Anyone know an alternative to NOLS?
So I recently got into mountaineering and I figured that the best way to start would be to take a course this summer. I’ve been looking at NOLS and they have exactly the type of program I’m looking for but the dates aren’t great for me. I’m going to be 17 this summer so I don’t want it to be some shitty camp type thing. I’m not looking at Outward bound. That’s more of a “finding yourself” type thing and I really just want to learn how to climb, camp in cold temperatures, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, that type of thing. I really want it to be something in the snow. NOLS had programs in Alaska and in the North Cascades which were perfect destinations. I really just want an intense course that someone my age can do, maybe a few weeks long to a month. Thanks so much!
You may not like my answer
but I believe you NEED to do the “finding yourself”
thing, really, you may think you have it completely nailed
but really at 17 … who does?
THINK ABOUT IT.
Mountaineering courses are often quite expensive, and a multiweek/month course is going to be in the thousands of dollars. I would recommend the 8-day Alpine Ascents Alaska course. It is about $1500 plus airfare. NOLS courses are nice but from what I have read they are somewhat watered down. You will get much better mountaineering instruction from certified AMGA guides and instructors and Alpine Ascents has some of the best.
If you’re looking to travel, the Alpine Club of Canada does some great trips.
There’s the Under 25 Climbing Camp, its strictly rock climbing for 4 days for $700 and you have Sonnie Trotter as an instructor.
Yamnuska does great Mountaineering courses in the rockies and New Zealand. They have a 3 month Mountain Skills program that’s $11,000 and a 5-day Youth Mountaineering School course that’s $1,400.
I don’t know where someone your age is planning on coming up with that kind of coin though.
But seriously kid, you’re 16, if you’re looking for a multi-week introduction, you’re best off to go find yourself on a NOLS or Outward Bound course. Oh, and watch your language.