SEMESTER IN The Rockies <strong>NOLS</strong> INVENTED THE OUTDOOR SEMESTER, and this c<strong>our</strong>se is where it all began. A Rockies Semester will take you on a Wild West “<strong>to</strong>ur de force” while giving you a complete set of skills <strong>to</strong> lead and teach in the backcountry, whether in the field of outdoor education or with y<strong>our</strong> own friends and family. Our grads are among the most well-rounded and self-sufficient backcountry travelers in the <strong>world</strong>. Learn <strong>to</strong> paddle a canoe down a class-III rapid, make sound first aid decisions miles from the nearest road, and navigate through winding slot canyons. You’ll see some of the great American West’s most treasured spots, carving a telemark turn through the winter wilderness on one section and jamming y<strong>our</strong> hands in<strong>to</strong> cracks while climbing one of Wyoming’s <strong>world</strong>-class crags on the next. Because the Rockies are a hotspot for outdoor activities, this semester offers a variety of skill sets, allowing students <strong>to</strong> choose the combinations they prefer. Spend a semester in the Rocky Mountains and every day will be hands-on, from learning <strong>to</strong> climb <strong>to</strong> developing good expedition behavior with y<strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>semates. Wind River Range, Wyoming ROCK CLIMBING (all seasons) This fast-paced section takes place in some of the West’s most famous climbing areas, from Nevada’s Red Rocks <strong>to</strong> Idaho’s City of Rocks and the Needles in South Dakota. It begins with a foundation of skills such as bouldering, belaying, rappelling, knots, and climbing techniques. We’ll also emphasize advanced <strong>to</strong>pics such as anchor construction, direct aid, belay escapes, and gear selection. If you’re ready, there will also be opportunities <strong>to</strong> lead climb. RIVER TRAVEL (all seasons) This multi-day expedition through Utah’s scenic river canyons will introduce you <strong>to</strong> the fun and excitement of whitewater. Whether in a kayak, a canoe, an oar raft, or a paddle raft, you’ll learn <strong>to</strong> read the water, scout rapids, and execute maneuvers such as eddy-turns, peel-outs, and ferries. Depending on y<strong>our</strong> craft, advanced skills such as surfing, playboating, raft captaining, and solo canoeing will also be taught and practiced on this very hands-on section. Jamie Becca O’Donnell Parkinson WINTER (fall and spring option) The Rocky Mountains’ harsh and beautiful winter environment will create some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of y<strong>our</strong> semester. After breaking trail from camp <strong>to</strong> camp, you’ll “dig in,” building a snow shelter for you and y<strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>semates <strong>to</strong> camp in. Much time will also be devoted <strong>to</strong> practicing y<strong>our</strong> telemark turn on backcountry slopes and assessing snow and avalanche conditions. Jamie Craig O’Donnell Muderlak Fried pasta, calzones, and scrambled brownies: A few of the delicacies you’ll cook at <strong>NOLS</strong>. Snake River Range, Idaho Facing page: The canyon walls are y<strong>our</strong> handrails while navigating and map reading. Sam’s Mesa Box, Dirty Devil Canyon, Utah CANYON (fall and spring) Developing and expanding y<strong>our</strong> own leadership style and environmental ethics are the focus of this section, which culminates in a multi-day, studentled expedition. You will travel through the unmistakable red rock canyons of southern Utah where you’ll study Anasazi rock art and ruins, desert ecology, and land-use policies. BACKPACKING (summer and fall option) Map reading, route finding, cooking, and Leave No Trace practices will become second nature as you travel through Wyoming’s Wind River or Absaroka ranges. Advanced <strong>to</strong>pics covered on this section include fly-fishing, baking, off-trail navigation, GPS use, and environmental ethics. Semester in the Rockies sections continued on page 30 28 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
ROCKY MOUNTAIN Ashley Wise 29