Brandon Gell
Embark on a semester-long expedition through the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. This immersive course will take you deep into the heart of one of the most rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. From towering glaciers to pristine coastal waters, the Alaska Wilderness Expedition combines outdoor adventure with leadership development, environmental studies, and personal growth. Whether you’re hiking through snow-covered mountains, kayaking past glaciers, or studying wildlife in remote ecosystems, this transformative journey will push you to your limits and equip you with skills for a lifetime.
Photo credit: Mauricio Clauzet
The Alaska Wilderness Expedition offers more than just an outdoor adventure—it’s an opportunity to grow, develop, and transform. With the guidance of expert NOLS instructors, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your leadership abilities, and discover a deeper understanding of the natural world. Along the way, you’ll embrace challenges that will test your physical and mental resilience. By the end of the journey, you’ll return with new skills, a strengthened sense of self, and a renewed appreciation for both the wild and your role as a leader in the wilderness.
Alaska's wilderness is an environment like no other, where towering peaks, expansive glaciers, and rugged coastlines create a landscape that feels both timeless and otherworldly. During this course, you’ll experience a diverse array of environments, each more breathtaking than the last:
Backpacking through Glacial Terrain: Trek across Alaska’s vast, ice-carved landscapes, learning vital survival and navigation skills as you explore North America’s largest concentration of glaciers.
Mountaineering in the Alaskan Range: Push your limits as you climb and navigate in the rugged Alaskan Range, honing mountaineering techniques and gaining the confidence to tackle snow and ice.
Sea Kayaking in Prince William Sound: Paddle the crystal-clear waters of Prince William Sound, a haven for marine life, while taking in the dramatic coastal scenery. You’ll gain hands-on kayaking skills while observing seals, otters, and whales in their natural habitat.
Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter unique wildlife, including bears, moose, and bald eagles, while gaining insight into the local ecosystems and cultures that make Alaska a global treasure.
This course is a dynamic blend of technical outdoor skills and leadership development. As you immerse yourself in Alaskan landscapes, you’ll learn key wilderness skills that will prepare you for any environment. In addition, the NOLS leadership curriculum will help you develop the confidence and decision-making abilities needed to lead in complex, unpredictable situations. Key skills include:
Backpacking Techniques: Master wilderness navigation, shelter-building, cooking, and Leave No Trace principles as you navigate remote, off-trail areas.
Mountaineering Skills: Learn ice and snow travel techniques, including how to use crampons, ice axes, and roped climbing systems for safe, efficient ascents.
Sea Kayaking: Gain proficiency in sea kayaking, from paddling techniques to planning multi-day expeditions along Alaska’s rugged coastline.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Enhance your leadership abilities by collaborating with teammates, managing group dynamics, and navigating challenges together.
Risk Management: Learn to assess environmental hazards and make critical decisions to keep yourself and your team safe in unpredictable conditions.
In addition to the wilderness skills you’ll develop, this course offers a rich environmental studies curriculum. You’ll explore Alaska’s ecosystems through hands-on learning, gaining a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between land, water, and wildlife. Topics include:
Glacier Formation and Dynamics: Understand the processes that shape Alaska’s glaciers and how they impact the environment.
Marine Ecology: Study the diverse marine life that thrives in Prince William Sound, including sea otters, seals, and humpback whales.
Wildlife Conservation: Learn about the challenges of conserving Alaska’s wildlife, from managing bear populations to protecting salmon habitats.
Climate Change Impact: Gain a firsthand understanding of how climate change is affecting Alaska’s glaciers, ecosystems, and communities.
Photo credit: Dave Hill
This 75-day course is thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive blend of adventure, skill-building, and personal growth. Here's a look at what to expect throughout your journey:
Days 1–2: Introduction & Basecamp Preparation
Kick off your Alaskan adventure at the NOLS Alaska basecamp. During the first couple of days, you’ll meet your instructors and fellow participants and get outfitted with essential gear. The focus will be on setting expectations, introducing basic wilderness skills, and preparing mentally and physically for the challenges ahead.
Days 3–20: Backpacking and Mountaineering in the Alaskan Range
For the next three weeks, embark on a challenging backpacking and mountaineering expedition in the Alaskan Range. Each day will push you to new limits as you hike through rugged landscapes, climb alpine peaks, and navigate glacial terrain. Expect to build endurance, practice advanced outdoor techniques, and develop essential skills for high-altitude travel and mountaineering.
Days 21–35: Wilderness Navigation & High-Elevation Training
As you continue your journey, you’ll refine your navigation skills while tackling more complex terrain. This phase will include mountain navigation training, crevasse rescue drills, and survival skills for remote environments. You’ll also begin to develop a deeper understanding of Alaskan ecosystems, weather systems, and the challenges of wilderness travel at higher elevations.
Days 36–50: Sea Kayaking in Prince William Sound
Transition to Prince William Sound, where you’ll take to the water for an extended sea kayaking expedition. During this two-week segment, you'll master kayaking techniques, navigate coastal waterways, and learn about the area's unique marine environment. Your journey will include trips to remote islands, wildlife observation, and a thorough study of local ecosystems.
Days 51–60: Coastal Expeditions & Advanced Kayaking Skills
As you continue paddling, you’ll gain experience with coastal navigation, tides, and weather patterns. This phase will challenge your paddling skills with longer expeditions, including overnight camping on secluded beaches. You’ll work on advanced techniques such as rescues, navigation in difficult conditions, and managing group dynamics on the water.
Days 61–70: Final Expedition & Leadership Development
Your final expedition will combine everything you’ve learned over the past weeks. Whether in the mountains or on the sea, you’ll take on leadership roles, making decisions about route planning, risk management, and group dynamics. You’ll be expected to demonstrate your ability to manage complex environments, adapt to changing conditions, and lead your group effectively.
Days 71–75: Reflection & Graduation
The final stretch of the course will focus on reflection, skill assessment, and leadership challenges. You'll return to basecamp for a debrief of your experiences, engage in final leadership exercises, and receive feedback on your growth throughout the course. The last day will culminate in a graduation ceremony, marking the successful completion of your Alaskan adventure.
The Alaskan wilderness is unpredictable and demanding, presenting unique challenges that will push you to grow in ways you never imagined. Throughout the course, you’ll face:
Variable Weather: Alaskan weather can change rapidly, with storms, snow, and extreme cold. You’ll learn to stay calm, adapt to changing conditions, and make quick decisions that keep your team safe.
Physical Endurance: Whether carrying a heavy backpack or navigating challenging mountain terrain, you’ll develop physical and mental strength. The rewards of overcoming these challenges are immense, and your endurance will be tested every day.
Group Dynamics: Traveling with a small team in remote wilderness requires constant collaboration, flexibility, and communication. You’ll learn how to lead, follow, and support your teammates as you work together to overcome obstacles.
By the end of this course, you will have developed a deeper resilience and a stronger capacity to lead and support others in the most difficult circumstances.
Photo credit: Liz Schultz
This course is designed for adventurous individuals ready to push their limits physically and mentally. This expedition is for you if you’re seeking a transformative wilderness experience. Whether you’re an aspiring outdoor professional, a passionate adventurer, or someone looking to grow in leadership, the Alaska Wilderness Expedition will equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in any outdoor environment.
Prerequisites: While no prior experience is required, participants should have a strong sense of adventure, physical fitness, and a willingness to embrace the challenges of a wilderness environment.
By completing this course, you’ll join a global community of NOLS alumni—leaders, adventurers, and outdoor professionals who are using the skills they learned in Alaska to make an impact in the world. This course is more than just an adventure; it’s the beginning of your lifelong journey in outdoor leadership and environmental stewardship. Are you ready to answer the call? Enroll today and transform the way you experience the world—and yourself.
“The instructors guided us though the most extreme environments that I have ever seen. They did this with a relaxed and nurturing way about them. They are some of the most patient teachers I have ever met. There ability to stay focused through adversity and uncertainty was truly inspiring.”
