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The AIARE PRO 1 Bridge Course/Exam is a two-day exam that provides certification for the experienced avalanche worker. Please make sure that you meet or exceed the following prerequisites prior to enrolling in the course:  

1. Course applicants have completed an AIARE Level 2 (or AAA recognized 32 hour L2)  prior to November 2017 in North America and prior to 2017 in South America).
2. Course applicants have completed an Avalanche Rescue course OR Equivalent.*
3. At least one winter season (20 days or more) work experience applying the 2016 Snow, Weather and Avalanche Observation and Recording.  Guidelines (SWAG) in a work environment and/or as part of a daily avalanche risk evaluation process.
4. A letter of reference from a supervisor verifying relevant work experience. The reference must document the applicant’s experience participating in daily operational activities that require avalanche observation and mitigation.

* “Equivalent” must be documented by submitting the AIARE Rescue Assessment Checklist and a letter of reference. The goal of this requirement is for the applicant to have demonstrated that he or she can lead and coordinate a backcountry avalanche rescue that involves managing site safety, managing responders, and conducting a successful search and excavation in a multiple burial scenario. Each item on the checklist should be reviewed and initialed by the applicant’s work supervisor, and the attached letter of reference must include information (including dates and location of practice) attesting that the applicant has demonstrated each skill/step during workplace rescue response practices, and that her/his competency has been evaluated by a supervisor.

AIARE is not currently offering Bridge courses. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Please email sean.zimmerman-wall@avtraining.org if you need more information or have specific questions.

The AIARE PRO 1 Bridge Course/Exam is a two-day exam that provides certification for the experienced avalanche worker. 

1. A cover letter describing your professional goals.
2. A resume showing the required work experience applying the 2016 Snow, Weather and Avalanche Observation and Recording Guidelines (SWAG) in a work environment and/or as part of a daily avalanche risk evaluation process. You can use this document to detail your experience.
3. A letter of reference from supervisor verifying relevant work experience. The reference must document your experience participating in daily operational activities that require avalanche observation and mitigation.
4. Two recent snow profiles, documented in notebook and graphic format.
5. Two days of operational hazard forecast forms, guide meeting forms, AM/PM forms or trip plans using the AIARE Field Book Plan pages.
6. Your Level 2 certificate  (AIARE Level 2 or AAA recognized 32 hour L2) taken prior to November 2017 in North America and prior to 2017 in South America).
7. Your Avalanche Rescue course certificate OR Equivalent* and your completed Avalanche Rescue Checklist from that program.
8. A completed and signed medical form. Download the PDF to your computer, fill it out, save it, and include it in your application email.
9. In addition, on the first day of your course you will be asked to sign this acknowledgement of risk document.

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Students are encouraged to make healthy, restful choices as they are planning personal logistics for this class. Budgeting for warm, dry, comfortable overnight accommodations is advised.

* “Equivalent” must be documented by submitting the AIARE Rescue Assessment Checklist and a letter of reference. The goal of this requirement is for the applicant to have demonstrated that he or she can lead and coordinate a backcountry avalanche rescue that involves managing site safety, managing responders, and conducting a successful search and excavation in a multiple burial scenario. Each item on the checklist should be reviewed and initialed by the applicant’s work supervisor, and the attached letter of reference must include information (including dates and location of practice) attesting that the applicant has demonstrated each skill/step during workplace rescue response practices, and that her/his competency has been evaluated by a supervisor.

Cancellation Policy:                                                                                                                                                                                                         If you cancel your course registration for any reason within 40 days of the start date of the course, there is no refund. If you cancel your course registration 40 days or more before the start date of the course, you will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. Course fees are non-transferable, and can not be applied to other AIARE courses or AIARE fees. If AIARE cancels the course for any reason, a full refund will be given.

The cancellation and refund policy goes into effect immediately upon being accepted into the course. This cancellation and refund policy pertains to all course participants. No exceptions to the policy can be made.

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance (including medical and evacuation insurance) to cover the costs of cancellation fees, airfare, and other non-refundable expenses in the event that you need to cancel from the course, AIARE needs to cancel a course due to lack of snow or events beyond our control, or you are injured prior to or during the course.

Once your application has been accepted, you must complete your Pre-Course work and assignments before attending the Bridge Course/Exam. Please send in your assignments to your instructors via email at least one week before the first day of the course.

1. View pre-course videos focused on SWAG standards; practice skills and techniques prior to the Bridge.
2. Submit two completed Hazard and Risk Operational forms (or trip plans) from the current winter. The forms should illustrate daily participation, local observations, and the process of avalanche risk management including the following hazard and risk factors: weather, snow, and avalanche observations; and a summary of the avalanche problem and forecast danger. The operational form should also include a risk reduction or control plan.
3. Submit two snow profiles from the current season that include at least one compression test, an ECT and a PST.
4. Review the chapter questions in the AIARE 2 Workbook .
5. Complete the pre-course quiz and exercises.

Prior to the course you will also need to read and be familiar with the AIARE 2 course materials, including:

1. The AIARE 2 Workbook— including the Introductory chapter exercise and case study, and the questions following chapters 1 and 2.
2. The Snow, Weather and Avalanches Guidelines (2016 ed).
3. The Avalanche Handbook Chapters 2, 3, and 4 (specifically the reading excerpts listed in the AIARE 2 Workbook at the end of chapters 1 and 2).

AIARE 2 Workbook and online materials will be made available as part of the Pre-Course Work that will be sent out via email once your application is complete.

Kizaki-Wolf Scholarship for Instructor Training, Course Leader Training & PRO Training

The Kizaki-Wolf AIARE Scholarship supports outstanding outdoor professionals in furthering their avalanche education and teaching skills. This scholarship provides full or partial tuition for an Instructor Training Course, Course Leader Training Course or PRO 1 or PRO 2 course

The student will collect and analyze data and evidence as part of a simulated workplace avalanche hazarding risk assessment. Students will demonstrate proficiency at observing and recording weather, snowpack, and avalanche occurrence information (applying SWAG guidelines). Instructors will also evaluate student knowledge of avalanche formation and release, and student ability to identify and characterize avalanche terrain. The evaluation is conducted to same PRO 1 evaluation criteria for the SWAG observation and recording guidelines. Successful students will receive the AIARE PRO 1 Bridge Course certificate.

Student Learning Objectives:

• Conduct study plot weather observations. Identify relevant weather trends.
• Conduct a snow profile. Choose a relevant test location and identify important layer and interface characteristics.
• Conduct a compression test and identify fracture character.
• Conduct an ECT and PST and identify propensity for crack propagation in the weak layer.
• Observe and record avalanche occurrences. Identify important avalanche hazard factors that relate to a recent or current avalanche occurrence.
• Assess current avalanche hazard factors and describe the avalanche problem and the avalanche danger trend.
• Relate the current and forecast avalanche problem to specific slopes and terrain features. As part of a trip plan and in the field, identify both terrain to avoid and terrain with less consequence.
• Identify avalanche paths and describe the terrain characteristics that define the start zone, track, and avalanche run out.
• Conduct a small party (2-4 person) avalanche rescue and demonstrate competency to the determined standard. This includes locating two buried targets, and excavating one buried target to the snow surface within a defined time.

Course assessment principles adhere to those described in the American Avalanche Association (AAA)  Professional Avalanche Training Guidelines and Proficiencies for the PRO 1 Bridge Course.

A course grade of 70% is required to pass.

Category 1: Avalanche rescue skills (pass/fail). Note also that students are required to submit their completed Avalanche Rescue Assessment as a requirement for enrollment.

Category 2: Observation and Recording. Students are required to submit documented observations for instructor review prior to the course start date. The students will receive some coaching and direction on the submitted field weather and snow profile observations prior to the start of the course and then again on the first day of the course. Weather and snow profile observations and snowpack tests are reviewed on the first day of the course and the evaluation criteria is explained to each student.

Category 3: Hazard and Risk Analysis Forms and Written Exam. Students complete a hazard and risk analysis form and complete a written exam the first day. The written exam is 50 questions, plus a terrain photo exam,  Identifying avalanche terrain and choosing field observation sites that complement field decisions.

PRO 1 Bridge Course/Exam Instructors attend both AAA Pro Trainer Workshops and annual preseason AIARE staff training, and all Pro Instructors participate in a pre-course prep day (prior to PRO 1 Bridge programs) to ensure consistency between instructors with both demonstration method and evaluation criteria.

Students have the right to a retest of weather plot and snow profile observations, snowpack tests and the written exam, and can appeal their grade. This information is included in the student information package which will be sent out once students have enrolled in the program.

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

1. Create an account- If you have do not already have an AIARE account, please create one prior to submitting application.
2. Develop a portfolio- Compile all of the proper materials from the list below. Complete this Google Form to organize your information.
3. Submit Payment- Select the course you wish to attend and proceed through the Checkout Page.  Upon checkout, you will be provided a link to file your application. Once your application form has been approved by our staff, you will receive a registration confirmation to complete the process.

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 Google Form before enrollment in a course is complete.

1. A resume showing the required work experience participating in daily operational practices that involve avalanche risk management. You can use this document to detail your experience.
2. A letter (or letters) of reference from supervisor(s) who are American Avalanche Association Pro Members. You can use this document as a template for your letter of reference.
3. 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.
4. Two recent snow profiles in both notebook (table) and drafted form.  This documentation can be photos or screenshots, but all pieces should be consolidated into one document.
5. Copy of your PRO 1 Course Certificate (or PRO 1 Bridge Certificate).
6. Your certificate for AIARE Avalanche Rescue course (or A3 recognized Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals course) OR Equivalent.*
7. A completed and signed medical form.
8. Signed acknowledgement of risk document.

AIARE recommends at least one full season 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.

* Equivalency must be documented by submitting the AIARE Rescue Assessment Checklist and a letter of reference. The goal of this requirement is for the applicant to have demonstrated that he or she can lead and coordinate a backcountry avalanche rescue that involves managing site safety, managing responders, and conducting a successful search and excavation in a multiple burial scenario. Each item on the checklist should be reviewed and initialed by the applicant’s work supervisor, and the attached letter of reference must include information (including dates and location of practice) attesting that the applicant has demonstrated each skill/step during workplace rescue response practices, and that her/his competency has been evaluated by a supervisor. Completion of the Canadian Avalanche Association’s Avalanche Search and Rescue Advanced  Skills Theory(AvSAR Theory) course and AvSAR Practical Skills Assessment (AvSAR PSA) will be viewed as equivalent.

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We are excited to offer the following courses for the 2019/2020 season. The venues and dates have been carefully chosen to reach a wide geographic spread and the needs of participants. Additional course details and venue specifics are located in the course details page, which can be accessed through the Register Now button in the above section.  Please contact the PRO Program Director with any additional questions or comments via email, sean.zimmerman-wall@avtraining.org.  

PRO 2

• January 28-February 2, 2020 Mazama, WA- Partnership with North Cascade Heli and North Cascade Mountain Guides- Lodge based course opened to ski/snowboard travelers ($2,900.00)
  
• February 26- March 2, 2020  Stanley, ID- Partnership with Sawtooth Mountain Guides- open to ski/snowboard and motorized users ($2,000.00)

If you cancel your course registration for any reason within 40 days of the start date of the course, there is no refund. If you cancel your course registration 40 days or more before the start date of the course, you will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. Course fees are non-transferable, and can not be applied to other AIARE courses or AIARE fees. If AIARE cancels the course for any reason, a full refund will be given.

The cancellation and refund policy goes into effect immediately upon being accepted into the course. This cancellation and refund policy pertains to all course participants. No exceptions to the policy can be made.

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance (including medical and evacuation insurance) to cover the costs of cancellation fees, airfare, and other non-refundable expenses in the event that you need to cancel from the course, AIARE needs to cancel a course due to lack of snow or events beyond our control, or you are injured prior to or during the course.

In addition to the documents required for enrollment, students must also complete 20-25 hours of Pre-Course assignments before attending the PRO 2 Course. Assignments will be sent to your instructors via email at least one week before the first day of the course.   

1. Two snow profiles from the current season that include at least one compression test, ECT and PST
2. Two completed Hazard and Risk Operational forms from the current winter. The forms should illustrate daily participation, local observations, and the process of avalanche risk management including the following hazard and risk factors: weather, snow, and avalanche observations; and a summary of the avalanche problem and forecast danger. The operational form should also include a risk reduction or mitigation plan.

Pre-Course Written Assignment

Upon registration students will receive a document that outlines the written assignment, which is a technical report for external review. The report is to be submitted a minimum of one week before the first day of the course for a percentage of the course grade.

The course goals are to advance knowledge of avalanches and avalanche hazard and risk assessment and to improve individual and team decisions and to reduce accidents in the avalanche workplace. Pre course study and assignments, as well as on-course operational exercises, lead the student through case studies relevant to their job. Successful students will receive the AIARE PRO 2 certificate.

Student Learning Objectives:

• Identify, describe and map avalanche paths in a tenure. Estimate return interval, magnitude and hazard to the element at risk. Discuss mitigation methods that may reduce the risk.
• Classify deposited snow using ICSG international terms and guidelines.
• Explain and demonstrate how to prioritize snowpack layer/interfaces using structural indices from profiles, fracture/shear character in snowpack tests, and propagation propensity from large column tests. Explain how to manage the likelihood of error in the observation and testing process.
• Describe each avalanche problem by the mechanics of how each avalanche type forms and releases and the tests used to identify and assess the problem in the field. Identify risk management strategies associated with each avalanche problem.
• Analyze, observe, forecast, communicate and document the avalanche hazard and risk factors using ISO 31000 and contemporary terms and methods. Assess relevance of data in terms of strength and weight of that data and extrapolation and interpolation. Identify sources of uncertainty in the daily forecast and describe factors that affect forecaster confidence.
• Describe and contrast different avalanche risk treatment techniques from different operations.
• Identify best practices for workers in avalanche terrain including characteristics of high reliability organizations (HRO), guidelines for managing workers working alone or remotely, and effective communication strategies for avalanche mitigation and guiding teams.
• Demonstrate effective leadership in a team including strategies to minimize personal and organizational biases when making decisions.
• Write a professional technical report for external review.

Course assessment principles adhere to those described in the American Avalanche Association (A3) Professional Avalanche Training Guidelines and Proficiencies for the PRO 2 Course. A course grade of 70% is required to pass. 

Category 1: Technical Skills and Knowledge

This category will include evaluation via the following written exercises and/or oral presentations:

1. Storm Profile
2. Issuing an Avalanche Forecast
3. Written Exam
4. Written Technical Report

Category 2: Avalanche Hazard and Risk Assessment

This category will include evaluation via the following written exercises, group exercises, terrain travel exercises, and student contributions to the course:

1. Avalanche Mapping Project
2. Operational Exercise
3. Terrain Use and Decision Making

A3 PRO 2 Guidelines

Kizaki-Wolf Scholarship for Instructor Training, Course Leader Training & PRO Training

The Kizaki-Wolf AIARE Scholarship supports outstanding outdoor professionals in furthering their avalanche education and teaching skills. This scholarship provides full or partial tuition for an Instructor Training Course, Course Leader Training Course or PRO 1 or PRO 2 course

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

1. Create an account- If you have do not already have an AIARE account, please create one prior to submitting application.
2. Develop a portfolio- Compile all of the proper materials from the list below. Complete this Google Form to organize your information.
3. Submit Payment-  Select the course you wish to attend and proceed through the Checkout Page.  Upon checkout, you will be provided a link to file your application. To be enrolled in the course you need to have paid the tuition and your application has been approved by our staff.

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 Google Form before enrollment in a course is complete.

1. A resume showing the relevant backcountry winter travel experience and/or work experience. Please use this document to detail your experience.
2. Three days of field book trip plans to demonstrate that you have applied the Level 1 principles of decision making in winter backcountry terrain. This could include the daily trip plan, field weather and snowpack observations, and debrief notes. You may also submit copies of operational meeting forms if you are currently working as a professional.  This documentation can be photos or screenshots, but all pieces should be consolidated into one document.
3. Copy of your certificate of completion for AIARE 1 (or A3-recognized Recreational Level 1).
4. Copy of your certificate of completion for AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course (or A3-recognized Avalanche Rescue Course).
5. Signed acknowledgement of risk document.

AIARE suggests taking a Level 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.

Register Now

We are excited to offer the following courses for the 2019/2020 season. The venues and dates have been carefully chosen to reach a wide geographic spread and the needs of participants. Additional course details and venue specifics are located in the course details page, which can be accessed through the Register Now button in the above section. Please contact the PRO Program Director with any additional questions or comments via email, sean.zimmerman-wall@avtraining.org.  All courses are ski/snowboard specific, unless otherwise listed.

PRO 1

• December 9-13, 2019  Togwotee Pass, WY- Lodge based course ($1,895.00)
  
• December 15-19, 2019 Snowbird, UT ($1,295.00)
  
• January 6-10, 2020  Stanley, ID ($1,295.00)
  
• January 23-27, 2020 Leadville, CO ($1,295.00)
  
• February 3-7, 2020 Red Mountain Pass, CO- Lodge based course ($1,895.00)
  
• February 24-28, 2020 Mammoth, CA ($1,295.00)
  
• March 16-20 Mt. Baker, WA- Lodge based course ($1,620.00)
  

If you cancel your course registration for any reason within 40 days of the start date of the course, there is no refund. If you cancel your course registration 40 days or more before the start date of the course, you will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. Course fees are non-transferable, and can not be applied to other AIARE courses or AIARE fees. If AIARE cancels the course for any reason, a full refund will be given.

The cancellation and refund policy goes into effect immediately upon being accepted into the course. This cancellation and refund policy pertains to all course participants. No exceptions to the policy can be made.

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance (including medical and evacuation insurance) to cover the costs of cancellation fees, airfare, and other non-refundable expenses in the event that you need to cancel from the course, AIARE needs to cancel a course due to lack of snow or events beyond our control, or you are injured prior to or during the course.

There are several pre-course assignments to ensure each participant is ready to actively engage with the PRO 1 materials.  15-20 hours of self-directed work is expected to complete these assignments which include:

• watching videos and practicing rescue skills and snow profile techniques and snowpack tests
• reading several articles covering topics such as the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard and ISO 310000
• taking a quiz to refresh your knowledge on concepts from snow metamorphism to group risk management

The PRO 1 provides professional avalanche training and certification for those seeking employment in avalanche programs at ski area, transportation, heli and ski tour guiding, alpine and expedition guiding, snowshoe guiding, snowmobile guiding, and public forecasting operations. The PRO 1 covers topics essential to the workplace including identifying and characterizing avalanche terrain, understanding how avalanches form and release, collecting and analyzing weather, snow, and avalanche data, and communicating hazard and risk factors. PRO 1 students conduct daily operational forecast meetings, apply effective communication strategies, and debrief field observations and decisions. The course includes pre-course reading, class presentations and field exercises and daily travel near or in avalanche terrain.

PRO 1 Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of avalanche formation and release
• Conduct a solo-rescuer avalanche response and demonstrate competency to the determined standard. This includes locating two buried targets in a 50×50 meter area and excavating both buried targets to the snow surface within 7 minutes.
• Conduct study plot weather observations. Identify relevant weather trends.
• Conduct a snow profile. Choose a relevant test location and identify important layer and interface characteristics. Document using a snow profile form or digital drafting program.
• Conduct a compression test and identify fracture character.
• Conduct an ECT and PST and identify propensity for crack propagation in the weak layer.
• Observe and record avalanche occurrences. Identify important avalanche hazard factors that relate to a recent or current avalanche occurrence.
• Assess current avalanche hazard factors and describe the avalanche problem and the avalanche danger trend.
• Communicate the avalanche risk between team members.
• Identify and apply strategies to mitigate bias and other challenges to individual and team decision making.
• Relate the current and forecast avalanche problem to specific slopes and terrain features. As part of a trip plan and in the field, identify both terrain to avoid and terrain with less consequence.
• Identify avalanche paths and describe the terrain characteristics that define the start zone, track, and avalanche run out.
• Travel safely over snow in mountainous terrain.

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 sent 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 evaluation in Category 1, 2, and 4.

Category 1: Avalanche rescue skills (pass/fail). The skills are demonstrated, coached, and self-evaluated during the AIARE Avalanche Rescue course. The same proficiencies are evaluated on the first day during the PRO 1 course.  Adequate practice and familiarity with your gear is critical in order to achieve passing marks.

Category 2: Observation and Recording. This includes observation and record keeping of telemetry weather stations, study plot stations, and field weather and snow profiles and snowpack tests. All observation and recording methods are conducted applying SWAG guidelines.

Category 3: Hazard and Risk Analysis. This category combines hazard and risk identification and analysis and anticipated risk treatment. The mark also includes field monitor and review of conditions, field decisions, and day end summary observations. There is no retest of the Category 3 exam.

Category 4: Written Exam. The exam covers a variety of topics from the course to provide evaluation of student comprehension.

A3 PRO 1 Guidelines

Kizaki-Wolf Scholarship for Instructor Training, Course Leader Training & PRO Training

The Kizaki-Wolf AIARE Scholarship supports outstanding outdoor professionals in furthering their avalanche education and teaching skills. This scholarship provides full or partial tuition for an Instructor Training Course, Course Leader Training Course, PRO 1, or PRO 2.