NOLS Blog
Knee Injury While Cross-Country Skiing
The Setting You are cross-country skiing with four of your friends on a beautiful December day. The sun is shining, the temperature is a balmy 25℉, and you’re enjoying feeling the wind against your cheeks as you ski. You are roughly 3 miles into your 6-mile loop. Your moment of enjoyment is broken when, out…
Epistaxis on a Llama Packing Trip
Photo by Nick Springer The Setting It’s day two of a guided family llama packing trip deep in ...
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)
Here are the top six reasons why one NOLS Wilderness Medicine grad recommends taking a Wilderness EMT course.
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…
NOLS Working to Educate for Outdoor Emergencies
NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructors gave students the skills to assess and respond during unforeseen emergencies.
What are the Best Snacks for Backcountry Skiing and Riding?
A study of NOLS participants concluded outdoor recreators should eat small bites every 15-20 minutes during exercise, and consume a snack 20-40 minutes after.
The 24 coolest towns in the USA – 2017
Lander is a quirky little town with lots of museums, an amazing alpaca ranch/outfitter, and the home of the National Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS.
Fake Blood, Real Screams: What I Learned at Wilderness Medic Training
A recount of a NOLS Wilderness Medicine Wilderness course, the Wilderness First Responder, an intensive nine-day medic course to become a certified WFR.
You never stop learning leadership — nor should you
Penn Athletics ran a Leadership Academy that was administered by John Kanengieter, a Director for Leadership at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
From college to a sold-out tour in one year: Maggie Rogers performs in The Current studio
Maggie Rogers always loved being outside, so I went on a trip for a month with a group called NOLS and went backpacking in Alaska for a month.
Wilderness First Aid
I recently attended a NOLS Wilderness First Aid class, which was hosted by REI. The class was two full days and covered everything from blister care to lightning.
NOLS Continues to Boost Wyoming Up
NOLS brings more money and jobs to Wyoming. Last year, NOLS had strong enrollment numbers and now are looking towards new opportunities for this year.
The Quiet Confidence of Wilderness Medicine
Day three of our NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR — pronounced “woofer”) course was winding down. Each of us had our own reasons for taking the course.
Mountain Skills: Essential Education
Claudia Pearson, Rations Manager at the Lander, Wyo. Rocky Mountain location of NOLS advises, “Eat a variety of food, eat throughout the day and hydrate often.”
Green Frequency
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers programs to wild destinations around the planet, where participants incorporate different skills.
The 10 Best Alternative Summer Trips for College Students
10 alternative summer trips for college students will shake up your vacation.
