Today was the first day of the NOLS Winter Outdoor Educator Course. For the first few days of the course, we’ll be spending time in the front country, getting gear prepared for our departure to the backcountry, and going over backcountry education curriculum. This is likely the last blog post I’ll make for a while, however I will be keeping daily notes, and will post daily corresponding blog posts when I return to the front country on January 31st.

Day 1 – Arrival, Food Rationing, and Gear Selection

• Woke up in Jackson, WY. Took bus with fellow students to NOLS Teton Valley Base in Driggs, Idaho. Stumbled into sailing crew mate Jesse Schenck on the bus, too.
• Arrived early morning at NOLS TVB, met group, and immediately got started on rationing food. NOLS has their own food rationing system, to make sure each expedition member has proper food rations.
• Also went through all expedition gear, and issuance of group gear, including avalanche rescue gear, sled gear, and telemark gear.
• First few learning modules, covering group dynamics and culture, and cold injuries.
• Tonight we’re enjoying free time on base, and tomorrow morning will be departing for a day of telemarking at Grand Targhee Resort.

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