Instructor Development Fund Idf

NOLS students sit on a rocky outcrop in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest at sunset with wisps of clouds

What Can Spring Learn from Winter? Lessons for the Transition

Reflecting on seasonal transition, NOLS instructor Jonny Hepburn shares lessons learned during ski season and how they might apply to spring ...

Person wearing a backpack backcountry skis down hill toward pines below

3 Mottos I Learned From My AMGA Ski Guide Training

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.

A climber wearing blue helmet glances below her from high on a rock wall

Learning to Say “Thank You:” The Path to Building Community While Climbing

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 ...

Mountaineering on a snowy slope on Mount Logan on a sunny day

Instructor Expeditions of 2018

Learn about the personal expeditions NOLS instructors undertook in the mountains, rivers, and frontcountry for professional development in 2018.

Instructor Expeditions of 2018

How do you become a better educator? There’s no one best answer, but continuing to be a learner yourself is certainly up there.

In 2018, NOLS instructors took their professional training to the heights of Washington and Alaska, to rivers around the world, and to the hills of Wyoming, on both wilderness expeditions and frontcountry trainings.

Mountaineers trek up a steeply sloped snowfield toward rocky peaks in Patagonia

The Places that Scare You: First Ascents on Patagonia’s Northern Icefield

NOLS Instructor Willy Oppenheim describes the difficulties and exhilaration of a stunning first ascent of two peaks in Chilean Patagonia.

Five smiling instructors wearing kayaking gear fling their arms out, holding their paddles triumphantly

NOLS Instructor Expeditions of 2017

Check out a collection of stories from some of the expeditions and trainings instructors pursued in 2017 to continue growing as leaders and educators.