to our world. - NOLS

SEMESTER IN
Alaska
YOUR SEMESTER IN ALASKA INCLUDES
everything from forested coastlines to the snow
and ice of the high mountain peaks to the tundra
and rivers in between. In the long days of the
northern summer, you’ll have plenty of time to
learn about and travel through wild Alaska.
Hiking takes you to the continent’s largest
assemblage of glaciers and itss greatest collection
of peaks over 16,000 feet in elevation. The
semester’s mountaineering section travels even
further into this area, an ideal training ground for
learning to live and climb on snow and ice. Finally,
you will spend 23 days sea kayaking in Prince
William Sound. Amidst all this activity, you can
also expect an extensive environmental studies
curriculum, giving you a unique perspective on
some of the world’s most stunning wilderness.
After honing skills and leadership for 75 days at
NOLS Alaska, you can be confident traveling in
a variety of wilderness settings.
Alaska's mountains and rivers set the stage for your course to work as a team through expedition behavior, communication,
and setting goals. Matanuska Valley
SEA KAYAKING You’ll explore the wilderness coastline of Prince William Sound by
starting with basics, such as learning how to load your sea kayak, then moving to more
advanced topics in a gradual progression that allows for quality learning. Classes will
include paddling techniques, ocean hazards, tidal evaluation, natural history, and risk
management. You’ll camp among the spruce or on rocky beaches and live and learn with
your instructors and coursemates.
Madhu Chikkaraju
BACKPACKING Learning how to pack a backpack and walk lightly on the tundra of Alaska's
Southcentral mountain ranges kicks off this section. Then you’ll progress to studying
flora and fauna of the region, learning practical leadership skills, and practicing Leave No
Trace camping techniques. Map reading, river crossing, bear camping, hazard identification,
and decision-making will all be part of your continuing education.
Fredrik Norrsell
Another day in paradise. Beats four walls and an uncomfortable
chair! Prince William Sound
Facing page: Student Caroline Cheung ties a trucker's
hitch like a champ. Divide Basin, Black Rapids Glacier,
Eastern Alaska Range
GLACIER MOUNTAINEERING This section includes intensive skill training for living
and climbing in Alaska’s glaciated mountains. You’ll learn things such as belaying, anchors,
rope systems, crevasse rescue, and ice climbing techniques while practicing basic
glacier camping and travel. Crossing vast fields of snow and ice in rope teams will require
using the clear judgment, technical know-how, and decision-making skills that you have
honed all semester.
DETAILS
SUMMER
Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 75 days
Tuition: $11,000
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Dates: page 107
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www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu