NOLS Alaska
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About
Come join us at NOLS Alaska for an adventure in the Land of the Midnight Sun. At our campus, a 40-acre former dairy farm, you’ll enjoy fresh veggies from our on-site garden and breathtaking views of the Talkeetna Mountains and Chugach Range. In the field, you’ll learn one or more technical skills—backpacking, mountaineering, or sea kayaking—in the famed Alaska backcountry. Whether you’re paddling a sea kayak in Prince William Sound alongside massive glaciers, hiking across the vast tundra above the Arctic Circle, or mountaineering in the Chugach Range, you’ll marvel at the enormity of the Alaskan wilderness.
As you explore Alaska, you’ll recalibrate not only your sense of scale, but also your self-confidence and competence in the outdoors.
- Wildlife you may see: caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolverines, black and brown bears, and wolves
- Skill selections: sea kayaking, backpacking, and mountaineering
- Average group size: 12 students / 3 instructors
Popular Programs
A semester in Alaska will take you from forested coastlines to high mountain peaks, and the tundra and rivers in between. With almost 20 hours of daylight at summer’s peak, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Alaskan wilderness. Whether this is your first time camping or you’re an experienced outdoorsperson, expect to try out and develop a variety of new skills on this expedition.
Dive into an unforgettable adventure in the northern wilderness. Backpack through Alaska’s famed mountain ranges and lush green valleys. Work your way up rugged peaks, pausing to admire sweeping views at the summit. Enjoy the long daylight hours of a northern summer as you hike across the tundra and cross braided streams. As you travel, keep your eye out for Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and wolves.
Find your next adventure in the rugged terrain of southcentral Alaska, nicknamed the “mountain kingdom of North America.” Build your mountaineering skills while exploring the coastal Chugach Range, interior Alaska Range, or vast Wrangell-St. Elias Range. Enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight as you travel across sweeping expanses of tundra, massive glaciers, and towering peaks.
This summer, set off on an unforgettable adventure in the rugged northern backcountry. Paddle alongside tidewater glaciers in Alaska’s famed coastal fjords, keeping your eye out for whales, porpoises, sea otters, seals, and sea lions. Backpack across the tundra and over high mountain passes. Enjoy the long daylight hours of a northern summer as you hike through lush green valleys and cross braided streams.
Join a team of current and aspiring outdoor educators to expand your teaching and leadership skills. Backpack across the tundra and paddle past tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound. Climb soaring peaks in Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains or Chugach Range. Keep an eye out for Dall sheep, moose, and caribou, as well as coastal wildlife like sea otters, seals, and porpoises. Along the way, develop the skills you need to lead, manage risk, and teach in the wilderness.
Questions & Answers
Staff Interviews
These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.
