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…
Stepping Out of the Classroom: Diversity & Inclusion at NOLS Rocky Mountain
Stepping Out of the Classroom: Diversity & Inclusion at NOLS Rocky Mountain
60 Pounds of Cheese and 104 Degrees: After a Long Summer, Super Hero In-Town Staff Re-open NOLS Southwest for Fall Season
60 Pounds of Cheese and 104 Degrees: After a Long Summer, Super Hero In-Town Staff Re-open NOLS Southwest for Fall Season
Keeping America Beautiful
NOLS Instructor Molly Absolon reflects on the evolution of environmentalism in the U.S., calling for a renewal of the energy and commitment of the 1970s.
What It Means to Leave No Trace
Journalist Shikha Tripathi reflects on the Leave No Trace principles she learned on her 2016 NOLS India Trip Leader course.
Takeaways from the 2019 Wilderness Risk Management Conference
Why should you bother attending the Wilderness Risk Management Conference? Get the inside scoop on the 2019 WRMC from NOLS staff member Molly Herber.
Backcountry Lessons for Today’s World: Tolerance for Adversity and Uncertainty
Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty (or resilience) is a major element of the leadership model NOLS teaches and it has broad applicability, especially now.
You Don’t Always Have to Know the Answer: Vulnerability in Leadership
Sometimes being a good leader means admitting you don't know the answer, a lesson Carolyn Highland learned on her outdoor educator course in the Absarokas.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Was a Camp Counselor
See why a former camp counselor thinks all camp staff should have wilderness medicine trainings!
Social Distancing Responsibly in the Outdoors
Now's the time to apply lessons learned outdoors, like practicing LNT, having a positive attitude, and managing risk responsibly, to the frontcountry.
Hiking Like a Girl
On an Alaska backpacking and sea kayaking course, NOLS grad Caroline Dooley realized that hiking like a girl is something to celebrate. Here's why.
Getting Down to the Basics: Wilderness First Aid Quiz
Take this Wilderness First Aid quiz to test your knowledge about basic WFA skills.
Expedition Science on the Slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro
The NOLS Tanzania Scientific Expedition is a unique opportunity to design and implement a scientific research study—and summit Mount Kilimanjaro!
