High Mountain Institute

We went backpacking in beautiful, remote places + partnered with a local rafting company to do some amazing rafting, and learned about glaciology and saw a glacier with another local company. We stayed in local’s homes and developed relationships with our hostel owners and had time to explore cities. A highlight of mine was the 24 hour solo where we spent a full day alone and able to reflect and appreciate.
Not only this but we practiced communication, leadership, authenticity and self advocacy in a small community where everyone was committed to learning. It’s hard to find this intentional of a community. I did not realize the emphasis of this before starting the program but I am very grateful for how I’ve grown in these 80 days.

HMI GAP TREK was essential in enhancing my communication skills and helped me learn how to give constructive feedback during a conflict. Alongside that, I had many firsts including backpacking, sleeping outside, planting trees, and flying internationally. The one thing I enjoyed the most was getting to experience such drastically different environments all spread out in perfect increments. Of course HMI comes with its challenges but you will thrive and feel the support being offered by all instructors and students.

Definitely recommend doing HMI gap semester! I loved the people and the instructors were amazing. We went to some of the coolest places like the Utah canyons and the valleys in Patagonia.

If you go you will meet some of your closest friends and have some really special memories of your adventures. We had a lot of fun hiking on trail as well as playing silly games and laughing together. Some days were challenging but the challenge is what makes it worth it!

HMI wants a kind, supportive community that will lift each other up and work on goal setting together. If this seems good to you, apply and find out what makes HMI so special.

HMI gap was awesome. I came in with zero outdoor experience and learned a ton. It’s also a great community with some lovely people. You spend three months with a very small group, so you get close to everyone. It might get cold or wet or ridiculously windy, but those will end up being the best memories you look back on. I don’t regret doing it.
There was a written curriculum, which was occasionally interesting, but could definitely use some revision. Our teachers made the best of it, though. If you don’t think you’d be cut out for three months of backpacking and rock climbing, don’t doubt yourself. Give it a try.

Loved the places we traveled and the things we learned. Getting to see remains of ancient civilizations to pumas and flamingos in Patagonia to sleeping under the biggest sky I’ve ever seen, i was surrounded by incredible people and memories. I’m walking out with some insane stories, lifelong friends, advice from incredible mentors, and a better sense of what i want from my future. The perfect way to move into the next part of my life, highly recommend if you’re looking for an adventure or new path in life.