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…
Leadership Lived: a Tribute to Peter Simer
Celebrating the life of Peter Simer, Executive Director of NOLS from 1975 to 1983, we reflect on a leader, a mountaineer, and a friend.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman on Expedition Behavior
Astronaut and U.S. Navy Commander Reid Wiseman wrote this missive about expedition behavior from low earth orbit to be read to the astronaut class of 2013 on their NOLS course.
Skiing in Japan: Hot Springs and Cold Powder!
NOLS' first foray into backcountry skiing in Japan with an Alumni Trip.
The Summit Experience – Notes from Aconcagua
Summiting Aconcagua, the tallest peak outside of Asia, is an impressive accomplishment. Learn how you can achieve this with our NOLS Alumni course!
Learning to Slow Down in the Winds
Nate had taken lots of adventures in wild places, but nine days traversing with Winds on a NOLS Alumni Trip taught him to slow down and enjoy the view.
Watercolors: Worth the Weight
When packing for a journey into the backcountry, every ounce matters. Knowing this, Isabelle faced a dilemma: is taking my watercolor kit worth the weight?
Lessons We Carry Forward
With the help of her strong female instructors, Bella gained the skills and confidence that she carries far beyond her wilderness experience.
Opportunity to Engage
As a queer person of color, Lauren shares her journey to discover the programs NOLS implements on affinity expeditions and instructor-in-training programs.
Life Lessons That I Learned
NOLS semester graduate reflects on the lessons learned and the lasting impact of his experience.
Best Senior Project Ever: Inspiration from my NOLS Semester
Jay Clark's fall NOLS Outdoor Educator semester started with questions looming for their senior year. Inspiration struck while traveling in Utah's desert.
Resources for Anti-Racism
If you, like us, are looking to the leadership of those who have invested years in anti-racism advocacy, these resources that can provide a starting point. We know we have a lot to learn and do. And we hope you’ll keep learning with us.
