NOLS Blog
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…
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 ...
Case Study: Dental Emergency while RaftingÂ
Photo by Anvesh Thapa The Setting You are on day three of a 4-day rafting trip on the ...
Case Study: Sea Kayaking SlipÂ
A fall partway through a sea kayak trip deep in the wilderness poses unique issues. How do you apply your wilderness medicine skills to this incident?
Gap Year Pros and Cons: Solo vs. Group
Explore the gap year pros and cons of solo vs. group programs to find the right balance for you between independence and shared experiences.
Trip Report: Inaugural NOLS Alumni Climbing Trip In Greece
In May of 2025, the Inaugural NOLS Alumni Greece Climbing Trip traveled to the Greek island of Kalymnos, one of the most famous climbing destinations in the world. Our small but mighty group of alumni and NOLS instructors climbed, swam, staged breathtaking photo shoots, practiced climbing skills, visited nearby islands, sampled the best spinach pies…
Exploring the World and Finding Yourself: The Power of a Gap Year After High School
Discover the power of taking a gap year after high school—adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection highlight this transformative experience.
Case Study: Embedded Tick while Backpacking
In the Appalachian Mountains of New York you friend notices that they have an engorged tick on their leg. How would you apply your wilderness medicine skills in this scenario?
Instructor Spotlight: Caeden Greene
A NOLS experience can truly be a transformative experience for a young person’s life, and that was certainly the case for field instructor Caeden Greene. In high school, Caeden embarked on a 30-day Waddington Range Mountaineering Expedition (WAD), long known as one of NOLS’ most rigorous courses. The WAD expedition had such a profound effect…
Our Favorite Places to #OptOutside
Do something different on Black Friday—join NOLS in opting outside! Here are some of our staff's top picks for awesome places to #OptOutside.
Wilderness Medicine and the Zombie Apocalypse
The horror movies turned out to be real—it's time to adapt your wilderness medicine skills to survive zombies!
Case Study: Anaphylaxis in the Backcountry
This case study tests how well you can adapt when your patient has a potential life threat.
Add Some Wild to Your Halloween with Our Pumpkin-Carving Stencils
Happy Spooktober! Carve some fun nature-themed pumpkins with our first-ever NOLS pumpkin-carving stencils this Halloween.
Domenic Bravo is NOLS 2019 Stewardship Award Recipient, Professor of Practice at the University of Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management
Dominic Bravo Receives NOLS 2019 Stewardship Award
How Backpacking Sparked a Love for Wilderness Medicine
On a NOLS expedition, Jack Johnson fell in love with wilderness medicine. Read about his journey from a 14-year-old backpacker to a Wilderness EMT!
Managing Risk Outdoors: Backcountry Wildfires
It's no secret: wildfires are scary. If you're planning an outdoor trip in a fire-prone area, adding risk management strategies into your trip plan will make sure you're prepared for whatever comes your way.
Spring Break 2020: Get Ready for Adventure
Make spring break 2020 the ultimate outdoor adventure! Join NOLS to paddle the Baja coast, backcountry ski in the Rockies, or rock climb in the Southwest.
Continuing Your Wilderness Medicine Education at the WRMC
Build on your wilderness medicine training and take your outdoor skills to the next level at the Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC).
Alumni in Action: Utah Officials Support National Parks
Randy Aton, NOLS alum and Springdale city councilman, discusses the balance between wilderness and community.
3 Mottos I Learned From My AMGA Ski Guide Training
While she's still not sure if she wants to be a ski guide, NOLS instructor Jesse Quillian has some lessons to share from her recent training.
NOLS welcomes new leadership, names Terri Watson as president
NOLS announces new president - Terri Watson.
