The AIARE PRO 2 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 2 is designed for working professionals, it pushes you to be a better team member through rigorous tasks and deliberate self-reflection daily. 

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 2, we strongly recommend that participants have the following core skills well established prior to course start:

• Be able to access and analyze data from remote weather stations, interpret a weather forecast, and analyze regional avalanche bulletins on your laptop or phone. 
• Possess 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. 
• Experience applying snowpack observations to the PRO 1 standard in avalanche hazard assessment. Being able to show proof of at least 20 profiles documented since completion of the PRO 1 or Level 3 is recommended. 
• Experience applying the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard to operational risk management meetings. 
• Ability to read, orient, and utilize paper maps and compass for land navigation.
• Experience using terrain catalogs to produce daily zone/run lists for operational use.
• Experience using mapping software/apps such as Cal Topo, On X, Gaia, and Google Earth. Be able to quickly access these on phone or laptop.
• Be confident in your ability to move through terrain at a consistent pace that does not compromise safety or group objectives. Be efficient 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 forest 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. 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 if you've applied for scholarships. 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 2 Example Application Portfolio.

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 2 Resume Template to detail your experience. Other formats will not be accepted
3. A letter (or letters) of reference from supervisor(s) who are American Avalanche Association Pro Members.
   1. You can use this document as a template for your letter of reference.
4. Two days of operational hazard forecast forms (please include both AM and PM for each day). This documentation can be photos or screenshots, but all pieces should be consolidated into one document.
5. Two recent snow profiles (tabular or Snowpilot), should be legible and relevant to a day of targeted observation gathering.
6. Two fieldbook entries containing observations or debrief notes. This documentation can be photos or screenshots, but all pieces must be consolidated into one PDF document.
7. Copy of your PRO 1 Course Certificate (or PRO 1 Bridge Certificate)*.
8. Read AIARE’s Participant Code of Conduct, Cancellation Policy, and Essential Eligibility Criteria.
9. Sign AIARE’s Risk Acknowledgement Form.

AIARE requires at least one full season (20+ operational days) between PRO 1 and PRO 2 courses to ensure applicants have had the opportunity to apply the skills they learned while being part of an operational team.

* If you believe you have met the equivalent learning outcomes of this course through experience, on-the-job training, or other course work, you may apply for a 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 -  0800-1730

Course assessment principles adhere to those described in the American Avalanche Association (A3) Professional Avalanche Training Guidelines and Proficiencies for the PRO 2 Course. Students are provided a description of the assessment plan and evaluation criteria prior to the course start date. 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 the Technical Report and Written Exam only.

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.