The Wind River mountain range is the place Paul Petzoldt chose for the first NOLS course more than 40 years ago, and we have trained instructors here ever since.
Your Rocky Mountain Instructor Course will build on the technical outdoor skills you already have, while allowing you to fine-tune your teaching skills through an in-depth examination of the NOLS curriculum. The backpacking instructor course is a continuous backcountry expedition, preparing you to lead novices in the wilderness for NOLS. It mimics our classic Wind River Wilderness course, the original and still our most popular expedition.
Backpacking
The Winds offer spectacular backpacking, and the entire expedition will take place in this range. You won’t just be a student, though; while you and your coursemates will be learning from your instructors, you’ll also be doing a fair amount of the teaching on this course. Leftover snow from the winter will probably see you traveling on snowshoes at the beginning of the expedition. The course will also attempt to climb non-technical peaks.
Top Rope Climbing and Fly Fishing
The Wind River Range is renowned for it’s massive granite peaks and high alpine lakes. Anchor building, top rope site management, and rappelling will be taught on this expedition, and participants will gain the skills to manage a backcountry top rope site on the Backpacking Instructor Course. Climbing is an important component of the NOLS curriculum, though it should be noted that it is not necessary to be a climber to have a successful NOLS career. Additionally, the expedition will spend time learning and practicing the art of fly fishing.
Backpacking Instructor Course Rocky Mountain
Duration:
35 days
Age:
21 and Over
Tuition:
$4,820
Financial Aid:
Scholarships are available. Information is included with the IC application.
You’ll be able to demonstrate your skills as an educator while learning from your instructors and coursemates on your Instructor Course.
Photo: Pascal Beauvais
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