IWLS became a premiere Outdoor Leadership School by receiving accreditation through the Association of Experiential Education in November 2008.

AEE Accreditation
    Accreditation by the AEE means that IWLS meets the highest standards for safety, risk management, instructor training, and programming in the field of outdoor leadership education.

    Accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year process consisting of a comprehensive internal review and a thorough external review. The external review includes a site visit during seasonal operation and completion of review committee recommendations. All 137 standards for which IWLS was accountable had to be met and evidenced for the accreditation to be awarded. The Accreditation Council voted unanimously for IWLS to become an accredited organization.

    According to the AEE, "Programs that have gone through the AEE Accreditation process have distinguished themselves in the growing field of experiential education. At the time of the accreditation review programs must document and display compliance with the standards for adventure programs in experiential education... Attaining accredited status through the AEE Accreditation Program is evidence of an organization's commitment to quality, belief in professional standards, and allocation of resources towards continuous improvement."

What you can expect from IWLS
    You can be confident that IWLS students’ safety, education, and technical growth are addressed according to the highest industry standards. Every aspect of our programming has been reviewed, approved and is held accountable by the AEE. Still have a question? We would be happy to speak with you about IWLS programs.

    IWLS rigorously prepares for your course months prior to your arrival. IWLS is dedicated to providing you with the best technical and leadership skills with the time to apply each of these skills while on a course.

    IWLS instructors are exceptional outdoor leaders. Every IWLS course draws on decades of experience with technical instruction, outdoor leadership training, high altitude guiding, and countless expeditions in Alaska, Utah, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Russia, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Bolivia, Antarctica and Mexico. IWLS leaders are technically skilled, passionate about wilderness, and committed to each and every student. Their dedication insures each student an educational experience that will exceed their expectations!

Please contact us if you have any questions, or, if you would like any additional information.


Phone: 1.800.985.IWLS (4957)
Email: info@iwls.com