The Wind River mountain range is the place Paul Petzoldt chose for the first NOLS course in 1965, and we have trained instructors here ever since. Your Rocky Mountain Instructor Course will build on the technical outdoor skills you already have as you fine-tune your teaching skills through an in-depth examination of the NOLS curriculum. This 24-day course includes leadership training, a backpacking expedition, and basic training for setting up and managing top-rope climbing and rappelling with students. Successful completion of the instructor course will prepare you to work wilderness backpacking courses for NOLS.
Applications for Spring/Summer 2020 Instructor Courses are now closed. Applications for 2021 Instructor Courses will open on August 15, 2020.
Take a look at the FAQs to learn more about instructor courses with NOLS.
Here is a sample of the questionnaire that will appear on the instructor course application.