The Yukon Territory offers some of the wildest terrain in North America, a landscape where you may step over the speckled eggs of a groundnesting bird or watch a grizzly bear feasting on roots growing in the outwash of a glacial river. A destination for backpackers seeking beauty, wildlife and remoteness, this course explores Kluane National Park, designated by the United Nations as a world heritage site. This course will begin in Haines, Alaska, and journey into the wild and remote territory of the Yukon.

Picture yourself camping in a field of purple and red wildflowers under the canopy of a birch grove. Navigate over high mountain passes, cross glacial creeks and trek over expanses of tundra. The grandiose scale of both the wildness and beauty of this area make it a world-class destination.

This comprehensive backpacking course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether you are looking to become a professional guide, hone your technical abilities for personal adventures, or expand your leadership skills. It focuses on teaching students to be safe, efficient, knowledgeable and confident outdoor leaders in the backcountry.

Haines: Haines, Alaska is the starting/finishing place for this trip. Haines is a small community located along the fjords at the top of the Inside Passage. The natural beauty and wilderness access found here are responsible for its reputation as a center for wilderness adventure in Alaska.

Kluane National Park: Kluane National Park is home to Canada’s highest peak (Mount Logan), its largest ice field, and a huge population of grizzlies. It is a mecca for calving glaciers, fields of wildflowers, beautiful glacially-carved lakes, and a profound lack of people. We'll take a 4-hour ride from our base in Haines to the trailhead in Kluane National Park.

The Donjek: Our route will follow the Donjek route, a looped route which rises above the Burwash Uplands and offers stunning views throughout. In the heart of this trek, we will reach the Donjek River, fed by the imposing blue-ice walls of the Donjek Glacier. The glacier is 56 km-long, flowing from the largest non-polar icefield in the world. The toe of the glacier, which is the most visible, is more than 4 km long and will leave you in awe.

Our Instructors: IWLS instructors and guides are highly-trained professionals recognized as some of the best in their field. They have a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Alaska, Canada, and the world. They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge of the outdoors in the wild places that they love. Their experiences and leadership help our students to have the best possible experience during their course. Students' safety, education, and enjoyment are their primary goals. 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.

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 course, participants may qualify for the following certifications:

Backpacking Guide Training Certificate of Completion

Course Itinerary (printable PDF)

Day 0: Meet in Haines for a pre-trip meeting and orientation. Students will be responsible for lodging and meals on their own this day.
&nbsp
Day 1 - 2: We’ll drive from Haines into the Burwash Uplands of the Yukon. We begin by hiking across open sub-alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers. There is potential to see Caribou and other wildlife in this area. We’ll cover the basics of navigation in alpine terrain.
&nbsp
Day 3: Hoge Pass. Dall sheep and mountain goats frequent the high passes. The trail disappears as we descend the pass towards the rivers. We make our way down steep terrain to Hoge Creek.
&nbsp
Day 4:Hoge Creek We’ll have a shorter travel day and make our way to the Donjek river valley. After crossing Hoge creek a number of times, we’ll bushwhack our way onto some old horse trails that lead us parallel with the Donjek.
&nbsp
Day 5 - 6: Donjek River and Glacier Broad expanses, the heights of the St. Elias mountain range, and a calving glacier make this particular portion of the journey a highlight.
&nbsp
Day 7 - 8: Bighorn Creek and Chert Creek After waking up early in the morning to cross Bighorn Creek and learn more about stream crossing and safety concerns, we’ll head up Chert Creek (aptly named for its high content of the mineral chert). We’ll camp in a beautiful alpine basin below Atlas Pass. We allow for a rest day in this drainage to rest up for a big day over the Atlas Pass.
&nbsp
Day 9: Atlas Pass Today is another great opportunity to see Dall sheep and mountain goats. It often snows up at the higher passes even in the middle of the summer. We’ll descend and camp down by the Duke river.
&nbsp
Day 10: Cache Lake Another early start allows us to cross the headwaters of the Duke river and hike uphill to our camp at Cache lake
&nbsp
Day 11: Copper Joe Creek We descend Copper Joe Creek drainage which leads us towards our final camp near the Alaska Canadian highway where we’ll get picked up the following day.
&nbsp
Day 12: On the last day, we’ll finish up at the trailhead. Students will receive final evaluations for the course and share feedback on the course. We’ll get picked up by our driver and head back to Haines.

IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that your course will focus on.

• Leadership: We not only exemplify leadership – we teach it and implement it. Students will have
  opportunities to lead the group through a variety of activities, objectives, and responsibilities.
• Safety and Risk Management: Safety is always our #1 consideration. As the course progresses, students
  will develop an awareness to appropriately assess risk and make safe decisions in and out of the field.
• Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness expedition,
  interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy of the group. The daily
  dynamics of the group, combined with guided instruction, will teach students not only how to be a member of a cohesive
  team, but how to influence and lead an expedition.
• Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet, it is
  our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace® principles.
• Communication Skills: Speaking in public, managing a personal conflict, or leading a group in the
  wilderness - all of these situations require effective communication. Students will gain confidence in their
  communication abilities while developing personal leadership styles during this course.

&nbsp
The IWLS Backpacking Curriculum prepares students for exploration into remote, backcountry settings. Here are some points we’ll cover on your course:

• Travel Techniques: Course instruction will help you discover ways to safely maximize your efficiency,
  whether hiking down a well-beaten path or traversing an exposed ridge.
• River and Stream Crossings: In river crossings, attention to detail and safety is paramount. Students
  will learn and practice safe techniques for wading across a small stream or doing a Tyrolean traverse across a raging
  river.
• Stoves and Campfires: The ability to repair a broken stove, make an emergency fire after being
  submerged in an icy river, and melt snow efficiently for water are key components for leading a group in the
  wilderness.
• Route Finding and Navigation: The Donjek Route often has no obvious trail. Students will learn
  important fundamentals for route finding, using a compass, and navigating in order to negotiate this remote terrain.
• Camp Skills Learn about the tents we'll be utilizing, how to organize our kitchen and keep our food
  secure and appropriately protected from bears and other wildlife.

Course Documents:

• Course Overview- Printable detailed course overview & itinerary.
• Equipment List - Overview of personal clothing and equipment that you'll need for this course.
• Rental Gear List - List of backpacking gear, and personal items available for rent
• Registration Form - Outlines policies, and essential information. One required per participant.
• Health Form - This form enables our guides to have accurate health information in the event of an emergency.
• Land Based Activity Waiver - One required per participant. Guests under the age of 18 may go on one form.
• Travel Info - Helpful information on how to get to/from Haines, Alaska.

• Camping gear - group camping equipment, tents, stoves, etc...
• Expedition food - all food while out in the field.
• Transportation during trip - travel to the trailhead, and back to Haines after.
• Professional guides - Our guides have extensive knowledge of the area and a passion for backpacking in wild places.

Students are responsible for the following:

• Personal clothing & equipment
• Food and Lodging in town - We can happily recommend lodging around Haines!
• Travel insurance - we highly recommend travel insurance for all of our programs.
• Airfare
• Reviewing course policies - please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and student responsibilities.
• Gratuities

To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

• Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information: Request More Info
• Place a deposit of $500 to reserve your spot: this can be place over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
• Once you've reserved your spot, you'll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
• Be sure to submit all trip registration documents at least 45 days prior to your course. This includes information on your arrival/departure, lodging, dietary, and medical information.

Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!

What sets IWLS apart from other outdoor organizations?

The International Wilderness Leadership School has been training outdoor leaders and providing technical instruction for over 20 years. We operate instructional and guided programs throughout the world. They range from instructional rock climbing courses and guided ascents of the world’s tallest peaks to remote sea kayaking expeditions and leadership guide training courses. IWLS is at the forefront of the outdoor recreation industry and continues to raise industry standards.

How much experience do I need for an IWLS course?

No experience is necessary to sign up for many of our leadership and guide training courses. All that is generally required is good physical and emotional health and motivation for unique learning experiences. New participants have varying levels of experience. A strong desire to be an active participant and learn new technical and leadership skills are the most important factors for success on an IWLS course. More experienced students will have more time to focus on specific guiding considerations and teaching skills.

How do I prepare for my IWLS course?

You don’t need to be a superstar athlete for your IWLS course, however, a modest amount of physical fitness training will help you to prepare for active participation in the upcoming expedition. IWLS will recommend a variety of books and reading material that will support your course. Reading these materials will help you prepare for the technical skills and environmental considerations associated with this course.

Are IWLS courses available for college credit?

They can be, yes. Since 2008 IWLS has been accredited through the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). This accreditation ensures that our curriculum and programs are independently audited and are at the state of the art. This accreditation also helps facilitate our relationship with partner universities, including Western Colorado State. Inquire by phone or email for more details.

How do I secure a spot on a course or semester?

In order to secure a spot on a course or semester, all students must place a deposit. First contact our office by phone, email, or through Livechat to confirm availability. After you've reached out we can help you place a deposit over the phone, online, or by sending a check in the mail. Anyone on our office team would be happy to assist you in securing your spot today! For more information on securing your spot and registering, see our registration page: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/register/

How much does it cost to place a deposit?

For a single Domestic course- $500.00 For a single international course- $500.00 For a Domestic semester (2-4 courses)- $750.00 For an International Semester (2-4 courses)- $1,000 For a Year Program ( 5+ courses) - $1500.00 Full Payment is Due 90 days prior to the course start date

What does my tuition cover?

Transportation during the course, quality group equipment,cooking gear, food, and high quality instruction are all included in the tuition fee. Additional costs may include: transportation to and from the course location, personal equipment costs, travel insurance, and college credit fees.

What is your refund policy?

In the event that you are unable to join us, the following guidelines will apply. All deposits include a $150 non-refundable registration fee. Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 90 days prior to the start date. 50% refunds will be provided 60-89 days prior to start date. The 50% retained by IWLS can be credited towards another course if used within 12 months. No refunds will be provided with in 59 days of the start date. This policy has been established to meet the demands of planning well-organized courses and programs. If for any reason a course ends early there will be no refund. If you have not paid in full 90 days prior to your trips departure, and you have not contacted us regarding other payment options, we reserve the right to schedule another individual in your place. In this event, you are responsible for any associated costs.

Where does my course take place?

IWLS offers programs in North America and around the world. To find out where a particular course is operated please visit the course or semester page you're interested in for specific information.

How do I reach the meeting point for my course/semester?

For Alaska/ Yukon Programs starting in Haines: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/haines-travel/ For Alaska/ Yukon Programs starting in Skagway: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/skagway-travel/ For Utah/Nevada Programs starting in Salt Lake Cityk: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/utah-pre-departure/ For Argentina Programs starting in Mendoza: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/argentina_travel-info-2/ For Nepal Programs starting in Kathmandu: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/nepal_travelinfo/ For Ecuador Programs starting in Quito: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/ecuador_predepart/ Contact us if you have any questions.

Do I need travel insurance?

For International courses you are required to obtain travel insurance. For Domestic courses you are strongly encouraged to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect against things like lost baggage, missed/delayed flights, and most importantly -- emergency expenses associated with an evacuation/rescue. For more information on getting insurance and why its recommended: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/travel-insurance-2/

Who should I purchase travel insurance through?

We recommend AIG Travel Guard. To learn more: https://www.travelguard.com/agentlink.asp?ta_arc=148098&pcode=ADVTPP&[email protected]

What equipment do I need?

For the most part students are expected to pack personal clothing and gear while IWLS will provide certain items or may have items such as a sleeping bag available to rent. Each Course has its own equipment list which outlines items we expect participants to bring, items available to rent if you prefer not to purchase, and technical gear that will be provided. All courses include group camping gear such as tents, stoves, and pots/pans. For more details be sure to review the equipment list(s) associated with the course or semester you are interested in.

Does IWLS rent equipment, if so how do I secure rental items for my course?

IWLS offers equipment rentals for all our domestic programs. To view our rental agreement for domestic courses: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Domestic-Rental-Form_digital.pdf For international programs we work with local outfitters to help students rent gear in country. Inquire by phone or email for more information.

What kind of food can I expect?

Balanced, nutritious meals are of critical importance for a successful expedition. Rather than off-the-shelf freeze dried backpacking food we strive to utilize whole foods and meals from scratch whenever possible. A core part of IWLS curriculum is meal planning and preparation. You will gain experience using camp stoves and cooking delightful meals in the backountry. Typical menu items can include curries, pastas , soups, oats with nuts and dried fruit, breakfast scrambles, and more. The exact menu will vary depending on the type of activity and location.

Can IWLS accommodate dietary restrictions?

IWLS can accommodate some dietary restrictions. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and some allergies are restrictions that we commonly work with. Due to the difficulties of menu planning in remote areas some dietary preferences may be difficult to accommodate. Please let us know if you have a dietary restriction not mentioned above, we're happy to help review our menu in detail and review options to accommodate your dietary considerations.

How is safety addressed in IWLS curriculum?

Risk management and decision-making are amongst the most important skills of a wilderness trip leader. Safety is always #1. We draw on many years of guiding experience all over the world, with an impeccable safety record, to instruct students as to the key elements of risk management. We emphasize outlining risks by objective and subjective hazards, understanding activity and location specific dangers, and by conforming to and teaching Industry recognized best practices. We draw our curriculum not only from experience buy partly from organizations like the ACA, AAIRE, and AEE to ensure that we are teaching the state-of-the-art safety and risk management techniques.

Does IWLS cover leadership theory?

Our courses do cover the tenants of leadership theory. IWLS leadership theory curriculum is integral part of every course we offer. Our leadership education model is effective for training safe, positive, and engaged outdoor leaders. We emphasize a variety of leadership styles, and communications techniques. As students gain skill and responsibility, they can discover their personal strengths as a leader. The IWLS curriculum gives students the tools to succeed as leaders in all aspects of life, from the backcountry to the boardroom.

How does IWLS deliver leadership experience in its courses?

Gaining practical leadership experience is a key part of the IWLS experience. One of the primary methods we use in delivering this is through Leader of the Day. Participants rotate as Leader of the Day, taking on much of the responsibility of the guide. You might find yourself waking early to cook breakfast, planning the days route, managing the days activities, or using newfound skills to make a key decision. Leader of the Day experiences present opportunities to practice using your leadership voice and technique in real world situations, with the watchful eye of the instructor keeping things safe.

Will I gain teaching experience?

See One, Do One, Teach One is one of IWLS fundamental axioms. We believe that the ultimate stage of mastery is the ability to teach a skill that has been learned. Therefore, each student will have several opportunities to teach lessons to the group. We will prepare the participants with lectures on lesson planning and how to engage with differing learning styles. The students will then select several lesson topics of their choosing and deliver their class to their fellow participants.

Is there any overlap in IWLS course content in my semester program?

Each activity and location that IWLS has a course for has its own specific curriculum. This course specific content dovetails with general IWLS lessons that are common to all locations and activities. Some courses, such as Mountaineering and Ski/ Snowboard Mountaineering also have some shared technical content. Generally, the shared curriculum is of critical safety importance like crevasse rescue or knots. Semester students often report that this shared curriculum was a boost to their comprehension as they were able to draw a deeper understanding from more exposure to the key material.