Information Curriculum

The Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course was designed to be a two-day program with two objectives. The first is for students to have a better understanding of the prinicpals of Leave No Trace, and the second is to complete some kind of wilderness objective.

Day 1: On the first day, the group will meet at the Alpine Institute Headquarters

  • Introduction to Leave No Trace
  • Principles of Education
  • Principle 1 – Plan ahead and prepare

Lodging: not included for Day 1

Day 2: On the second day, the group will meet at the Alpine Institute Headquarters

  • Equipment and food check
  • Shuttle to frontcountry campground
  • Principle 2 – Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  • Set up camp
  • Principle 3 – Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Introduce Action Plans

Lodging: Frontcountry camp

Day 3: The third day will begin at our frontcountry campsite and end at a backcountry camp

  • Break down camp
  • Shuttle to trailhead
  • Principle 4 – Leave what you find
  • Hike to camp
  • Principle 5 – Minimize campfires
  • Principle 6 – Respect Wildlife
  • Authority of the Resource Technique

Day 4: The fourth day will be spent in the backcountry

  • Break down camp
  • Principle 7 – Be considerate of other visitors
  • Hike to next camp
  • Wildland Ethics

Day 5: The fith day will begin at a backcountry camp and end at the Alpine Institute Headquarters around 5pm.

  • Break down camp
  • Hike out
  • Shuttle to Alpine Institute Headquarters
  • Share/ discuss Action Plans
  • Discuss how to run a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course
  • Debrief & course evaluation

Information Details

Locations:

These courses will take place on a short backpacking trip or on a basic alpine climb in various parts of the North Cascades.  Some objectives include:

  • The Chuckanut Mountains
  • Table Mountain and Artist’s Point, Mount Baker
  • Winchester Mountain
  • Ruth Mountain
  • Mt. Loop Highway (various destinations)
  • Glacier Peak Wilderness

The final objective of the course will be decided by the course instructor close to the trip departure date.

Course size:

  • Minimum: 4 students
  • Maximum: 10 students

Prerequisites:

  • Previous backpacking experience is required – Participants should be able to set-up a tent, use a camp stove, pack a backpack and operate in a wilderness setting, without significant instruction.

If you have not previously backpacked, you can gain the prerequisite experience by taking our 2-day introductory backpacking course.

​Instructors:

Each course is staffed with a minimum of two highly experienced outdoor professionals who are Leave No Tracer Level 2 Instructors. You will learn Leave No Trace techniques through skits, discussions, and hands-on activities. To practice Leave No Trace teaching strategies in a supportive, educational environment, each participant will teach a short session focused on the seven Leave No Trace principles.

Permits and access fees; Guide fee; Leave No Trace reference card.  A live Zoom gear consult is also included.

Credentials conferred:

Those who complete this training will be Certified as Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructors by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. All Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructors are required to recertify every 2 years.

Most participants who complete a Level 2 Instructor Course receive a one-year membership to Leave No Trace. This membership gives new Level 2 Instructors better access to teaching resources, as well as closer contact with the Center for education, training, and outreach questions.

Inclusions:

Transportation to the program areas from AAI headquarters; Permits and access fees; Guide fee; Leave No Trace reference card.  A live Zoom gear consult is also included.

Exclusions:

Food costs; Transportation; Personal equipment; Lodging; Personal health, Baggage and Trip Insurance; Transportation before and after your course dates, and from your place of lodging to our headquarters.

Other Options:

​Those who are looking for a more economical, less comprehensive course in Leave No Trace principles should consider our 2-day Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructors courses. These courses provide adequate preparation for trip leaders who are working under the direct or indirect supervision of more highly trained educators.

Information AAI & Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Gold Standard Stamp

From the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics:

“Leave No Trace is proud to announce that the American Alpine Institute has been
awarded the Gold Standard Outfitter and Guide designation, making it only the second
organization to do so.

The Gold Standard designation is the highest standard of recognition. The designation
honors sites and organizations that are exemplary models of Leave No Trace
implementation, working to help preserve and protect our natural landscapes for
generations to come. American Alpine Institute is a model in responsible recreation for
other outfitters and guides.”