Our mountaineering courses are led by expert instructors who are highly skilled, certified professionals and passionate climbers with extensive mountain climbing experience. With their wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise, they guide and inspire students to become proficient and responsible mountaineers. Our instructors create an empowering learning environment that fosters growth and personal development. Assessing and managing risk is our top priority, as our instructors undergo rigorous training in risk management and wilderness first aid.

From technical climbing skills such as mountain climbing, alpine rock climbing, and alpine ice climbing, to route planning and navigation, risk management, and Leave No Trace principles, our thoughtfully designed mountaineering courses ensure you gain the necessary expertise. Learn to navigate various terrains, make informed decisions, and handle emergencies effectively. We prioritize sustainability, teaching you how to minimize your impact on the environment and preserve the mountains' beauty for future generations.

Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes as you embark on transformative journeys, forming deep connections with both your fellow participants and the natural world. These expeditions are the perfect opportunity to apply your knowledge, challenge yourself, and create lifelong memories. Amidst the iconic backdrop of glaciated peaks, you'll not only experience the thrill of glacier mountaineering but also become part of a close-knit community. Forge lasting friendships with fellow adventurers who share your passion, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating triumphs along the way.

For over 50 years, NOLS has been a leading force in outdoor education, cultivating a legacy of developing exceptional outdoor leaders. Our mountaineering courses go beyond technical skills, fostering leadership, resilience, and teamwork. We believe in empowering our students to thrive not only in the wilderness but also in their everyday lives. Join us to embark on a transformative journey that will shape you into a capable and confident leader, equipped with the diverse skills learned throughout the course and the mindset to navigate any challenge that comes your way.

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska Range adventure with a team of motivated peers, aged 23 and up. Explore the breathtaking glaciated terrain and climb the high peaks of the Chugach Range. Over two weeks, master the fundamental skills required for ice and snow travel. Learn mountaineering essentials, including snow camping, avalanche safety, and crevasse rescue. Develop outdoor expertise while refining leadership abilities through rope team travel, self-arrest techniques, and effective communication. Return home with newfound confidence, lasting friendships, and invaluable leadership skills applicable in all areas of life.

Discover adventure amidst the peaks, rivers, and coastal rainforests of Patagonia. Learn essential mountain living and travel skills while witnessing breathtaking sunrises and savoring delicious camp stove meals. Master navigation, knot tying, rescue techniques, and rope handling necessary for mountaineering. Develop your leadership style through small community living, communication, and decision-making in challenging terrain. No prior experience required—our instructors will guide you. Leave with enhanced leadership awareness, continuous growth skills, and lifelong mountain exploration opportunities.

Explore the rugged beauty of the North Cascades in the Pacific Northwest with motivated peers aged 23 and up. Ascend the iconic slopes of the Cascade Range including Mount Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Eldorado Peak, and Sahale Peak, traversing glaciated peaks and snowfields. Develop technical mountaineering skills for living and traveling on ice and snow, while honing leadership and risk management abilities. Experience breathtaking sunrises over snow-covered peaks before embarking on summit attempts. Learn winter camping, Leave No Trace, climbing techniques, and glacier navigation through boulder fields and mountain passes. Enhance your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, gaining confidence for leading in all aspects of life with this North Cascades alpine climbing course.

Explore Wyoming's stunning Wind River Range and conquer new heights on this exhilarating course. Traverse snowy glaciers, climb high passes, and delve into lodgepole pine forests. Whether you're a first-time camper or a seasoned backpacker, this expedition offers fresh challenges for all. Learn essential mountaineering skills like belaying, rappelling, and building anchors in snow and rock. Test your abilities on famous peaks, including Wyoming's tallest, Gannett Peak. Gain not only mountaineering expertise but also invaluable leadership experience. Communicate, adapt, and thrive as part of a close-knit team, and emerge as a capable leader ready to tackle any endeavor.