Zach Snavely
Take on the Ultimate Climbing Challenge and Elevate Your Leadership Skills in the Wild
Embark on a thrilling 14-day expedition to summit Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest peak, and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Wind River Range. This course is designed for experienced mountaineers who are ready to push their limits and refine their technical climbing and leadership abilities in one of the most remote and stunning locations in the United States. With its challenging terrain and unpredictable mountain conditions, this expedition will test both your physical endurance and mental resilience.
By the end of the course, you'll not only have summited Gannett Peak, but you’ll also have developed invaluable leadership skills, expanded your technical knowledge, and grown stronger personally and professionally.
Photo credit: Jack Stevens
This expedition isn’t just about reaching a summit—it’s about pushing your boundaries, facing challenges head-on, and stepping into leadership roles in an unfamiliar, high-stakes environment. The Wind River Range offers an incredibly remote setting that will challenge you in ways few environments can. Whether navigating glaciers, managing crevasse rescues, or enduring unpredictable mountain weather, you’ll develop critical decision-making skills and learn to adapt under pressure.
More than just a mountaineering course, the Gannett Peak Expedition provides an opportunity to lead in a group dynamic where every decision counts and your leadership can make the difference between success and failure. By the end of this journey, you'll return with a renewed sense of confidence and the leadership tools necessary for taking on the next big challenge, whether in the mountains or in your career.
The Wind River Range is one of North America's most awe-inspiring yet remote mountain ranges. On this expedition, you’ll navigate over glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged ridgelines. The Gannett Peak Expedition will take you into the heart of this wilderness, where few ever venture. Expect to spend your days climbing, glacier traveling, and practicing technical skills in breathtaking, isolated settings.
Over the course of two weeks, you’ll experience:
Stunning mountain vistas with panoramic views of Wyoming’s highest peaks.
Remote backcountry camping in pristine, secluded locations with minimal human impact.
Challenging weather conditions test your adaptability and resilience as you conquer the peak.
With each step, you’ll witness the raw beauty of the wilderness while honing your technical skills and leadership abilities.
Photo credit: Jack Stevens
The Gannett Peak Expedition will equip you with a comprehensive set of technical mountaineering skills alongside critical leadership development. These skills will prepare you for future mountaineering pursuits and high-pressure situations in any aspect of life.
Glacier Travel and Ice Climbing: Learn advanced glacier navigation, including ice axe techniques and crampon use, while tackling crevasse rescue operations.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Throughout the expedition, assume leadership roles, manage group dynamics, make high-stakes decisions, and ensure the safety and well-being of your team in challenging environments.
Backcountry Navigation: Build your navigation skills utilizing a map, compass, and GPS in remote terrain.
Risk Management and Safety: Understand how to assess risk in the mountains, make calculated decisions, and execute critical rescues.
Teamwork and Communication: Develop the ability to work effectively in a team, fostering collaboration, trust, and respect.
This 14-day expedition is structured to balance technical skill-building, leadership development, and mountaineering challenges. Each day will include a mix of climbing, glacier travel, technical practice, and leadership exercises, all while navigating rugged mountain terrain.
Day 1: Meet at the NOLS Base Camp for gear checks, introductory training, and expedition briefings.
Days 2–6: Trek through the wilderness and learn core skills such as glacier navigation and ice climbing. Leadership development begins with small group tasks and team-building exercises.
Days 7–12: Spend several days on the glacier practicing crevasse rescue, navigating high-altitude terrain, and preparing for the summit attempt. You’ll rotate through leadership positions, taking charge of different aspects of the expedition.
Day 13: Summit day—put your skills and leadership to the ultimate test as you push to the top of Gannett Peak.
Day 14: Descend back to base camp, followed by a final debrief and graduation ceremony, reflecting on your accomplishments and growth.
Photo credit: Jack Stevens
On this expedition, you will face physical, mental, and environmental challenges that will test your endurance and resilience. The Wind River Range is known for its unpredictable weather, which can range from intense sun to sudden snowstorms and climbing conditions that can change in the blink of an eye.
Physical Demands: Carrying a heavy pack over rugged terrain, climbing glaciers, and enduring high-altitude conditions will push your body to its limits.
Mental Toughness: Conquering Gannett Peak is as much about mental endurance as physical skill. You’ll face setbacks, harsh weather, and fatigue—tests of your focus and perseverance.
Leadership in Adverse Conditions: Leading a team through these challenging conditions will require effective decision-making, communication, and the ability to inspire and guide others.
By facing and overcoming these challenges, you’ll build inner strength, confidence, and resilience that will serve you both in the mountains and your everyday life.
This course is designed for experienced mountaineers with a solid foundation in technical climbing, glacier travel, and ice climbing. Ideal candidates have completed basic mountaineering courses and want to challenge themselves in a remote, high-altitude environment while refining their leadership abilities. Whether aspiring to lead climbing expeditions or seeking a transformative personal adventure, this course will provide the skills and experiences to take your mountaineering career or personal growth to the next level.
By completing the Gannett Peak Expedition, you’ll become part of the NOLS legacy—a global network of adventurers, leaders, and outdoor professionals challenged and transformed by their NOLS experiences. With lifelong connections and opportunities to continue your outdoor education, you’ll have the confidence and skills to tackle any adventure that lies ahead.
Are you ready to summit your way to success? Enroll today and take on the challenge of a lifetime!