The International Wilderness Leadership School

An outdoor school that specializes in providing the highest quality guide training, outdoor leadership training, wilderness education, and technical instruction.

IWLS leadership programs take place in some of the world’s most alluring wildernesses: from glacier-capped mountains in South America, to the braided rivers of Alaska, to Africa’s wildlife-filled savannas. The programs include technical training in alpine mountaineering, sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, rock and ice climbing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, backpacking, and more.

IWLS became a premier Outdoor Leadership School by receiving accreditation through the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) in 2008. Accreditation by the AEE means that IWLS meets the highest standards for safety, risk management, instructor training, and programming in the field of outdoor leadership education.

Our IWLS instructors are widely recognized as some of the very best in their field and have practical leadership experience from around the globe. They are highly trained and have an uncommon enthusiasm for sharing their skills and knowledge, borne out of a passion for outdoor exploration.

We also conduct a spectrum of custom rescue and professional training courses. These programs include avalanche courses, crevasse rescue, swift water rescue, and high angle rescue for individuals and professional groups like search and rescue teams, government agencies, outdoor guide services, and professional educators.

International Wilderness Leadership School programs are exciting, diverse, comprehensive, and fun. We invite you to join us for an unparalleled wilderness learning experience!