AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

AIARE PRO 2

Where the PRO 1 focuses on avalanche workers as team members, the PRO 2 is designed for those who are (or will become) operational leaders.  Examples include the lead in avalanche forecasting operations, guides and ski patrol leaders who operate alone and/or will be responsible for risk management of a group or a team, as well as avalanche education course instructors and course directors.

How to Apply

Step 1:    Prepare your application materials listed below (under "Application Process") before applying.

Step 2:     LOGIN OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Step 3:    Select "details" next to any course below to access the application form.

If you need to make any changes to your application, find the edit link provided in your application confirmation email.

AIARE PRO 2 Course Schedule

Course Date Venue State Country Students Enrolled
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2023-24 Application Timeline

July 1 - Applications open for the upcoming winter season.

At time of application - students can choose to pay a $500 deposit, 50%, or 100% of the total course cost. At a minimum, the $500 deposit is required regardless of scholarships or other financial aid status.

1-2 business days after application and payment submission -  AIARE will review your application and approve or request additional information. Applicants with complete applications and payment are enrolled on a rolling basis until the course is full.

This course reviews best practices in avalanche risk management including:
  • Data management and reporting
  • Long-term observation and documentation
  • Risk reduction procedures and worker safety
  • The development of strategies to limit the effect of bias and uncertainty on individual and team decisions
  • The snow science elements focus on practical application for hazard assessment and determining the strength and weight of data gathered

There is no avalanche rescue component on the PRO 2.

This course also includes:

  • Pre-course online learning modules (25-30 hours)
  • A 2-hour pre-course webinar 2 weeks before the course start
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PRO 2 courses run in close contact with different types of operations, including:
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  • Highway operations
  • Public forecast centers
  • Backcountry ice and ski guiding
  • Mechanized operations

Participants have the opportunity to gain real-time experience watching how professionals manage risk in each context. AIARE PRO 2 courses bring in guest speakers, adding depth and diversity of experience to the course. These include professionals preeminent in their respective fields such as:

  • Backcountry forecasters
  • Highway forecasters
  • Researchers
  • Educators

PRO 2 courses focus on participants’ skills in application through classroom and field exercises.

In order to deliver this high level course, venues are chosen that meet the demands of the PRO 2 curriculum

This requires diversity in access to operations, terrain, snowpack, and logistics. In addition to the venue, course timing is crucial to the successful delivery of the course. Courses must be scheduled with appropriate timing for participants to complete pre-course writing and assignments.

The timing of the course must align with the operations with which they are connected. This allows participants to experience these operations in real-time. And, like any operation in the avalanche industry, course scheduling is subject to weather conditions.

Photo by Ilana Newman, Courtesy of San Juan Expeditions

Students that pass all course categories receive a PRO 2 certificate which is a national standard audited by the American Avalanche Association (A3). The evaluation criteria are communicated through the online modules, and in the pre-course webinar.

Prerequisites

The following prerequisites are the baseline for entry onto any A3-recognized PRO 1. More details are found in the Application Process Section below.

  1. PRO 1 from A3 recognized provider
  2. 40 days of documented risk management in avalanche terrain and workplace experience in the avalanche industry
  3. Examples of documentation include snow profiles, weather observations, AM and PM forms, and a Letter of Reference from a Supervisor or American Avalanche Association (A3) PRO Member