AIARE’s Professional Growth Network Expands to Build Stronger, More Inclusive Avalanche Community 

September 04, 2025 | Crested Butte, CO

The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) is pleased to announce the continued growth of the Professional Growth Network (PGN), an initiative that supports avalanche and snow professionals from historically underrepresented gender identities. Entering its second year under the PGN name, and five years into the program, the program is expanding opportunities for mentorship, connection, and professional development.

Building on Momentum

Originally launched as the Women’s Mentorship Program in 2021, the initiative was rebranded in 2024 to better reflect its mission of inclusivity. Today, the PGN’s regional cohorts welcome individuals who identify as transfemme, transmasc, genderqueer, non-binary, women, and other non-dominant gender identities, creating space for meaningful connection and visibility within the avalanche industry. Additional affinity cohorts, as well as public events, provide intentional space for those from all genders.

“Over the past five seasons, the PGN has helped 176 mentees grow into influential professionals, teaching nearly 2,800 avalanche students and serving as the next generation of instructors, ski patrollers, and forecasters,” said Vickie Hormuth, AIARE Executive Director. “This program is working to change the face of avalanche education.”

What’s New in 2025

• Affinity Cohorts– In addition to our traditional regional, season-long cohorts for participants from underrepresented gender identities, we’ll be offering three short-form cohorts for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and neurodivergent/adaptive participants of all genders. Both formats focus on technical skills, goal-setting, interpersonal connections, and professional development.
• Job Fairs – Early season job fair, December 2, 2025 (tentative) | 6:30–8:00 pm MT. A virtual event featuring success stories from seasoned snow and avalanche professionals and direct connections to employers in ski patrol, guiding, avalanche education, forecasting, and more. Regional breakout sessions will help participants explore career paths and opportunities.

Community at the Core

Since its inception, the PGN has supported 176 aspiring snow professionals in building community, skills, and confidence on their path to becoming snow and avalanche professionals. This year, however, the program faces new challenges: two of the program’s largest corporate funders have shifted their priorities, leaving a significant gap in our funding. What hasn’t changed is the urgent need for increased representation in the avalanche community.

The 2025 PGN is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Hilaree Nelson Fund – a fund supported by Blizzard Tecnica, RECCO, and in-kind contributions from Mammut, whose donations of lift tickets provide participants with valuable in-bounds training days.

To ensure that this year’s participants receive the full experience they deserve, we’re inviting individual supporters like you to step in. Your gift today directly helps aspiring snow professionals from underrepresented backgrounds access mentorship, training, and a community that will carry them forward in their careers. Donations can be made at avtraining.org/growth-network.

About AIARE

Founded in 1998, the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving lives through avalanche education. AIARE develops and shares research-based curriculum through more than 111 providers worldwide, equipping backcountry users with the knowledge and skills needed to safely navigate avalanche terrain.

For more information about the Professional Growth Network or to apply, visit avtraining.org/growth-network.