to our world. - NOLS

Nestled below the western flanks of the magnificent Teton Mountains in Driggs, Idaho, NOLS Teton Valley is our base
for exploring the western Rocky Mountain region. We specialize in winter and combination backpacking and rafting
courses, and we are the hub of the NOLS Adventure programs, offering two-week hiking and four-week hiking and
rafting courses for 14- and 15-year-olds ready for a summer outside. Join us this summer to look out over pristine mountain
valleys, hike over Lemhi Pass in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, and raft in the Lower 48’s largest designated
wilderness area when you paddle the wild and scenic Main Salmon River. Come in the winter to ski or ride unparalleled
powder in our Teton classroom where you will develop your avalanche awareness and rekindle your sense of play as you
build shelters made of snow. Discover with NOLS the rugged and intriguing mountains of the Old West—the vast
backcountry of Idaho, Montana, and western Wyoming—as you explore your leadership style.
TETON VALLEY
Elliot Johnston
Whitewater paddling requires communication, teamwork, and technical skills—all part of the NOLS core curriculum. Salmon River, Idaho
At NOLS, you’ll learn to recognize the strengths of every member of the team. Salmon
River, Idaho.
Facing page: NOLS Teton Valley will be your portal to a winter wilderness. Kitten Ridge,
near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Craig Muderlak
SALMON BACKPACKING AND RAFTING
Explore the sculpted peaks of the craggy Lemhis and raft the Main
Salmon River, an exceptional blend of whitewater, wildlife, and
American frontier history. Your 28-day expedition starts with an 18-
day wilderness hiking section. You’ll climb peaks and fish for trout
as you learn to travel through rugged mountain terrain. Group management
in steep terrain and map reading are two of the skills you’ll
learn on your way to becoming a competent backcountry traveler.
Then you’ll swap backpacks for boats. For 10 days you will navigate
the Salmon’s whitewater in paddle rafts and oar rigs, learning strokes,
commands, guiding basics, and advanced maneuvering. The Frank
Church River of No Return Wilderness is home to abundant wildlife,
including gray wolves, peregrine falcons, black bears, and bald eagles.
It is also full of human history and you will have the chance to stop
at one or more of the old homesteads along the river. Following in the
footsteps of mountain men like Buckskin Bill, you too will see great
sights and learn skills for future exploration in the wilderness.
DETAILS
Features world-famous Orvis fly-fishing curriculum and gear.
Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 28 days
Tuition: $5,335
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 105
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