Rockies to Patagonia

Overview

The “Rockies to Patagonia” Gap Program focuses on outdoor adventure, leadership training, and cultural exchange while giving participants valuable outdoor industry training in the American West and Patagonia, Chile. Students work with inspiring leaders in the outdoor industry and conservation movement and have the opportunity to complete a Culminating Leadership project. Learn more about the Culminating Leadership project here

Ages: 18-22

Length: 80 days + Alumni Support/Programming

Season: Winter – Spring

February 3 – April 22, 2024.

Tuition: $17,600

(* does not include airfare to Coyhaique, Chile)

Application Deadline: December 1st*

*Late enrollment may be possible depending on space and availability.

Each year, Alzar Gap offers four merit based scholarships for four qualified candidates applying to our programs. In order to be considered, candidates must submit their full applications by May 1st, and respond to 2 prompts about their next steps after Alzar Gap.

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College Credit

During the Alzar Gap experience, students have the option to earn up to 16 college semester credits through our relationship with Portland State University, and Western Colorado University. All of our college credit opportunities are entirely optional and designed to add depth and value to your Alzar Gap experience.  Click here to view the college courses.

Outdoor Adventure and Training

Earn industry-recognized certifications and learn necessary skills to plan your own epic adventures or work in the ski, whitewater or outdoor education industry.

With its rugged mountains, varied landscapes and wild scenic rivers, both the American West and Patagonia, Chile are the perfect places to find adventure for participants of all abilities. Our team of highly-skilled instructors and local partners will guide you through multi-day skiing, backpacking, and whitewater rafting experiences in beautiful locations. Along the way, you will earn certifications in wilderness medicine and ski/snowboard instruction. In addition to technical experience, you will learn how to manage risk, group dynamics, and medical emergencies and develop the skills to facilitate transformative experiences in a variety of backcountry and front-country environments.

Students have the opportunity to gain the following industry-recognized certifications:

• PSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor or ASSI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor
• Wilderness First Responder
• American Red Cross – CPR and AED

We welcome all skill levels

You are not required to have experience skiing, backpacking or rafting before you join us.  We would love to teach you!  We are able to teach to a variety of skill levels on our programs. Each cohort is a mix of students with varying experience levels in the outdoors. Similarly, you are not required to have any Spanish speaking ability for our gap program. Alzar Gap is a great place to learn and practice Spanish with lessons and authentic immersion.

Accommodations

The program will be split between front-country and backcountry environments in Patagonia, Chile and Idaho. While in the front-country, students will have the opportunity to stay in cozy yurts at our Idaho campus, as well as at our Base Patagonia campus, selected homestays, and hostels in Chile. In the backcountry, our students camp along sandy beaches, in beautiful forests and alpine meadows, and at historic ranches for a complete wilderness experience.

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Itinerary Overview

A gap program with Alzar Gap is packed with memorable experiences.  Here is a basic overview* of what your adventure might look like. Feel free to click on each location to find out more.

Please note that although our itineraries are powerful and well-thought-out, they are subject to change.