The AIARE PRO 1 mirrors an operational environment in terms of pace and flow. Daily classroom sessions incorporate group work and instructor lectures around various topics foundational to workplace duties and safety. Guest speakers are brought in from local operations to facilitate learning objectives and expose participants to leading industry professionals. 

The design of the course only allows for minimal demonstration of techniques and explanation of concepts before participants are asked to perform as part of a team and individually. Coaching and evaluation often occur simultaneously and require participants to engage in discussions and demonstrate skills that may be underdeveloped prior to this course. While the PRO 1 is designed for entry-level professionals, it pushes you to be a better observer and team member through rigorous tasks and deliberate self-reflection each day. 

Depending on the venue location, there may be a focus on different operational contexts, i.e. ski areas, public forecasting, backcountry guide operations, and avalanche education providers. Instructor teams are designed with a variety of backgrounds in mind, coming together to help inform your perspective and instill durable learning of core skills and knowledge.

To be as prepared as possible for the PRO 1, we strongly recommend that participants have the following core skills well established prior to the course start:

• • Be proficient & consistent in companion rescue and multiple burial transceiver skills (find two transceivers buried up to a meter deep in a 50m x 50m area in under seven minutes). Students will be examined on these skills early in the course and it is a mandatory pass element to complete the PRO 1. Familiarity with your transceiver's specific functions is essential. 
  • Be able to access remote weather stations, a weather forecast, and a regional avalanche bulletin on your laptop or phone. 
  • Have a working knowledge of the SWAG manual and know how to use it as a reference. Professionals keep this document handy in hardcopy and/or digital and do not memorize the entire publication. 
  • For snow profiles, develop a routine and pay attention to time management during practice.  Making the leap from a Level 1 profile to the PRO 1 standard for examination is difficult. Instructors will make every effort to provide detailed demos and coaching on course. Participants should be ready to perform near the standard and be prepared to integrate feedback throughout their field sessions.
  • Ability to read, orient, and utilize paper maps and compass for land navigation.
  • Be able to access digital mapping software/apps such as Cal Topo, On X, or Gaia from your laptop or phone.
  • Evaluate your ability to move through terrain at a consistent pace that does not compromise safety or objectives of the group. Be familiar and confident with track setting and moving through undulating/flat terrain on skins if you are on skis or a splitboard. Be able to confidently sidehill or navigate through tight forests if on a snowmobile. Anticipate mixed conditions and have the mobility skills to manage a variety of snow surfaces.
  • Practice self-care and maintain a growth mindset. Your ability to flourish in the course setting will hinge on your physical and mental health. Eat well, get an adequate amount of rest, and be prepared for long days during the course. Schedule gaps in your workload prior to the course to study and practice the above skills and complete the online materials.

Applying for the PRO Program shows your commitment to continuing professional development, and it requires a multi-step registration process to complete:

1. 1. Develop a portfolio- Compile all of the proper materials from the list below.
   2. Create an account- If you do not already have an AIARE account, please create one prior to submitting an application.
   3. Choose a course, complete the online application, and submit payment. To be enrolled in the course, you need to have 1.) submitted payment and 2.) your application needs to be approved by our staff. A minimum deposit of $500 is required for all applications, regardless of scholarships or other financial aid status. This includes a $250 non-refundable administration fee.

Portfolio Creation

Developing a complete portfolio is the most critical step in the registration process. It should be taken seriously and carefully crafted in order to be considered for enrollment. Incomplete portfolios will not be accepted and will delay your registration process.  The following list represents all the items you will need to compile and include in the online application before enrollment in a course is complete. Click here to download a PRO 1 Example Application Portfolio.

1. 1. Pay the American Avalanche Association’s (A3) Professional Course student fee. Save the emailed receipt as PDF, and upload it into the application. This supports the ongoing administration of program oversight and guarantees the A3 can continue to ensure all course providers are meeting the standards required by the industry. A3 Membership for which you qualify is included in this fee. DO NOT SEND US YOUR A3 MEMBERSHIP CARD. 
   2. Create a resume: You must use this PRO 1 Resume Template to detail your experience. Other formats will not be accepted
   3. Organize documentation: Organize documentation: Three field days worth of documentation to demonstrate that you have applied the Level 1 principles of decision-making in winter backcountry terrain. This could include a daily trip plan, field weather observations, avalanche, and snowpack observations, and debrief notes. You may also submit copies of operational meeting forms if you are currently working for an operation.  This documentation can be photos or screenshots, but all pieces must be consolidated into one PDF document. Note: for those currently working in the avalanche industry, you may upload either of the following in lieu of the aforementioned field documents:
      1. A Reference Letter completed by a supervisor that verifies your work experience and practice using risk management tools.
      2. Professional A3 Membership.
   4. Gather prior course certificates: Copies of your certificate of completion for AIARE 1 & AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course (or A3-recognized Recreational courses)* are required.
   5. Read AIARE’s Participant Code of Conduct, Cancellation Policy, and Essential Eligibility Criteria.
   6. Sign AIARE’s Risk Acknowledgement Form.

AIARE suggests taking an AIARE 2 course prior to taking the PRO 1. This is a great way to bolster your knowledge if you have only met the minimum requirements.

* If you believe you have met the equivalent learning outcomes of this course through experience, on-the-job training, or other coursework, you may apply for an AIARE Prior Learning Assessment. This is an intensive process and incurs a fee of $150 for submission and review.

Sample Agenda- Subject to Change

Each Day -  0800-17:30

Course assessment principles adhere to those described in the American Avalanche Association (A3) Professional Avalanche Training Guidelines and Proficiencies for the PRO 1 Course. Students are provided a description of the assessment plan and evaluation criteria before the course starts. A course grade of 70% is required to pass. In addition, 70% is required in each category to pass the course. Retests (after the course) are available for evaluation in Categories 1, 2, and 4. Category 3 is not retestable.

A comprehensive equipment list can be found here.

We know cost can be a barrier to completing professional training. That’s why AIARE offers tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities each season—to support aspiring professionals and welcome more folks into our community by reducing the cost barriers that can keep folks from seeking education.

The application period for AIARE scholarships opens August 1st, and any applicant who could benefit from financial assistance with their PRO course is strongly encouraged to apply.  A deposit of $500 is required for registration with all PRO 1 or PRO 2 applications. This includes a $250 non-refundable administration fee.

Travel Insurance

AIARE requires all course participants to purchase travel insurance to protect themselves should they need to cancel outside of the refund window.

Course Cancellation

Please visit the AIARE Course Cancellation page for detailed information about our cancellation policy, travel insurance, and course transfer fee.