Alaska
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Supporting Documents
"Thanks again so much for the instruction and encouragement on our Trip last month ... we couldn't have done it without you and Amy!! You've got to love your job when you know you are responsible for helping achieve the greatest moments of their entire lives!"
-Chris E.
More Student Comments
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-Climbing on the Davidson Glacier.
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Alaska Mountaineering; Leadership & Guide Training Course
(12 & 24 days)
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The mountains of Alaska have captivated the imagination of the world’s alpinists for decades. The extensive glaciation, vast wilderness setting, and extreme
rugged nature of Alaskan peaks are unmatched anywhere in the world. Bordering the largest non-polar ice cap in the world, the IWLS expedition center in Haines is perfectly situated to access one of the most rugged, glaciated and wild mountain ranges in the Western Hemisphere.
Due to the remote nature of the area, IWLS utilizes helicopters, ski planes, zodiacs and 4x4 vehicles to access world class alpine climbing terrain. From a series of different glacier base camps, instructors and students choose from endless climbing objectives.
A typical day may include an alpine start for a summit attempt of an unclimbed
peak, vertical ice climbing on seracs or rappelling technique review on a nearby nunatak. IWLS instructors provide professional skill instruction and time-tested progressions alongside a series of exciting summit climbs. You’ll have a chance to lead your group through a crevassed icefall, ascend a rocky ridge with the clouds beneath your feet and dig a snow pit profile to assess the avalanche danger. You will learn techniques to keep your team moving efficiently
up a steep snow slope, how to rescue your partner out of a crevasse and the best ways to teach navigation technique in a whiteout to your fellow students. With the support of your instructors you’ll practice emergency response
scenarios and have ample opportunities to step into a leadership role in the mountains.
This comprehensive mountaineering course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether you are interested in pursuing a career as a professional
guide, honing your technical abilities for personal adventures or expanding
your leadership skills.
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Course Location IWLS is based in Haines, Alaska, a small town located near the top of the Inside Passage. Haines borders Glacier Bay National Park. The park and the adjacent 27 million acres, including Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, comprise the largest protected wilderness area in the world. It is an extremely jagged and glaciated mountain landscape that includes the world's largest non-polar ice caps, pristine fjords, and wilderness rivers. Peak elevations in this region range up to 20,000 feet.
At 59 degrees latitude, summer days in Haines have over 20 hours of daylight. The long days make for great alpine starts, late night wildlife viewings, and account for the remarkable vegetative growth that is the basis for Alaska’s thriving ecosystem. Haines is situated at the northern end of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
The terrain surrounding Haines, Alaska is unique in North America, and offers world class climbing. Our expedition center in Haines is an outstanding gateway for accessing this unparalleled wilderness area.
The Instructors and Guides of IWLS are widely recognized as some of the very best in their field and have practical leadership experience from around the globe. They are well trained and have an uncommon enthusiasm for sharing their skill and knowledge, borne out of a passion for outdoor exploration.
The International Wilderness Leadership Schools' educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world class.
The IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that the course will focus on.
Equipment/Clothing Selection and Use: You’ll learn to choose the right gear for the correct application, whether enjoying a sunny afternoon on a snow slope or trekking through a tropical rainforest.
Leadership: You’ll have the opportunity to lead the group in a variety of activities and objectives.
Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet, it is our duty to respect the natural landscape. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace® principles.
Safety and Risk Management: Safety is always the #1 consideration. As the course progresses, you’ll develop an awareness to appropriately asses risk and make safe decisions.
Wilderness Emergency Procedures and Treatment: Learn how to effectively manage safe, efficient, and timely backcountry rescues.
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Photo: Darsie Culbeck |
IWLS Mountaineering Curriculum is built from countless expeditions in Alaska and around the world. You’ll learn how to be a competent and proficient mountaineer in a variety of different environments. Below are some topics we’ll cover.
Self-Arrest: What happens if you fall on a steep now slope? Learn, through hands on experience, how to stop a fall quickly and efficiently.
Anchors: Anchor building is a fun, yet intricate subject. We’ll examine single, double, triple and complex anchors, and their different applications. Learn how to place anchors in snow, rock, and ice.
Crevasse Rescue: Traveling in glaciated terrain requires that every member of the team be proficient in crevasse rescue. We’ll learn how to get a team mate out of a crevasse quickly and efficiently.
Technical Climbing: Rock climbing, ice climbing and steep snow climbing are all included in the IWLS’ curriculum.
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Photo: Ted Roxbury |
IWLS Avalanche Curriculum is a nationally recognized progression of material that prepares students to be safe backcountry travelers.
Avalanche Characteristics: We’ll examine loose snow, wet snow, soft slab, and hard slab avalanches along with some potential triggers. You’ll learn the definition of terms such as stauchwall, alpha angle, and bed surface.
Snow Stability Evaluation: Is this snow capable of avalanching? Learn tests such as compression test and rutschblock test that will help you evaluate layers within the snowpack. Develop your documentation skills for accurate recording and analysis of information.
Safe Winter Travel: As a group, we will travel safely through avalanche terrain. Considerations will include cornices, equipment selection, route finding, campsite selection, and effective communication.
Avalanche Rescue: Someone buried in an avalanche has an 87% chance of survival if found within the first fifteen minutes. We’ll practice using probes, beacons, and effective search patterns in order to quickly and efficiently find a buried person.
Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course. However, with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure, you'll develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of wilderness exploration.
Certifications upon completion of the 24-day course participants may qualify for the following certifications:
 Level 1 Avalanche Certification*
International Wilderness Leadership School
24 Day Guide Training Certificate of Completion
International Wilderness Leadership School
*Dependent on weather and season
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Click Here for all available certifications.
University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses.
Consider combining three 24-day courses for an IWLS semester!
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