| | Semester in the Rockies From the moment you arrive in the mountain West, until three months later when you leave, you will be able to create an education unlike anything you've ever experienced. NOLS is the inventor of the outdoor semester, and the Semester in the Rockies is where it all began. The Rockies semester holds great appeal for anyone who wants a good general outdoor education, leadership training and skill development. The emphasis on a variety of skills also means this semester is excellent preparation for you if you are considering a career in outdoor education. Each semester in the Rockies is made up of three or four sections. These sections are described below. 17 and Over
Average age: 20
Duration:
Summer - 69 days
Spring - 87 days
Fall - 94 days
| | Canyon fall and spring The slick red rock country of Utah and Arizona will be your school. You'll learn how to move through canyons and camp in a desert without leaving scars on the land. You'll also study things like desert ecology, and visit sites where ancient man once lived and worked. | | Caving optional fall and spring There aren't many cavers out there, but you'll be one of them when you finish this section. You'll learn the basics of exploring caves with such topics as cave surveying and mapping, geology, biology, movement techniques, underground rescue and equipment use/care. Many of our students consider the caving section the highlight of their entire semester. "This was my favorite section. It was different, challenging. My leadership really developed. The rescue was the bomb!" -- a 2000 Spring Semester in the Rockies student. | | Horsepacking optional fall and spring We'll explore the backcountry from the back of a horse. At our ranch on the west side of the Wind River Range, we'll introduce you to the basics of horsepacking, from grooming to saddling. Then we'll move into the backcountry for more advanced topics such as packing a packhorse, Leave No Trace camping and outdoor living skills. | | Mountaineering optional fall This section takes place in Wyoming's spectacular Wind River Range. This land of rock and ice is an ideal venue for learning backcountry rock climbing. In addition to an array of mountaineering techniques, you will also develop solid travel and camping skills that will provide you a lifetime of recreational enjoyment. | | River Travel summer, optional fall and spring Utah's Dolores and Green rivers will be your classroom. Your ins-tructors will introduce you to basic kayaking, rafting or canoeing skills. You'll move into how to read the water, negotiate rapids and identify hazards. Your education will also include rescue scenarios and techniques. View photos of a Semester in the Rockies River section | | Rock Climbing  summer, optional fall and spring
We'll travel to a base camp where we'll stay for several days. Classes will include basic safety and movement on rock, rope handling, knots, belay mechanics, signals, protection placement, anchors, and rappelling. | | Wilderness First Aid fall and spring This 16-hour section, specific to wilderness emergencies, is offered by the Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) of NOLS. The course is the approved certification for the American Camping Association, the United States Forest Service and many other governmental agencies and outdoor programs. Read how Dan Bergin used his Wilderness First Aid education.
| | Wilderness First Responder optional fall and spring This 80 hour section is for outdoor professionals and is the minimum required for NOLS instructors. You will gain the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote settings. Half of your time will be spent completing practical skills, case studies, and scenarios designed to challenge your decision making abilities. Offered by WMI of NOLS. Learn more about the Wilderness First Responder section. Includes a movie that may be viewed with the free QuickTimeTM application program. | | Wilderness Travel summer and fall Wyoming's legendary Wind River Range, famed for its sheer mountains, dazzling lakes and good fishing, will be your classroom. This is a backpacking section where you'll learn things like how to travel comfortably carrying all your own gear on your back, how to build a Leave No Trace campfire and how to stay warm and comfortable in a timberline mountain climate. | | Winter Camping and Skiing  optional fall and spring
You'll explore the mountains in winter, learning how to cross-country ski and telemark turn. Winter camping is challenging, but we'll teach you the techniques to be comfortable in this harsh environment. In your wilderness classroom, you'll learn things like snow physics and avalanche assessment, cold-weather physiology and winter ecology. View photos of a Semester in the Rockies Winter section | | |
