Washington’s North Cascades, often referred to as the “American Alps,” encompass some of America’s most spectacular scenery—jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and more glaciers than any other location in the Lower 48.

Clouds hang on the peaks as NOLS students make their summit bid on Mt. Baker. Photo: Tony Jewell

Many of the world’s top mountaineers use this area as their training ground; the reasonable access combined with challenging mountain classrooms continue to make this range one of the best places in the world to learn to be a mountaineer.

The pace is gradual in the beginning as you travel through lush, old-growth forests and tangled alder thickets, and it gains momentum as you ascend to the North Cascades’ majestic, snow-clad peaks.

You’ll get a well-rounded base of snow, ice, and crevasse rescue mountaineering skills, with some potential for rock climbing. With a student to instructor ratio of 5:1 and many days of practice, you’ll receive an unparalleled NOLS mountaineering education.

North Cascades Mountaineering 17 and Older Duration: 31 days Age: 17 and Older (Average age: 20) Tuition: $4,175 Dates: May 25-June 24, 2011 June 1-July 1, 2011 July 6-August 5, 2011 July 13-August 12, 2011 College Credit: (Optional) 6 Semester Credit Hours 2 Hours Environmental Ethics 2 Hours Skills Practicum 2 Hours Risk Assessment Course start/end: Conway, Washington Equipment Deposit: $350 Fly in/out: Seattle, Washington Downloads: Course Description (pdf) Equipment List (pdf)

North Cascades Mountaineering 23 and Older Duration: 17 days Age: 23 and Older (Average age: 33) Tuition: 2010: $3,300 2011: $3,390 Dates: August 11-August 27, 2010 September 10-September 26, 2010 August 10, 2011 August 26, 2011 August 31, 2011 September 16, 2011 College Credit: (Optional) 2 Semester Credit Hours 2 Hours Environmental Ethics Course start/end: Conway, Washington Equipment Deposit: $250 Fly in/out: Seattle, Washington Downloads: Course Description (pdf) Equipment List (pdf)

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