Matt Burke
On this course, you’ll learn how make the mountains in winter a classroom for teaching leadership and outdoor skills. Educators at any level will find plenty to learn, and topics will include risk management, outdoor skills, and class facilitation. You’ll start with a NOLS Level I Avalanche Training clinic endorsed by the American Avalanche Association. At the same time, you’ll be snowboarding or skiing with your instructors at Grand Targhee Resort to solidify your skills before heading into the backcountry. Then, you’ll head to the wilderness, where you’ll find miles of fresh snow for skiing and splitboarding.
During the day, you’ll explore the mountains, focusing on skills like avalanche assessment and winter camping. At night you’ll sleep in a snow shelter and cook your meals in snow kitchens. You’ll gain experience in teaching by leading your own classes and receiving coaching from your instructors and coursemates. Every day will give you opportunities to become a more competent winter camper and educator. This course is your opportunity to grow as an outdoor educator through hands-on learning—all of this will prepare you for a lifetime of teaching and exploring the mountains in the winter.
*Moderate to expert skiing or snowboarding ability required
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“I still find myself returning to the wonderful moments of my NOLS course—sitting under a bare tree on a frozen slope and just listening to the snow; laughing and floating down a thousand feet of fresh powder; watching the sun slowly light up the Tetons as breakfast simmers on the Whisperlite. As I prepare for another season as an outdoor educator, as a teacher and trainer, I find myself drawing on all the things I learned and observed at NOLS. I have new ways to frame my lessons. I have a wonderful framework to teach outdoor leadership for our new guides. Most of all, I have so many new ideas and perspectives on ways I can continue to improve as an educator and a leader.”