We begin the semester on our Idaho Campus, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the West Mountain Range. During the day our students head to the slopes of our local resort to ski or snowboard fresh powder and learn about the winter sports industry from ski patrollers, snow sport instructors, and resort managers. Each evening, we return to campus for a hot shower and begin stoking the wood-burning stoves in our yurts. During this component, students have the opportunity to take their PSIA Level 1 Ski/Snowboard Instructor exam, and gain entry to the winter sports industry.

In preparation for our remote adventures, students will take a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Adult CPR and AED, as well as Epinephrine Auto-injector Administration course. The Wilderness First Responder certification is the recognized industry standard for people who work in remote environments including wilderness guides and trip leaders, camp counselors, research expedition members, and search and rescue team members. The WFR course is also an excellent option for individuals who are seeking intensive medical training in order to be prepared during personal wilderness trips or extended expeditions, as well as those considering studying medicine in their university career.

Our final week consists of a short expedition planned and executed by our student group. This expedition could consist of a multi-day backcountry ski trip to a local mountain yurt, nordic skiing to Idaho’s famous hot springs or another epic adventure planned by our students under the guidance of instructors.