Self-Paced and In-Person Options Give Recreationists and Outdoor Professionals an In-Depth Path to Mastering Outdoor Skills
BOULDER, Colo. Sept. 23, 2026 — Leave No Trace today announced the launch of the Leave No Trace Skills Course, a new training option for people who want to move beyond foundational awareness and build the real-world knowledge needed to put Leave No Trace into practice in the outdoors.
The Skills Course is available to anyone with an internet connection for a one-time fee of $60. As a thank-you for their commitment to Leave No Trace’s educational mission, individual supporters can access the course for free ($5 per month minimum).
Ready to go beyond the introductory Leave No Trace 101 class? The new Skills Course takes a deeper dive into all 7 Principles, giving participants the knowledge and practical skills to confidently apply Leave No Trace in their own adventures and in professional outdoor work. It’s available as a self-paced online course or an eight-hour in-person format, removing common barriers like travel and scheduling while delivering the same depth and rigor.
“Leave No Trace supporters consistently rank outdoor skills among their favorite subject matter,” said Dana Watts, the organization’s executive director. “I’m super excited that this in-depth course will provide our most up-to-date guidance on the practical skills that make all kinds of outdoor experiences more rewarding, safer, and with reduced impacts to the natural world.”
The Skills Course covers a wide range of in-demand outdoor topics, including:
- Key elements of trip planning
- Understanding durable surfaces and off-trail travel tactics
- Using bear canisters and secure food storage methods
- Leave No Trace beyond the 7 Principles
Where Leave No Trace 101 introduces the basics, the Skills Course explores best practices for responsible recreation — helping participants understand not just what to do, but how and why Leave No Trace matters. Self-paced learning modules are paired with real opportunities to get outside and practice, so participants build the confidence to apply Leave No Trace wherever they spend time outdoors.
The course is an ideal fit for both outdoor professionals and enthusiasts who want comprehensive Leave No Trace training without the instructor-focused requirements of a Level 1 Instructor Course. It’s a way to deepen personal practice and inform professional work — without the added focus on teaching others.
Two Flexible Ways to Learn
Self-Paced Online Skills Course: Learn wherever you are and whenever it works for you. The online course combines self-paced learning modules with prompts to get outside, practice Leave No Trace skills, and apply new knowledge in real-world settings.
Flexible In-Person Skills Course: For groups and programs seeking a facilitated experience, the in-person Skills Course delivers the same depth of content in an eight-hour format, designed to integrate easily into existing outdoor education programs.
Accessible to Everyone
Go beyond the basics. Build your Leave No Trace skills. Whether preparing for a weekend trip or leading others outdoors, the Skills Course offers a clear next step for anyone ready to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their practice.
To enroll, visit learn.lnt.org/courses/skills-course
About Leave No Trace: Using the power of science, education, and stewardship, the Leave No Trace organization is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. As a supporter-based nonprofit, Leave No Trace protects the outdoors through science-based education that inspires responsible recreation.
