NOLS Blog
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 ...
Backpacking Among Giants: A Trip Report from Norway’s Jotunheimen Mountains
Photo by Amanda Klein In August of 2025, the inaugural NOLS Alumni Norway Backpacking Trip ventured into the Jotunheimen Mountains ...
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…
Case Study: Dental Emergency while RaftingÂ
A member of your rafting party loses a tooth partway through a 4-day trip. How do you respond?
Where Play Meets Purpose: A Journey Through the Canyons
Since 2022, NOLS and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business have collaborated on a yearly weeklong expedition to the canyons in southeastern Utah. This expedition is the culmination of a semester-long leadership course for Ross undergraduate students. It combines concepts and learnings from the classroom course with the NOLS leadership curriculum in a…
Rothberg-Birdwhistell Exploration Fund: Expedition to the Peruvian Andes
In the spring of 2025, we set out on an Alpine and ski mountaineering expedition to Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. As outdoor educators with experience leading students on NOLS courses, our team shares a deep commitment to learning through challenge and a connection to wild places. Our goals: explore new terrain, attempt several high peaks, and…
How to Make Oat Scones in the Backcountry
Oat scones taste delicious plain or with honey, peanut butter, wild berry jam, or cheese. They are also excellent with soups or casseroles and make good trail food. Oat Scones ½ cup butter 2 cups oatmeal 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder Pinch of salt (allows recipe to use less sweetener) ¼ cup honey or brown sugar…
Sea Kayaking for Beginners with NOLS: Essential Tips and Techniques
Sea Kayaking for Beginners: Learn essential tips and techniques, from paddling skills to coastal navigation.
Donation of $4 Million Paves the Way for Innovation and Growth at NOLS
Thanks to three anonymous donors, NOLS has secured $4 million in new support. These gifts will be used to match every dollar donated up to $4 million.
Cultivating a Risk Management Culture in Outdoor Organizations: The Importance of Sound Incident Reporting
Enhance your outdoor organization's risk culture with NOLS. Learn the importance of sound incident reporting and effective risk management processes for safer, enriching adventures.
Securing Gap Year Scholarships: Financial Aid Opportunities at NOLS
Explore gap year scholarships, financial aid, and other funding options. Invest in your future today with NOLS.
Rock Climbing Gear Recommendations from NOLS Instructors
Get rock climbing gear recommendations from NOLS instructors! Learn what gear we use and our tips for caring for our equipment.
Case Study: Hyperglycemia in the Mountains
Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study! You are guiding a 7-day wilderness trip. One of your participants, Stan, is an insulin-dependent diabetic. At 5am, Stan's tentmate wakes you up saying, 'Stan is really sick.'
Beyond Rock Climbing Techniques: Building Leadership and Teamwork with NOLS
Learn rock climbing techniques, leadership, and teamwork through trust, self-awareness, and effective communication with NOLS.
Gap Year Travel Programs: Blending Adventure with Experiential Education
NOLS gap year travel programs blend adventure, experiential education, leadership, environmentalism, and cultural immersion for a life-changing experience.
How to Apply to College After a Gap Year: Enhance Your Submission through Experience
Learn how to apply to college after a gap year with NOLS for a standout application showcasing growth and skills.
Rock Climbing for Beginners: Learn Rock Climbing Basics with NOLS
Rock Climbing for Beginners with NOLS - Learn the basics and embrace personal growth, environmental stewardship, and leadership while climbing in breathtaking locations.
Scaling New Heights: NOLS Outdoor Rock Climbing Course Insights
Explore NOLS Outdoor Rock Climbing Courses, where you'll gain essential climbing skills, develop leadership abilities, foster environmental stewardship, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes!
