Mountain Roots. Medical Know-How.

At AlpTerra, we believe the best learning happens when you’re fully immersed—in nature, in community, and in purpose. We’re a small team based in Franconia, New Hampshire, combining decades of real-world medical expertise and wilderness experience to offer something different: a hands-on, heart-centered approach to wilderness medicine.

We call ourselves the AlpTerra Family because that’s exactly what happens when you share intense moments in wild places. When you join a course here, you’re not just a name on a roster, you are part of a group learning how to help each other thrive and survive in extreme situations, forming deep bonds.

Meet the Team

Lila Cohen, MD

Trauma Surgeon • Outdoor Leader • Wilderness Educator

Lila’s connection to the outdoors runs deep—she grew up hiking all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks and later thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail solo. As a trauma and emergency general surgeon at Concord Hospital, a Clinical Instructor at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, an Advanced Trauma Life Support Instructor, and a member of the local volunteer search and rescue team, she brings both expertise and compassion to every course. Her career has spanned trauma centers, humanitarian work in Haiti, and leading wilderness trips across the U.S.—all of which inform her thoughtful, real-world approach to wilderness medicine.

Bill Cenna

Pararescueman • Wilderness Mentor • Guide

Bill has over 20 years of service in both the Army and the Air Force, where he serves as a Pararescueman (PJ) and nationally registered paramedic. He’s been honored with a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for rescue missions, and his experience spans some of the most challenging environments on the planet. Bill has guided alpine climbs, backcountry ski tours, and wilderness expeditions on peaks from Denali to the Dolomites. He’s passionate about bringing people into the mountains safely—and inspiring confidence and camaraderie along the way.

What Makes AlpTerra Different?

Small Groups, Personalized Instruction

With never more than 4 participants per instructor you get the guidance, feedback, and connection you need to truly learn.

Blended Learning, Real Experience

Courses combine indoor discussion with immersive, hands-on practice outdoors. You’ll treat injuries, navigate scenarios, and walk away with usable skills—not just notes.

Not Just a Course—An Experience

We host courses from our home, offer comfortable lodging, provide nourishing meals, and build in time for reflection, conversation, and connection. It’s education, community, and adventure—all in one.

Tailored for Every Background

Whether you’re a physician, EMT, search and rescue team member, or outdoor enthusiast, we work with you before the course to align training with your goals.

A Home in the White Mountains

Set in the heart of Franconia, New Hampshire, our location offers the perfect backdrop for learning and exploring. Before or after the course, you can add on a guided mountain adventure such as a backcountry ski tour or a rock climbing pursuit—through AlpTerra Mountain.

Who We Serve

Medical professionals including MDs, Advanced Care Providers, RNs, Paramedics, and EMTs.

Law enforcement, dispatchers, SAR teams

Outdoor guides, educators, and adventure seekers

Corporate teams looking for something meaningful and challenging

If you’re motivated, open to learning, and excited about the outdoors—we’d love to have you.

Start Something Meaningful With AlpTerra

We hope you’ll join us at AlpTerra—where wilderness medicine meets small-town heart.

Explore our courses