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…
Camping Recipe: No-Bake Powerhouse Cookies
These tasty treats are easy to make and sure to be a crowd please, whether you're at home or in the backcountry!
Prevent Minor Trail Injuries with Advice from NOLS Staff
Here's some key advice from NOLSies to help ward off small illnesses and injuries that could lead to a more serious medical situation.
Educator Expedition: Family Time Rafting on the Middle Fork
A NOLS instructor applies his teaching skills to a river expedition with his family on the Salmon River.
Get Off the Grid for a Gap Year
NOLS staff share why they love off-grid gap years. Escape the routine and disconnect from the world by getting off the grid for a gap year.
New Courses for Fall 2017
We’re introducing five new courses to our fall lineup that are all 10 days or shorter. Enjoy!
It Takes a Village: WFRs Come Together in the Linville Gorge Wilderness
A NOLS Wilderness Medicine grad shares how her first aid training became critically important when she encountered an injured climber on a weekend trip.
Expedition to Pluto: The New NOLS Course
Check out our latest course, Pluto Space Travel and Spacewalking, announced just in time for April Fools!
How to Make Your Routine Leave No Trace
You're a pro at LNT on the trail, but do you ever think about applying these principles at home too? Get started with some tips from NOLS staff members.
Make Leadership the Focus of Your Gap Year
The true value of a leadership gap year isn't adding an impressive list of activities to your resume—it's about developing valuable life skills.
Camping Recipe: 30-Minute Cornbread
Worried about cooking outdoors? Fear not! You don't have to be a master chef to make this tasty cornbread.
4 Ways You Can Always Be Learning
A NOLS instructor reflects on how a rock climbing seminar inspired her to keep learning.
3 Ideas to Feed Your Inner Wild
NOLS mountaineering grad Will Harrison shares tips on adjusting to city life and incorporating lessons learned outdoors to life at home.
