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…
13 Signs You’re Having Trouble Getting Back into City Life
13 Signs You’re Having Trouble Getting Back into City Life
Putting Leadership into Practice: AmeriCorps and NOLS
AmeriCorps and NOLS grad Travis talks about how combining both programs helped him put leadership experience into practice.
Ready for the Challenge: How I Became a Wilderness EMT
Ready for the Challenge: How I Became a Wilderness EMT
Backcountry Chilling Over Oil Drilling [Book Review]
Backcountry Chilling Over Oil Drilling [Book Review]
How I Became a NOLS Nerd
Swedish master mariner and ships’ pilot Jonas Alexanderson tells stories from his 50th birthday present, a NOLS sea kayaking course in Prince William Sound
Bruce Palmer On the Value of a Gap Year
I caught up with Bruce Palmer. We talked about the importance of outdoor education, Gap Years and the value of this experience in the life of a young person.
Beyond Limits and Proud: LGBT & NOLS Wilderness Medicine Experience
River guide Emily Ambrose shares lessons learned about building confidence as a leader and in her identity during a WFR course
Thanking the Wilderness for Letting Me In
NOLS grad Maya Johnston shares the lessons she learned on a life-changing semester in the wilderness.
10 Classic Health and Safety Risks Among First-Time Campers
Read ten health and safety tips for first time campers. Marco Johnson, a senior field instructor at NOLS offers his tips for beginners.
