Instructor Q&A with Riley Hopeman

Where did you get your start in outdoor education?
With NOLS! I took a Rocky Mountain Adventure course in 1997.What is your favorite class to teach?
Stages of Group Development

Are you an analyst/architect, driver, relationship master, or spontaneous motivator?
Driver

What is your favorite course to teach?
I honestly don’t have a favorite. Working a variety of courses allows me to stay fresh, engaged, and excited.

Give me your best backcountry recipe.
I’m in the process of fine-tuning a breakfast cake. Stay tuned.

What is your favorite piece of outdoor gear?
Presently, I’d have to say a Buff. With an incredibly sensitive nose, due to poor self-care in cold conditions during my younger years, the Buff is an essential on every course I teach.

What is your single greatest accomplishment related to the outdoors?
Never losing enthusiasm for what the outdoors allows me to do.