NOLS Blog
Epistaxis on a Llama Packing Trip
The Setting It’s day two of a guided family llama packing trip deep in the Andes of South America. The scenery is stunning—glacial valleys, high alpine meadows, and dramatic peaks. You’re one of the trip guides, certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). The group includes several families, and this morning’s plan is to trek…
Medicine in Orbit
Space, some say, is the final frontier. For N. Stuart Harris, M.D., M.F.A., Massachusetts General Hospital Emergency Department ...
6 Reasons Why You Should Take A WEMT Course (And Tips for How to Prepare)
Practicing patient care during a scenario. Photo by Angelica Rydelius Bergman. During the first multiple casualty scenario of ...
Paul Petzold, the U.S. Army, and NOLS
Paul Petzoldt was 36 years old in 1943 when he joined the U.S. Army’s prestigious 10th Mountain Division, an elite group of soldiers who were trained for alpine warfare. Already decades into his career, the future founder of NOLS had worked a slew of jobs, including farmer, waiter, and used car salesman. He was best…
How to Make Hash Browns with Cheese
Hash browns have a well-deserved reputation as a delicious breakfast treat, but this cheesy version is great for lunch or dinner too—and that’s before you add nuggets of ham or bacon and a few shakes of hot sauce into the mix! This recipe requires a little forethought—both the hash browns and dried onions benefit from…
NOLS Picante Sauce
Picante perks up almost any savory recipe—try it on eggs, beans, in soups and coupled with anything on a tortilla. This, our favorite picante recipe, can be made with a little tomato base and a well-stocked spice kit, but don’t shy away from adding your own favorites! NOLS Picante Sauce (makes about 1 cup) 1…
Backpacking Among Giants: A Trip Report from Norway’s Jotunheimen Mountains
In August of 2025, the inaugural NOLS Alumni Norway Backpacking Trip ventured into the Jotunheimen Mountains for ten days of challenging hiking amongst stunning scenery. Our group first met in Oslo before traveling about five hours by bus to the Jotunheimen region in western Norway. The bus conveniently dropped us off at our first hut of the trip and…
Case Study: Altitude Illness While Trekking
The Setting You are on the trip of a lifetime hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal with one of your best friends. This trip has been in the works for over a year. You’ve spent countless hours training, reviewing maps, and daydreaming about being in the mountains. You can’t believe you’re finally here! You flew…
What a NOLS Risk Review Really Looks Like: A Case Study with NatureBridge
In the same year as NOLS’ 60th anniversary, we are celebrating 20 years since the formation of NOLS Risk Services. For 60 years, NOLS has operated in remote locations all over the world, and in 2005, NOLS Risk Services was formed to share what NOLS has learned about operational risk management in the process. NOLS…
Artist Alina Drufovka on her Path to the Outdoors
Artist Alina Drufovka on Being a Latina Backpacker, NOLS Fellow, and Turning COVID into an Opportunity for Art
Intro to Federal Public Lands in the U.S.
America’s federal public lands are an amazing resource for all kinds of recreation—but how much do you know about the different kinds of public land?
How to Make Cheesy Breakfast Bagels
This recipe for cheesy breakfast bagels with sausage is easy to make and easy to adapt to your tastes.
Case Study: Runner Begins Feeling Ill
You and a friend are on a long run in the foothills of the Laramie Range in Wyoming. It’s a hot day. Four hours into the run your companion stumbles, slows, staggers, and sits on a log. He says he “feels awful.”
The Leadership Project: Tolerance for Adversity & Uncertainty
Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty is something all of us practice every single day. To conclude our series The Leadership Project, NOLS President Terri Watson tells stories from her experiences while teaching and putting this skill into practice.
Celebrating Black in National Parks Week with Carter McBride
Carter McBride joined us to celebrate Black in National Parks Week and share from his experiences in National Parks, as well as perspectives on the opportunities and areas for growth that NOLS and other outdoor organizations can pursue in the realms of representation and inclusion. He is a member of NOLS’ Advisory Council, a NOLS parent and graduate, and participated in Expedition Denali in 2013.
The Leadership Project: Judgment & Decision-Making
NOLS Instructor Andy Blair introduces us to the leadership skill judgment & decision-making
The Leadership Project: Communication
NOLS Instructor Jesse Quillian introduces us to the importance of communication, and how it changes in groups over time
Our Top Stories on Getting Others Outdoors
Enjoy reading our posts with advice for parents, role models in outdoor education, and all things focused on getting others outside
Case Study: An Anxious Rappel
A trip participant has trouble on a rappel. When they are safely on the ground, you begin your patient assessment. Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study.
The Leadership Project: Competence
NOLS Instructor Sanjana Govind introduces us to competence—being skilled both on our own, and as part of a group.
How to Recognize and Treat Diabetic Symptoms Outdoors
When we travel into the backcountry with someone who has diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, know how to provide treatment, and understand when we should evacuate someone.
