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…
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!
Top 10 Best Gap Year Programs for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Discover the best Gap Year Programs for Outdoor Enthusiasts! From East Africa's cultural immersion to the PNW's wilderness skill development, embark on unforgettable adventures with NOLS.
Gap Year Benefits from a Parent’s Perspective
Discover gap year benefits and get tips to support your child's gap year decision with insights from a parent's perspective.
Case Study: Injured Knee in the Wind River Mountains
Two days into a picture-perfect autumn backpacking trip in the Wind River Mountains, your companion slips and falls on rocky terrain. His chief complaint: pain in his swollen and tender knee. You’re at mile 5 of a planned 20-mile loop. What do you do?
NOLS Alumni Trips in Portugal: By the Numbers
Storks, sardines, and sand! A behind the scenes look at a recent Alumni trip: hiking Portugal's Fishermen's Trail.
Why Take A Gap Year: 8 Gap Year Life Lessons
Asking yourself, "Why take a gap year?" NOLS has 8 answers to that question that will help you take the plunge toward a truly transformative gap year!
“It’s a Pilot Trip”—Hiking in Croatia Trip Report
In early June, six NOLS Alumni, two NOLS Instructors, and one incredible local partner set forth on NOLS’ first hiking trip in Croatia.
