The National Conference on Wilderness Medicine returns to Big Sky Ski Resort, Montana, from 20 to 24 February 2027. Run by Wilderness Medicine — the leader in wilderness medicine CME since 1982 — it is one of the largest and longest-running wilderness and travel medicine conference series in the world, combining rigorous continuing education with the spirit of adventure.
The program features around 30 CME presentations on practical wilderness and travel medicine topics delivered by experienced faculty, available in person, from your hotel room, or anywhere through hybrid and virtual options. Expected topics include environmental emergencies such as hypothermia, frostbite, avalanche and cold-weather injury, altitude illness, envenomations, trauma and orthopedic injuries in remote settings, improvised care and evacuation, expedition and search-and-rescue medicine, and travel medicine for international and adventure travellers.
Hands-on optional workshops let participants upgrade their skills in small groups — survival skills, snow shelter building, a suture lab, travel medicine, and reduction of dislocations — with dedicated workshops for children and teens accompanying attendees. The conference also hosts the Advanced Wilderness & Expedition Provider (AWEP Certification®) course, a comprehensive program that equips physicians and other healthcare providers to confidently serve as expedition, wilderness, or search-and-rescue medical providers.
Accreditation is offered for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (the organiser's programs typically carry up to 16 credits; confirm the final number on the official accreditation page). The meeting is suitable for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, paramedics and students, and a student scholarship is available.
Big Sky is famous for no lift lines, uncrowded slopes and spectacular terrain; all registrants and Ikon pass holders receive guaranteed ski access, and discounted lift tickets are available, making this a conference where morning and evening sessions pair naturally with time on the mountain. Exhibitor opportunities are open to companies serving the wilderness, outdoor and travel medicine community.
Wilderness Medicine also runs further national conferences in Santa Fe, New Mexico (2–6 June 2027) and a summer edition at Big Sky Resort (24–28 July 2027), as well as CME adventure courses worldwide.
