Grand Teton National Park

Winter Ecology in the Tetons

Course & Travel Dates:
January 2-13, 2020

January | ENR 4010, 4011, & 4012 | 3 credits

Measure the dynamic temperature and stability of a snowpack in the Tetons, track ungulates as they search for forage in a riparian area, and marvel at the subnivean climate, home to small mammals throughout the winter months. Taught by seasoned field science instructors of Teton Science Schools, this set of winter ecology courses (ENR 4010, 4011, & 4012) must be taken together.

Winter Ecology (ENR 4010, 4011, & 4012)

*completion of all three courses is required

prerequisite: 6 hours of ENR or science courses; can be waived with permission of course instructor

ENR 4010 Skills of the Winter Naturalist
Emphasizes field naturalist skills, the effects of winter abiotic conditions on organisms and subsequent adaptations to these conditions, animal tracking, introduction to snow dynamics and winter safety.
ENR 4011 Snowpack Dynamics and Snow Science
Emphasizes snow science and avalanche safety through lectures and inquiry-based field laboratories.
ENR 4012 Wildlife and Plant Adaptations
Emphasizes animal and plant adaptations to cope with the stresses of winter, as well as the predicted impacts of climate change, through lectures and inquiry-based field laboratories. Students also conduct field research in a winter environment.

Student stories

Haub School Student, Alyssa Wesner, Spends the J-Term in Grand Teton National Park

Read more about Alyssa's experience in Winter Ecology!

Requirements & Fees:

Junior standing or consent of instructor
Teton Science Schools’ fees: $1395 (course fees are subject to change)
*This fee includes 11 nights of lodging, full meals, equipment (snowshoes, cross country skis, etc), and instructional lab fees. Tuition and fees are billed separately, payable to UW.
Application deadline: October 31, 2019. Rolling admissions. $200 TSS Scholarship available for students who apply before 10/31!