NOLS Instructors, John Sims and Brian Sarge set out in the spring of 2023 to climb Mt. ...
This beginner’s guide to packrafting basics covers everything from essential gear to paddling and self-rescue skills. Prepare for your next ...
During the summer of 2023, NOLS instructor and PhD candidate Emma Erwin led a scientific expedition in the high peaks of Denali National Park to ...
On a paddling trip in Big Bend National Park, a participant starts having leg spasms. What do you do?
What is packrafting? Learn the unique history of this adventure sport and what makes it so awesome for exploring water and land!
Learn how to prevent altitude sickness with NOLS wilderness medicine courses. Take a proactive approach to your next mountain adventure.
A student gets a hot water burn deep in the backcountry. What do you do?
Take a proactive approach to your next adventure. Learn how to prevent hypothermia, manage cold stress, and be prepared for cold illnesses in the ...
See what you would do to respond to and treat a possible snakebite.
A climber collapses at the crag. What do you do next?
Understand the 'Wilderness First Aid vs Wilderness First Responder' debate to choose the best course for your outdoor medical training needs.
What would you do to help a patient with hypothermia while winter camping?
Explore the world of backcountry splitboarding with NOLS! Explore gear, techniques, and backcountry travel for an exhilarating journey beyond the ...
Dive into snowboarding for beginners and learn fundamentals, terminology, and gear essentials.
NOLS had the opportunity to chat with Roberto Canessa, one of the survivors of the Andes plane crash in 1978.
Learn the essentials of skiing for beginners. Your guide to skiing terms, gear, and techniques for backcountry adventures.
Learn more about the team behind NOLS Alumni Trips.
Dive into the skiing vs. snowboarding debate and explore the unique challenges, rewards, and equipment differences between these popular winter ...
A skier hits a terrain feature and goes flying. They land hard and don't immediately reply when you ask if they are ok. How do you respond?
Develop essential kayak self-rescue skills with NOLS – from wet exits to advanced techniques. Gain confidence for your next coastal adventure.
Sea Kayaking for Beginners: Learn essential tips and techniques, from paddling skills to coastal navigation.
Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study!
Thanks to three anonymous donors, NOLS has secured $4 million in new support. These gifts will be used to match every dollar donated up to $4 million.
Enhance your outdoor organization's risk culture with NOLS. Learn the importance of sound incident reporting and effective risk management processes ...
Explore gap year scholarships, financial aid, and other funding options. Invest in your future today with NOLS.
Get rock climbing gear recommendations from NOLS instructors! Learn what gear we use and our tips for caring for our equipment.
Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study! You are guiding a 7-day wilderness trip. One of your participants, Stan, is an ...
Learn rock climbing techniques, leadership, and teamwork through trust, self-awareness, and effective communication with NOLS.
NOLS gap year travel programs blend adventure, experiential education, leadership, environmentalism, and cultural immersion for a life-changing ...
Learn how to apply to college after a gap year with NOLS for a standout application showcasing growth and skills.
Rock Climbing for Beginners with NOLS - Learn the basics and embrace personal growth, environmental stewardship, and leadership while climbing in ...
Explore NOLS Outdoor Rock Climbing Courses, where you'll gain essential climbing skills, develop leadership abilities, foster environmental ...
Discover the best Gap Year Programs for Outdoor Enthusiasts! From East Africa's cultural immersion to the PNW's wilderness skill development, embark ...
Discover gap year benefits and get tips to support your child's gap year decision with insights from a parent's perspective.
Two days into a picture-perfect autumn backpacking trip in the Wind River Mountains, your companion slips and falls on rocky terrain. His chief ...
Want to pitch a blog post idea to the NOLS Blog staff? Follow the instructions on this page so your ideas can be considered.
Interview with NOLS Alumni Trip leader, Sam Talucci
Storks, sardines, and sand! A behind the scenes look at a recent Alumni trip: hiking Portugal's Fishermen's Trail.
Asking yourself, "Why take a gap year?" NOLS has 8 answers to that question that will help you take the plunge toward a truly transformative gap year!
In early June, six NOLS Alumni, two NOLS Instructors, and one incredible local partner set forth on NOLS’ first hiking trip in Croatia.
Looking for affordable gap year programs? Here's how to find programs that offer incredible yet budget-friendly experiences and learning ...
Yearning to dive deep into the heart of global cultures? Uncover the best destinations for an authentic cultural immersion during your gap year ...
Explore the gap year pros and cons of solo vs. group programs to find the right balance for you between independence and shared experiences.
Discover the power of taking a gap year after high school—adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection highlight this transformative experience.
Discover the 10 best gap year ideas to enhance your professional skill set, gain valuable experiences, and make your resume stand out to future ...
Dive into gap year statistics to explore how a gap year fosters personal development, cultural immersion, academic momentum, and career success.
NOLS Alumni trip explores new, less visited, route in Iceland.
Celebrating the life of Peter Simer, Executive Director of NOLS from 1975 to 1983, we reflect on a leader, a mountaineer, and a friend.
Astronaut and U.S. Navy Commander Reid Wiseman wrote this missive about expedition behavior from low earth orbit to be read to the astronaut class of ...
NOLS' first foray into backcountry skiing in Japan with an Alumni Trip.
NOLS Alumni trips announces the closing of our Bahamas program.
Summiting Aconcagua, the tallest peak outside of Asia, is an impressive accomplishment. Learn how you can achieve this with our NOLS Alumni course!
Nate had taken lots of adventures in wild places, but nine days traversing with Winds on a NOLS Alumni Trip taught him to slow down and enjoy the ...
When packing for a journey into the backcountry, every ounce matters. Knowing this, Isabelle faced a dilemma: is taking my watercolor kit worth the ...
With the help of her strong female instructors, Bella gained the skills and confidence that she carries far beyond her wilderness experience.
As a queer person of color, Lauren shares her journey to discover the programs NOLS implements on affinity expeditions and instructor-in-training ...
NOLS semester graduate reflects on the lessons learned and the lasting impact of his experience.
Jay Clark's fall NOLS Outdoor Educator semester started with questions looming for their senior year. Inspiration struck while traveling in Utah's ...
To reduce the strain on local health care facilities during a global crisis, you can step up and use your first aid training to treat some injuries ...
Test your knowledge with this case study about a patient with an ankle injury on a backcountry hunt.
Test your knowledge with this case study about a patient having breathing difficulty in a remote mountain setting
This case study focuses on how responders must be creative and thoughtful to adapt plans as they care for patients on a wilderness—not city—timeframe.
NOLS grad Claire Burgeson shares her study abroad experience in Baja through stunning photos of beaches and wildlife, local practices and food, and ...
It’s important to be aware of the different types of heat illness, and their treatment principles, should an emergency arise—take a look at them in ...
Mac and cheese is a backcountry classic - use your favorite cheese and veggies for the perfect dinner
NOLS gap year expedition grad Luna Rosal gives insight into both the fun and challenges she experienced on a NOLS gap year.
NOLS Instructor Oscar Manguy shares the way he carefully builds a framework for sense of place in order to connect students to nature while on ...
The more I understand my reasons for rock climbing, the better I can transfer the lessons to the rest of my life.
What happens if you have to use the bathroom far from a toilet? Read how to do this with minimum impact on the landscape to stay happy, healthy, and ...
Summer means it’s time to grab your fishing gear and head outside. But have you checked the forecast—and do you know how to manage risk from a ...
Program Manager at Move United Julianne Mills shares how Risk Management Training creates opportunities to expand programming to people of all ...
An intrepid WFR graduate sets to climb 58 peaks to raise money for NOLS
A snap, hasty decision in college led me to attend NOLS. Usually a calculated person, l changed my life course in about 60 seconds.
National Outdoor Leadership School graduate and artist, Dori Bergman, talks about how her outdoor adventures inspire her artwork.
Join us in reading books, downloading apps, and following influencers who can help self-educate on all topics connected to Earth Day
Camper life comes with some challenges; however, it’s the most freeing thing I have experienced since my gap year, and I can’t recommend the ...
When I say 2020, what comes to mind? Pandemic, quarantine, fear, loneliness, job loss, online overload. It was February 2020 when I began my journey ...
At 6:30 in the morning some of your participants come and tell you that their tentmate is complaining of abdominal pain. As the WFR-trained course ...
Out of the blue, a tip from an old mentor pointed me towards NOLS as an alternative, and maybe more fitting, way to continue my education.
Stretching myself right to the limit, day after day, and finding camaraderie in that challenge gave me a new sense of capacity and bravery as we ...
5 Gap Year Myths Debunked - Worried that a NOLS gap year expedition is beyond your reach in terms of timing, finances, or technical skills? Guess ...
Discover why the NOLS Wilderness First Responder course is transformative, equipping you with skills, confidence, and a new perspective on handling ...
Over 55 years, we've learned the value of NOLS isn't in accomplishments so much as the way a NOLS education inspires and empowers our graduates to ...
In 1990, two people started a business that was remarkable for 2 reasons—most important because the business was dedicated to teaching wilderness ...
New this summer: Salmon River Rafting Adventure for ages 14-15, and Alaska Women’s Backpacking for adults 23+ (now with a 14-day option!)
Five days into sea kayaking with friends in Prince William Sound, Alaska you feel lousy; some diarrhea, some vague abdominal cramping, not much ...
What do Marc Randolph, Jimmy Chin, José González, Knight Campbell, and Kit DesLauriers have in common? Listen to their stories to learn how NOLS ...
Adapting to the constantly changing world in 2020 and continuing to serve the industry's risk management needs has been key to moving forward on an ...
See the ways NOLS grads are leading in the field of sustainability
Artist Alina Drufovka on Being a Latina Backpacker, NOLS Fellow, and Turning COVID into an Opportunity for Art
America’s federal public lands are an amazing resource for all kinds of recreation—but how much do you know about the different kinds of public land?
This recipe for cheesy breakfast bagels with sausage is easy to make and easy to adapt to your tastes.
You and a friend are on a long run in the foothills of the Laramie Range in Wyoming. It’s a hot day. Four hours into the run your companion stumbles, ...
Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty is something all of us practice every single day. To conclude our series The Leadership Project, NOLS ...
Carter McBride joined us to celebrate Black in National Parks Week and share from his experiences in National Parks, as well as perspectives on the ...
NOLS Instructor Andy Blair introduces us to the leadership skill judgment & decision-making
NOLS Instructor Jesse Quillian introduces us to the importance of communication, and how it changes in groups over time
Enjoy reading our posts with advice for parents, role models in outdoor education, and all things focused on getting others outside
A trip participant has trouble on a rappel. When they are safely on the ground, you begin your patient assessment. Test your wilderness medicine ...
NOLS Instructor Sanjana Govind introduces us to competence—being skilled both on our own, and as part of a group.
When we travel into the backcountry with someone who has diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and ...
Vision and action is a two-part leadership skill that combines the planning and the follow-up to move leaders toward their goals.
NOLS Instructor Andy Notopoulos talks about the leadership skill self awareness. Subscribe to the NOLSie News to follow along our series exploring ...
NOLS Instructor Molly Herber talks about the power and simplicity of the leadership skill expedition behavior as part of our series The Leadership ...
When symptoms are hard to define, the skills of decision-making and problem solving become more important. Test what you know in this case study!
After months of planning, NOLS Wilderness Medicine will start running courses for the first time since suspending courses in March due to the global ...
Through careful planning and preparation to mitigate risks of COVID-19, we will be able to welcome students for select courses this summer.
Enjoy stories from NOLS alumni and partner organizations focused on increasing outdoor access
Do you know how to prevent, recognize, and treat a non-freezing cold injury (NFCI)? Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study.
We're sharing our first ever digital-only publication of The Leader alumni magazine for Spring 2020
Knowing the SOAP note steps can help communicate accurate information to providers, which is especially useful now that more providers prefer a phone ...
We are committed to highlighting the inspirational and brave work of those in the NOLS community serving others in need during this crisis
To reduce the strain on local health care facilities during a global crisis, you can step up and use your first aid training to treat some injuries ...
Do you know the proper protocols for a patient with a suspected spine injury?
An open conversation with NOLS Instructor and Environmental Stewardship Coordinator Jonathan Williams.
What if LNT also meant taking it a step further and trying to reduce your impact before you even set foot in the wilderness?
Give these tasty no-bake cookies a whirl on your next backcountry trip (they also taste good at home...).
Instructor Navarana reflects on what it means to practice patience and compassion in the face of adversity, using outdoor experiences to frame her ...
To reduce the strain on local health care facilities during a global crisis, you can step up and use your first aid training to treat some injuries ...
Reflecting on seasonal transition, NOLS instructor Jonny Hepburn shares lessons learned during ski season and how they might apply to spring ...
Why should you bother attending the Wilderness Risk Management Conference? Get the inside scoop on the 2019 WRMC from NOLS staff member Molly Herber.
Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty (or resilience) is a major element of the leadership model NOLS teaches and it has broad applicability, ...
Sometimes being a good leader means admitting you don't know the answer, a lesson Carolyn Highland learned on her outdoor educator course in the ...
See why a former camp counselor thinks all camp staff should have wilderness medicine trainings!
Now's the time to apply lessons learned outdoors, like practicing LNT, having a positive attitude, and managing risk responsibly, to the frontcountry.
On an Alaska backpacking and sea kayaking course, NOLS grad Caroline Dooley realized that hiking like a girl is something to celebrate. Here's why.
Take this Wilderness First Aid quiz to test your knowledge about basic WFA skills.
The NOLS Tanzania Scientific Expedition is a unique opportunity to design and implement a scientific research study—and summit Mount Kilimanjaro!
Katie Raymond relives the unforgettable day when she paddled for 13 hours in stormy weather on her Yukon Backpacking and Whitewater Canoeing ...
I had no idea I was going to work toward this masterpiece of a race, where I’d blend skills I'd spent years working on for 1,000 miles in the winter ...
In many ways, an all-women's course is just another NOLS course. But it's also something more.
Mistakes aren't fun. But they might be just what teens need to succeed! NOLS courses offer an opportunity to make mistakes productively and learn key ...
NOLS grad Kimberly Blazzard unexpectedly put her wilderness medicine skills into practice on a solo trip on the Appalachian Trail.
Do you know how to test an ankle injury for usability?
Choose a different kind of spring break this year. Forget the touristy beaches and overcrowded ski resorts and dive into a real outdoor adventure!
Check out this video to learn a short and effective yoga routine that's designed specifically for paddlers!
Once upon a time, two young bankers met by chance, bonding over their NOLS expeditions in Wyoming's mountains. The rest is history—a true NOLS love ...
NOLS grad, former instructor, and current Board member Jimmy Chin shares reflections on adventure, storytelling, family, and his NOLS experience.
Even if you’ve never fly-fished, NOLS Wilderness Medicine has advice to prepare you for the hobby’s common risks, especially in the early season.
NOLS LGBTQ+ Canyonlands Backpacking grad, Mat Pryfogle, recounts his takeaways from NOLS' first LBGTQ+ Expedition.
There's nothing better than a hot meal after a day out in the cold! Try this cheesy potato soup recipe from NOLS Cookery on your next outdoor trip.
Do you know how to prevent, recognize, and treat a non-freezing cold injury (NFCI)? Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study.
Check out our seven new expeditions for summer 2020 and start planning your next adventure!
Excited to go winter camping? These pro tips and instructions teach you how to build a quinzhee shelter out of snow instead of using a tent.
NOLS welcomes new president, and celebrates Paul Petzoldt's 112th birthday, our 55th anniversary, and 50th anniversary of 30 Days of Survival ...
Make outdoor-focused New Year's resolutions and achieve them in 2020.
NOLS Wilderness First Responder trainings aren't just for outdoor enthusiasts—they're also great prep for humanitarian work in disaster zones.
Searching for the perfect gift for an outdoorsy friend but not sure what to get? Check out our 2019 holiday gift guide!
What's a meal without dessert? Satisfy your sweet tooth and show off your backcountry cooking skills with this tasty fruit pie recipe from NOLS ...
Audrey Goral took a NOLS WFA thinking she would only use the skills for a sprained ankle. She never expected to use the skills on her twin in an ...
Do something different on Black Friday—join NOLS in opting outside! Here are some of our staff's top picks for awesome places to #OptOutside.
The horror movies turned out to be real—it's time to adapt your wilderness medicine skills to survive zombies!
This case study tests how well you can adapt when your patient has a potential life threat.
Happy Spooktober! Carve some fun nature-themed pumpkins with our first-ever NOLS pumpkin-carving stencils this Halloween.
On a NOLS expedition, Jack Johnson fell in love with wilderness medicine. Read about his journey from a 14-year-old backpacker to a Wilderness EMT!
It's no secret: wildfires are scary. If you're planning an outdoor trip in a fire-prone area, adding risk management strategies into your trip plan ...
Make spring break 2020 the ultimate outdoor adventure! Join NOLS to paddle the Baja coast, backcountry ski in the Rockies, or rock climb in the ...
Build on your wilderness medicine training and take your outdoor skills to the next level at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC).
Randy Aton, NOLS alum and Springdale city councilman, discusses the balance between wilderness and community.
While she's still not sure if she wants to be a ski guide, NOLS instructor Jesse Quillian has some lessons to share from her recent training.
Instructor Andy thought improving at rock climbing was about knowing enough knots and climbing hard enough routes— but it turns out there's more to ...
Senior Student Program Coordinator & academic advisor for Canfield Business Honors Program at UT Austin sees her students grow in surprising ways ...
Always start with the first 5 steps of the scene size-up when responding to an emergency.
You've spotted a fallen hiker on the trail: thinking back to your NOLS Wilderness Medicine course, do you remember how to perform an initial ...
Come to NOLS India to explore the landscape and culture of the Himalaya. Engage with local communities while backpacking and mountaineering.
Already dreading the end of summer? Don't despair—check out our 2020 summer expeditions and start dreaming about next year's adventures!
How do you manage the inherent risks, like limited communication or distance from medical care, of exploring remote areas? Take a Wilderness Safety ...
NOLS and the outdoor recreation industry are rallying behind the Securing Outdoor Access for Recreation Act.
This case study tests how well you can adapt when you're responsible for not just one patient, but an entire group.
NOLS grad-turned-instructor Katiya Gombar says that not a single day goes by without thinking of her expedition in Alaska and the lessons she learned ...
We're not saying you should never bring your phone camping. But here are some good reasons to consider a tech-free adventure.
You're probably already familiar with the seven Leave No Trace principles—here are some additional tips to guarantee your next hike is low impact.
In Alaska I realized I might not be the most extroverted human, but I didn’t have to be. Someone else could do that and there would still be space—a ...
Test your wilderness medicine knowledge with this case study about a patient with flu-like symptoms that may be related to a tick-borne illness.
Don’t let these dates sneak up on you—summer’s going by quickly and winter will be here before you know it.
Wondering what a NOLS river course is like? Get the inside scoop from instructors and students.
NOLS grad Eric Johnson unveils the mystery of a Wilderness First Responder certification: earning your 'Woofer' makes you a #lowkeysuperhero.
My friends were confused about why someone who'd just gotten a masters in Public Health would join a NOLS expedition in Patagonia—quite frankly, so ...
How can NOLS courses help us plan for long duration space flight? Notre Dame PhD candidate Mallika Sarma does the research to find out.
USNA grad and Marine veteran Mike Titzer reflects on the lessons he learned on his student course and his return to Alaska as a NOLS instructor.
You're a first responder helping a patient who was bucked off their horse. The assessment might reveal something more troubling than what meets the ...
Going on an expedition is one thing—going with your spouse can be something else entirely.
NOLS grad Alison Peterson shares how she developed deeper relationships with those around her on a Semester in Baja.
Steve reflects on the lasting impact of his homestay with a host family in Tanzania during his Semester in East Africa with NOLS.
NOLS river expeditions offer chances to paddle both calm waters and up to Class III whitewater in kayaks, oar rigs, and rafts.
Jessey Jansen shares memories from her Women's Baja Sea Kayaking expedition.
NOLS instructor Natalie Sands writes about making hard decisions about the most challenging rapid she's ever faced.
