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Alumni Trips | Alumni Courses | Reunions | Seminars
Alumni Trips: Lifelong Learning for Grads, Friends and Families
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NOLS alumni trips are a great way to introduce non-grad friends and family to the school. Photo: Rich Brame
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Are you interested in getting back into the wilderness with NOLS, but you're faced with a calendar too crammed for a long expedition?
Usually one week in length, alumni trips are specifically designed for NOLS graduates and their friends and families. These trips allow busy grads to reconnect with the school, enjoy an outdoor vacation, and have the chance to introduce loved ones to the NOLS experience.
Instruction on alumni trips is informal and the atmosphere relaxed. We review and practice Leave No Trace camping skills, teach technical skills and touch on a host of other NOLS information—depending on interest. We can also create a custom trip if you and your cohorts have a hankering for something eclectic, yet NOLS-flavored. Want to see more ideas? Check out some past trips in the Alumni Trips Photo Album below.
Friends and Family are welcome to join you on all NOLS Alumni trips!
"...a perfect balance of learning and playing... "
—Monnie B.-BVI Sailing Trip |
"It was great to return to the Winds' alpine sights and environment with my sons."
— Mark F., 1981 NOLS Wilderness Course grad and '07 alumni llama trip participant. |
Explore Utah's canyons. Photo: Kevin Emery |
Canyon Hiking in Utah
Date: March 24-29, 2014
Price: $995 - includes pre and post trip lodging
Explore southern Utah's rugged canyon country with a cadre of NOLS adventurers.
Get a break from winter with this trip: canyons, Anasazi ruins, slickrock and sun- what's not to love? Non-grad guests are welcome.
If you're keen to explore the Colorado Plateau with NOLS, contact us now for more information.
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Sail with NOLS in the Caribbean. Photo: Nick Braun
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Keelboat Sailing in the British Virgin Islands
Date: March 29-April 5, 2014
Price: $2,350 - includes pre and post trip lodging
Explore the British Virgin Islands archipelago aboard ~ 40' cruising sailboats with a small group of NOLS sailors. Learn and develop your boat handling skills and sail theory knowledge. Explore new islands and anchorages every day and immerse yourself among aquatic life and stunning coral reefs. Optional Competent Crew Certification is available.
Most participants enroll on this trip and the BVI Coastal Navigation Seminar prior to this trip.
Here's a 2-minute video from a recent BVI sailing adventure.
If you're keen to cast off and set sail in the Caribbean, contact us now for more information.
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Reach new heights at the top of Africa on a culturally immersed journey. Photo: Jamie O'Donnell |
Kilimanjaro Cultural Climb
Date: April 5-18, 2014
Price: $4,500
With the help of the Tanzania National Parks, we’ve created a special climb of Kilimanjaro—no porters, few people, off-trail travel, and an immersive cultural experience. Join Tanzania park rangers on this backpacking course that focuses on traditional NOLS skills on a non-traditional route to the top of Africa. The hike travels through rainforest to the Shira Plateau and on to Credner Glacier and the summit of Uhuru peak (19,340 feet). This trip starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. The cost supports NOLS’ local education in Tanzania.
If you're keen to explore Africa with NOLS on this unique opportunity, contact us now for more information. |
Build your technical river skills in big whitewater in Idaho. Photo: Brad Christensen |
Technical Whitewater Rafting on Idaho's Salmon River
Date: June 23-July 1, 2014
Price: $2,250 (NOLS River Grads Only)
Travel Idaho’s Main Salmon River during early summer when flows are high, rapids numerous and the river’s technical challenges diverse! This “second level” trip builds advanced paddling, rescue and multi-day river trip planning skills on top of participants’ required raft and kayak
experience.
If you're excited to enhance your technical river skills on the Salmon River in Idaho, contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
Paddle alongside glaciers and through tidal waters. Photo: Tracy Baynes |
Sea Kayak Alaska's Prince William Sound
Date: July 20-26, 2014
Price: $1,800
Paddle in Alaska’s world famous Prince William Sound, past towering tidewater glaciers that moan and crackle. Crystal-blue icebergs bob on the ocean’s surface, and wooded coves dot the shore. The sea teems with various forms of life, and you’ll have the ideal vantage point to view it all. You’ll work hard paddling with all your gear stowed in your boat, but you’ll have opportunities to play as well.
If you're excited to explore Alaska by sea kayak, contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
Join us at the top of Wyoming. Photo: John McConnell. |
Climb Gannett Peak
Date: July 21-31, 2014
Price: $2,295 (Alumni Only)
This classic backcountry mountaineering trip to Gannett Peak (the top o' Wyoming!) involves robust hikes, glacier crossings, moraine living, mixed routes and the stunning and rugged granite core of the Wind River Range.
If you'd like to add mountaineering to your list of NOLS skills, join us on Gannett Peak (13,804').
This trip fills quickly, so contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
Come wonder in the Winds with these furry creatures. Photo: Brad Christensen. |
Llama Packing in Wyoming's Wind River Mountains
Date: July 27-August 1, 2014
Price: $1,295
Refine your NOLS skills while embracing new ones such as fly-fishing, and llama packing in the beautiful Wind River Range. Instructors will help with the technical skills, and you will still be able to soak in the fantastic scenery and experience of this alumni trip. Learn to pack and lead llamas.
If you're keen on light packs and beautiful scenery, contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
This skill building trip will increase your confidence, technical ability and prepare you for the summit! |
Glacier Mountaineering Training on Washington's Mt. Baker
Date: August 1-7, 2014
Price: $1,600 (Alumni Only)
Mount Baker, one of the Northwest’s stunning volcanoes, is the ideal place to learn and develop your technical mountaineering skills. On this alumni trip, you will focus your learning on the technical skills required to attain the summit of Mount Baker and similar, snowy peaks. Technical rope work, crampon and ice axe use, snow and ice protection placement, and crevasse rescue training are features on this trip.
For focused skills training, contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
A massive river surrounded by expansive Alaskan beauty! Photo: Lindsey Lang |
Copper River Rafting in Alaska
Date: August 3-9, 2014
Price: $1,995
Alaska’s Copper River is a huge, moderately technical, glacial river. Beautiful scenery, the chance to learn paddle and oar rafting, and incredible natural history all make this a memorable trip. Skills include the basics—camping, map reading, stove use, and LNT techniques. Rafting curriculum includes paddle strokes, group travel, rigging, river hazards, reading water, and rescue techniques. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable adventure!
For focused skills training, contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
Hard work and camaraderie make for a great experience. Photo: Rich Brame |
Alumni Service Project
Date: August 10-16, 2014
Price: $595 (Subsidized by NOLS!)
NOLS grads and families venture into Wyoming’s beautiful Wind River Mountains for a week of camping, camaraderie, and service. Conduct a service project to protect public lands and enhance visitors’ backcountry experience. Projects include trail construction, bridge maintenance, or campsite rehab. Service work is demanding. We’ll use shovels, hammers, pry-bars, and team muscle. There is also time for photography, socializing, and possibly summiting a peak or fishing.
To Join the crew and give back through a rewarding experience, contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
This quick, summit-focused trip is for NOLS graduates only. |
Climb Mt. Rainier
Date: August 11-15, 2014
Price: $1,695 (Alumni Only)
At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier covers 35 square miles of ice and glaciers, making it one of the most extensive snow/ice mountaineering training grounds in Washington State.
This trip is open to NOLS graduates only. Training starts with the basics and novice mountaineers are welcome. We’ll start by helping you select your equipment and load your pack. We’ll progress through basic living and travel skills on our way to learning the climbing techniques needed to negotiate glaciated terrain and attempt the summit.
This trip fills very quickly, so contact us now for more information or to reserve a spot. |
Participants rave about the scenery, food and their trip cohorts. Photo: Rich Brame |
Hiking Italy's Dolomites
Dates:
August 2-9, 2014 - NEW!
September 12-19, 2014
Price: $2,575
Hiking hut-to-hut on this "classic route" means light packs, outstanding scenery, alpine trails, fantastic meals and the best of Tyrolean culture.
This trip fills very quickly, so contact us right away for more information. |
Sea kayak with NOLS in southern Croatia. Photo: Nick Braun |
Sea Kayaking in Croatia
Date: September 20-26, 2014
Price: $2,350 (includes pre/post trip lodging!)
This kayaking trip travels among the Elaphiti Island Archipelago north of Dubrovnik, Croatia and will stay at a series of guesthouses in picturesque villages each night.
Sea kayaking the coastline offers a beautiful lens through which to explore culturally and historically rich southern Croatia. This archipelago is comprised of many islands, each with its own historical significance and charm. Along with a tour through time, you will have opportunities to indulge in traditional Adriatic culinary specialties. As we paddle our way through the archipelago, you will develop your ocean awareness, technical paddling skills and sea kayak touring expedition skills as well.
If you're keen to explore Croatia with NOLS on this unique opportunity, contact us now for more information. |
Ratchet up your sailing skills with NOLS in Croatia's Komati Islands. Photo: Nick Braun |
Keelboat Sailing in Croatia
Date: September 28-October 4, 2014
Price: $2,500 (includes pre/post trip lodging)
This trip is a second level keelboat sailing expedition. All participants will have some level of sailing background and the Dalmatian Coast will afford multiple opportunities to expand upon what you already know. Initially, we will review the basics including parts of the boat, hazards on board, safety equipment and procedures, basic maneuvering terminology, etc. The team will plan and navigate your way through this new sailing terrain. When the team is ready, our experienced instructors provide opportunities for more “open” water passages as we sail along the outside of the main island groups. There will be opportunities for maneuvering in tight quarters and through narrow channels in “protected” waters.
If you're excited to take your sailing skills to the next level with NOLS in Croatia, contact us now for more information. |
Past Trips: Let us know what you've liked and what you would like to see offered again.
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