alumni adventure guide 2014-15

1 www.nols.edu/alumni • (800) 332-4280

With more than 100 course options to chose from, wilderness trips for friends and family, reunions in a town or city near you, and skills seminars to keep you active, isn’t it time you came back to NOLS? Whether you took a course two weeks ago or a few decades ago, now is a great time to be a part of NOLS by participating in activities and networks that fit your interests, lifestyle, and calendar. This brochure details many opportunities for you, your friends, and your family to share adventure, time in the wilderness, and a rejuvenating connection with NOLS.

“It can be hard to convey what NOLS is. Alumni trips have been a great way to share my NOLS experience with friends and family. Plus, I get to meet interesting people and have fun in fantastic outdoor places!”

— Arman Deganian, North Cascades Wilderness 1999

NOLS FOR LIFE

• Join the alumni representative program.• Join an alumni chapter or attend a reunion.• Connect with NOLS online via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube.• Check out the jobs network where NOLS connects grads to

employment opportunities worldwide. • Check out the benefits page at www.nols.edu/alumni.

(See pages 12 and 17 for more details)

Stay Connected

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(800) 332-4280 • www.nols.edu/alumni 2

• Donate to special projects and campaigns.• Support the NOLS Annual Fund or Endowment Fund. • Join the Summit Team, our legacy recognition society. • Donate your media (photos, videos, artwork) or write about your

experience and share it with the NOLS Alumni department.• Use your leadership, conservation, or medical skills in your

community.

(See page 14 for more details)

• Apply for a NOLS instructor course.• Advance your skills with another NOLS course.• Take an alumni trip with friends or family.• Take an alumni seminar.• Encourage your employer to set up a custom course with

NOLS Professional Training.

(See page 22 for more details)

Give BackStay Connected Continue Learning

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NOLS For Life ................ 1–2

Alumni Trips ................... 4–20

Alumni Benefits ................ 12 Jobs Network Pro Deal NOLS Online

Giving Back ........................ 14 Alumni Representative Program NOLS Annual Fund NOLS Advocates

Alumni Community ......... 17 Alumni Chapters Alumni Reunions The Leader

Continuing Ed .............. 21–22 NOLS Catalog Courses NOLS Professional Training Wilderness Medicine Institute

COVER PHOTO: BEN FOX

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ALUMNI TRIPS


Activity Rating Scale

This is a subjective rating of anticipated physical difficulty for alumni trips. Weather, route, and group dynamics can combine to make alumni trips more or less “difficult.” Higher numbers indicate greater challenge.

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If a month is too much to ask from the boss, the NOLS Alumni department offers short backcountry trips specifically designed for our working grads. We encourage you to bring family and friends along on these weeklong expeditions to reconnect with the school and introduce others to the NOLS experience. These trips have the same top-quality instructors, and, though they aren’t guided trips, we cater a bit more to the desires and maturity levels of our participants. Customized trips are also available.A $200 per-person, non-refundable deposit is required for enrollment on all alumni trips.

ALUMNI TRIPS

Join Us.(800) 332-4280www.nols.edu/[email protected]

Rediscover the NOLS Experience

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Sea Kayaking Croatia’s Elaphiti ArchipelagoDate: Sept. 20–26, 2014 (7 days)Cost: $2,350 (pre/post lodging included in Dubrovnik, Croatia)Staying in guesthouses means going light on gear, but paddling on windy days and carrying boats takes some effort.

This kayaking trip travels among the Elaphiti Island Archipelago north of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with nightly stops at a series of guesthouses in picturesque villages. Sea kayaking the coastline offers a beautiful lens through which to explore culturally and historically rich southern Croatia. This archipelago is comprised of many islands, each with its own historical significance and charm. You will have opportunities to indulge in traditional Adriatic culinary specialties. As we paddle our way through the archipelago, you will develop your ocean awareness, technical paddling skills, and sea kayak touring expedition skills as well.5 (800) 332-4280 • www.nols.edu/alumni

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Keelboat Sailing the Dalmatian Coast of CroatiaDate: Sept. 28–Oct. 4, 2014 (7 days)Cost: $2,500 (pre/post lodging included in Trogir, Croatia)Camping on boats and days spent on the water exposed to sun and wind.

This trip is a second-level keelboat sailing expedition mean-ing that all participants will have some level of sailing back-ground. The Dalmatian Coast affords multiple opportuni-ties to expand upon what you already know. We’ll start with the basics including parts of the boat, hazards on board, safety equipment and procedures, and basic maneuvering terminology. The instructor and participant crew will plan and navigate through this new sailing terrain. When the team is ready, your instructors will provide opportunities for more open-water passages. There will also be opportunities for maneuvering in tight quarters and through narrow chan-nels in protected waters.


Kayak in the BahamasDate: Nov. 16–22, 2014 (7 days)Cost: $1,995 (pre/post lodging included in Georgetown)Caribbean paddling is beautiful, but weather can create challenges.

Paddle the pristine waters the Bahamas' Out Islands and Exuma Cays! White sand beaches, palm trees, and warm sunny weather provide a great background for a wonderful week of exploration with family and friends. This trip is all about paddling skills, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the coastlines by kayak and foot. Reconnect with your NOLS roots in a relaxed and beautiful place.

Explore the Bahamas

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7 (800) 332-4280 • www.nols.edu/alumni

Redefine ‘Classroom’

Coastal Navigation SeminarDate: Feb. 4–6, 2015 (3 days)Cost: $275 (lodging included at NOLS Mexico)‘Classroom’ based learning and afternoon day sailing.

Engage your mind and develop your skills and understanding of coastal navigation. This “classroom-based” seminar takes place at the NOLS Mexico headquarters near Mulege. The trip spends three beach days learning and practicing chart plotting skills, understanding collision regulations, learning navigation aids, and expanding your sailing repertoire with experienced instructors. This trip is often paired with the February Baja sailing trip.

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Sail the ‘Aquarium of the World’

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ALUMNI SAILING SKILLS PROGRESSION

Start with any NOLS expedition teaching outdoor living, travel, communication, and leadership skills.

Then participate in an Alumni Longboat Sailing Trip in Baja or an Alumni Keelboat Sailing Trip in the Caribbean to build basic or mid-level sailing skills.

Join an Alumni Keelboat Sailing Trip in the Mediterranean to practice skipper skills.

Pick up charting experience on an Alumni Navigation Class in the Caribbean, Mexico, or Mediterranean.

Travel to the South Pacific for an Alumni Keelboat Sailing Trip that includes significant crossings.

Coastal Sailing in BajaDate: Feb. 7–14, 2015 (8 days)Cost: $1,850Beach camping and days spent on the water exposed to sun and wind.

The Bay of Loreto National Marine Park is the ideal setting for coastal cruising in a fleet of versatile Drascombe Longboat sailing vessels. These seaworthy craft allow for travel in strong winds and heavy seas as well as light air conditions. They are a great platform for learning and honing seamanship, navigation, and the basics of sailing and coastal cruising! Sailing among whales and dolphins, tide pooling, snorkeling, and coastal hiking are all features of this trip. (800) 332-4280 • www.nols.edu/alumni 10

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Rock Climb at Cochise StrongholdDate: Feb. 14–20, 2015 (7 days)Cost: $1,650 (pre/post lodging included in Tucson, Arizona)Base camping and climbing at Cochise means challenging days and some sore muscles.

This trip takes place at Cochise Stronghold, a culturally his-toric and strikingly beautiful Southwest landscape in Arizona. Climbing opportunities are endless. To maximize climbing time, you’ll base in a rustic campground. Crafted for climbers of all experience levels, this trip focuses on skills: climbing techniques, knots, belaying, anchors, protection placement, traditional and sport climbing systems, rappelling, and lead climbing theory. You’ll also develop face and crack climbing skills and gain experience with multi-pitch climbing.

Discover the Southwest

ALUMNI BENEFITS

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ALUMNI BENEFITS

Jobs NetworkWe operate an extremely popular, free, outdoor jobs networking service for NOLS alumni. Open positions are emailed daily, helping alumni connect with pro-fessional outdoor opportunities. Sign up for emails at www.nols.edu/alumni/contact/listservices.php.

Pro DealA NOLS education provides students varied skills and valuable experience. Being a NOLS graduate also has other benefits: we’ve teamed with sponsors to provide discounts and special deals for NOLS grads. See who these sponsors are and what great gear you can get at www.nols.edu/alumni/NOLSAlumniBenefits.shtml.

NOLS OnlineThe NOLS website is your source for the latest information about the school. The alumni page, www.nols.edu/alumni, has updates on alumni happenings, benefits, services, and events. Check out the NOLS online store.

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GIVING BACK

Technical Canyoneering in UtahDate: April 5–11, 2015 (7 days)Cost: $995Technical rope work and creative body movement through tight canyons can be challenging.

Explore the wonder of desert erosion as you wander tight canyons us-ing technical systems and rope work to navigate slots and manage risk. Based out of two different camps throughout the week, you’ll travel with daypacks and technical canyoneering gear to drop into a new slot canyon each day. After challenging days, enjoy camaraderie, natural history topics and rope systems practice in camp.

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Hike Utah’s CanyonsDate: March 29–April 3, 2015 (6 days)Cost: $995 (pre/post lodging included in Grand Junction, Colorado)Even with this short trip’s lighter packs, canyon hiking can be challenging.

This trip travels in Utah’s desert canyons with a focus on the area’s natural and incredible human history. Exposed landforms provide textbook illustrations of the land’s geologic past, and thickly vegetated riparian zones contrast the stark expanses of rock, sand, and black bush. This six-day trip traverses a 26-mile section of Grand Gulch and Bullet Canyon, one of the top NOLS hiking destinations in Utah.


GIVING BACK


Dive into Utah’s Canyons

Alumni Representative ProgramThe alumni representative program is an opt-in pro-gram, creating an avenue for communication between NOLS alumni and prospective students. NOLS relies heavily on grads to act as ambassadors, telling others who we are and what happens on a course. We work hard to show our appreciation by providing benefits only available to our alumni. Learn more at www.nols.edu/alumni/organizations/alumnireps.shtml.

NOLS Annual FundThe NOLS Annual Fund fuels the mission that Paul Petzoldt created back in 1965. By funding scholar-ships, research, and outreach programs, the annual fund helps make NOLS more effective, innovative, and accessible. Support makes it possible for NOLS to extend opportunities for life-changing experiences to individuals and communities around the world. Learn more about the fund and how you can give at www.nols.edu/alumni/giving/nolsannualfund/.

NOLS AdvocatesWe encourage all NOLS graduates to be active ad-vocates of the school. The definition of advocacy is as diverse as our student body—it means sharing a NOLS catalog, hosting a NOLS event, speaking to a prospective student, displaying a bumper stick-er, supporting the annual fund, or contacting us at [email protected] for more ideas.

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Horse Packing in the Wind River Mountains of WyomingDate: Aug 9–15, 2015 (7 days)Cost: $1,800Working with horses takes effort and uses new muscles. However, the rewards are worth it!

Join NOLS alumni exploring the Wind River Mountains on horseback! Travel from NOLS’ Three Peaks Ranch into the wilder-ness and immerse yourself in the basics of Western horse packing skills—care and feeding, horse and herd behaviors, tack, saddling, and riding—and other unique experiences of horse packing and travel. Enjoy the mountain wilderness from a new perspective.

Llama Packing and Fly Fishing in Wyoming with Family and FriendsDate: July 26–31, 2015 (6 days)Cost: $1,295Llamas carry most of the weight, but mountain hiking means some work.

Refine your NOLS skills while embracing new skills such as fly-fishing, photography, and llama packing in the beautiful Wind River Range. Instructors will help with the technical skills, as you soak in the fantastic scenery and experience of this alumni trip. Relive your fondest memories of your NOLS experience by bringing your family and friends along on this adventure!

Lighten Your Load

Paddling Alaska’s Noatak RiverDate: Aug. 2–11, 2015 (10 days)Cost: TBDPaddling canoes is a great way to travel, but schlepping gear is a part of the expedition!

Alaska's Brooks Range and its Noatak River is one of the wildest and most remote places in North America. This trip spends 10 days paddling folding canoes through Gates of the Arctic National Park. Accessing this remote wilderness is a challenge as there are four charter flights from Fairbanks and back. However, the experience is well worth the effort. Entirely above the Arctic Circle and accessible only by air, the Noatak experiences little human use. The trip begins with the basics of Alaskan backcountry travel. The Noatak includes stretches of moderate whitewater rated Class I and II—we’ll mostly use folding “Alypak” canoes.

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Alumni ChaptersNOLS Alumni Chapters are informal groups formed by active NOLS grads around the country. They sponsor outdoor activities, social gatherings, climbing at local gyms, local reunions and seminars, fundraisers, community service events, and more. Our chapters communicate through email list serves and post upcoming events on the NOLS Alumni website. Find your chapter at www.nols.edu/alumni/ organizations/associationsandbranches.shtml.

Alumni ReunionsNOLS and alumni volunteers organize reunions around the country. Reunions are a great way to connect with grads in your area while bringing friends and family closer to the school. Most reunions feature a presentation by a NOLS adventurer, and we provide great snacks, beverages, and free raffles. Find upcoming reunions at www.nols.edu/alumni/reunions and in every issue of The Leader.

The LeaderOur alumni publication, The Leader, delivers current school news and shares the adventures of NOLS alumni. Published three times a year, The Leader is mailed to all alumni for whom we have a current address. Contribute your stories, artwork, or photos!

ALUMNI COMMUNITYAlumni Service Trip in the NortheastDate: Aug. 16–22, 2015 (7 days)Cost: $595 (subsidized by NOLS)Packstock and partners carry most of the group gear, but trail building is hard work.

NOLS grads and families venture into New England’s backcountry for camping, camaraderie, and service. Trip projects protect public lands and may include trail construction, bridge maintenance, or campsite rehab. Ser-vice work is demanding— we’ll use shovels, hammers, pry-bars, and team muscle—but there is also time for photography, socializing, and possibly summiting a peak.

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Hiking Italy’s DolomitesDate: Sept. 2–9, 2015 and Sept. 11–18, 2015 (8 days)Cost: $2,575 (pre/post lodging included)Staying in huts means cultural interaction, cooked meals, and light packs, but days come with plenty of challenging ups and downs.

NOLS grads, friends, and family members are invited to this week of spectacular hiking in the Dolomites. Trek between rifugios (small, hostel-style lodgings) during Italy’s early autumn, which lets you savor Italian cuisine and culture while mixing with other, mostly European, travelers in a dorm-style setting. This also lightens packs for daily hikes among the stunning spires, valleys, and peaks of northern Italy.

Trek in Style

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Reach New Heights

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ALUMNI MOUNTAIN SKILLS PROGRESSION

Start with any NOLS expedition teaching outdoor living, travel, communication, and leadership skills.

Then participate in an alumni climbing trip to learn or polish climbing techniques, rope-handling skills, and climbing systems:

Climb Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest, to amalgamate skills on its remote, snow and rock routes.

Visit the Pacific Northwest for seven days of glacier travel and training on the Mt. Baker Alumni Training Trip.

Climb Washington’s Mt. Rainier (14,409 feet), a short, peak-focused glacier travel experience.

Enroll on NOLS’ 34-day Denali Climb in Alaska. At 20,320 feet, it’s the top of North America!

Join a hiking-focused alumni ascent of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.


Climb Mount RainierDate: Aug. 3–7, 2015 (5 days)Cost: $1,695Full packs, high altitude, and a short summit window means challenge.

Mount Rainier (14,409') is one of the most extensive snow mountaineering training grounds in Washington. This small, short trip moves over steep terrain and glaciers with backpacks. Training starts with the basics, so novice mountaineers are welcome. Participants will learn and practice glacier mountaineering skills needed to attempt the high summit. Expedition alumni only.

Train on Mt. BakerDate: July 22–27, 2015 (6 days)Cost: $1,600Full packs, high altitude and glacier travel make this a challenging trip.

Technically oriented and gear intensive, this trip is both challenging and rewarding. Mount Baker is the ideal place to learn and develop technical mountaineering and glacier travel skills. Features of this trip include rope work, crampon and ice axe use, snow and ice protection placement, and crevasse rescue training.

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Why would anybody want to build a snow cave? This question drew David Cassaro to the NOLS community back in 1974. After reading an article in Esquire by that title, he signed up for his first course “just to see what it would be like to build a snow cave.” By the end of his Ski Touring and Winter Mountaineering course, the 26 year old had built and slept in a snow cave, an experience he describes as “nice and warm and cozy, but not for someone with claustrophobia.”

Now 64 years old, he just completed his ninth NOLS course. Cassaro maintains that his first course was the hardest thing he ever did, before or since. He remembers waking up one day to find the thermometer

outside his tent read -29 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting for other students to get ready, he and a few coursemates skied in a circle together to stay warm. He kept his head down in the bitter cold and followed the skis of the student in front of him. After a few minutes, he looked up to find they were in a different part of the forest.

“Turns out, he split off from the others to find the latrine and I just followed those ski tips,” Cassaro remembers. “The absurdity of it all just made me stand there and laugh. From that mo-ment on, I could put everything into perspective and I knew that I could make it through the re-maining six days. Since then, when the going gets tough on trips, I think of that moment and I am able to carry on.” Of all the reasons he keeps coming back, Cassaro is most thankful for the perspective a NOLS experience brings. “Everything is reduced to the bare minimums. I can appreciate everything I have when I am back at home, and each trip reminds me of that,” he noted. Though “NOLS has matured into a more effi-cient outfit” from the original lumberyard of the 1970s, Cassaro is happy that some things have not changed. “The courses are still challenging and have not been dumbed down to make them easier,” he said. His most recent NOLS course was Rocky Mountain Lightweight Backpacking this past July, and he does not plan to stop adventuring any time soon.

CONTINUING EDUCATION WITH NOLS


“I can appreciate everything I have when I am back at home, and

each trip reminds me of that.”

Lifelong Learning: One NOLS Course is Not EnoughBy Megan Budge, WMI Program Assistant

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NOLS Catalog CoursesWhen you decide to learn a new outdoor skill NOLS is the place to do it. As a NOLS alumnus you know that NOLS instructors are the best in the business. They'll help you pick up where your last course left off and with 15 NOLS locations around the globe there are always new NOLS adventures to pursue. Request a catalog or view it online at www.nols.edu.

NOLS Professional TrainingThis customized training delivers the NOLS curriculum to teams ranging from NASA astronauts to Archer School for Girls students. Improve your group's ability to lead, manage, and teach in the location and time frame that suit you best. Learn more at www.nols.edu/nolspro.

Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI)When 9-1-1 is not an option, the rules change. We provide the highest quality education and informa-tion for the prevention, recognition, and treatment of wilderness emergencies. WMI offers a range of cours-es for novices up to medical professionals. Learn more at www.nols.edu/wmi or call (866) 831-9001.

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NonprofitOrganization U.S. Postage

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Denver, CO

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National Outdoor Leadership School284 Lincoln StreetLander, WY 82520-2848www.nols.edu/alumni

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alumni adventure guide 2014-15

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