Wilderness Medicine in the Alps - 12 Day Course
This Link is For All Learners Interested in Wilderness Medicine
Info for Medical learners including DO/ MD, PA, DDS/DMD, APRN, RN/BSN, EMT, and DPM. and health science professionals in training such as residents. What is the difference between the 3-day AWLS course and the 12-day course? The difference between this and the 3-day AWLS course and the 12- day course is that not only will you earn the AWLS certificate BUT also study backpacking medicine offered by the University of Utah School of Medicine.. You will also have more practical skills. You will have Search and Rescue training and experiences and you will rock climb and learn the medicine of rock climbing. And we have a whole section on sports medicine and the use of ultrasound in the backcountry.
Info For Non-Medical Learners You are welcome and will study Backpacking Medicine and BWLS. You will sign up below.
WELCOME We are so excited to offer a 12-day wilderness medicine/backpacking medicine elective in Chamonix-Mt. Blanc, France, where you can earn the Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) and the Backpacking Medicine certificate and hike in the spectacular mountains around Mt. Blanc.
Health professionals and those in training are welcome from all countries.
Cost: $2,600.00 USD with housing and $750 USD without housing
You can apply at any time.
Deposit of $100 USD due May 1, 2026
Full Payment is due April 1, 2026 with no refund after that date. Price does not include tram tickets, food, or hiking fees.
Date: MONDAY JUNE 29 TO SATURDAY JULY 11, 2026
Program Assistant: Merri Luczak merluczak23@gmail.com
A lake on the trail to Lac Blanc just above Chamonix city.
The dates are from MONDAY JUNE 29 TO SATURDAY JULY 11, 2026 The lectures will be at the Lykke Hotel (city center) conference center in the middle of Chamonix-Mt. Blanc. But much of the course is taught on the trails around Chamonix city and on the trails of the Tour du Mt. Blanc circuit.
Students resting in the Swiss Alps on the Tour du Mt. Blanc trail.
Syllabus
Click on the icon below to view the syllabus textbook. It will have answers to many questions.
Housing: Housing is included in the cost if you choose that option.
Cost: The cost of the program is $2,600.00 USD with housing and $750 USD without housing. These prices include the AWLS certification fee and instruction costs. It does not include meals, tram, or hiking expenses. You can buy, store, and cook food in your housing.
Note: faculty or not paid to teach, so your fee does not pay the faculty.
Dates: MONDAY JUNE 29 TO SATURDAY JULY 11, 2026 There will be an opening social. More details later. The schedule will be sent to you.
Payment: We will need a deposit of $100.00 by May 1st and full payment by April 1st, with no refund after that. We can accept late payments if necessary.
Deadline for WITH housing signups is March 29th 2026.
Instruction:
The first week of the course: You will study AWLS - Advanced Wilderness Life Support and Backpack Medicine. Much of the learning will come in the classroom. You will be with other medical professionals and medical and other health students.
The second week of the course: Much of the second week is participating in outdoor activities and learning the medicine of different sports. You will climb, hike, go on a river trip, and study the medicine associated with each of these sports.
PAY IT FORWARD
Below you will register for course and pay the fees. If you have extra funds and would like to help pay for any student who cannot afford to come, please consider the Pay It Forward option. This action will not pay for your fees, you will still need to register below, but it will help others have this incredible experience. All donations go directly to the School of Medicine and are tax detectible.
A little bit goes a long way!
THANK YOU!