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.

The PRO 2 application window will open for the 2026-27 season in July. In the meantime, you can prepare all materials needed to register under "Application Process" below and sign up to be notified about course schedule and registration updates.

NOTIFY ME OF REGISTRATION UPDATES

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.

Avalanche students traveling on snow.

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 2. More details are found in the Application Process Section below.

  1. PRO 1 from an A3 recognized provider
  2. 40 days of documented risk management in avalanche terrain and workplace experience in the avalanche industry over the last two seasons
  3. Field documentation: examples of documentation include snow profiles, weather observations, AM and PM forms
  4. Letter of Reference from a Supervisor or American Avalanche Association (A3) PRO Member verifying:
    1. 40 days minimum work experience over two operating seasons (note, this can be in the same year if the worker has worked in both the northern and southern hemispheres). This includes participation as a team member, attending daily ops meetings, and participation in operational activities that requires avalanche risk management.
    2. Avalanche rescue (companion) practices with team leader responsibility. The applicant has participated in multi-team organized avalanche rescue exercise(s).
    3. The applicant is able to complete the tasks required of a route leader, guide, or avalanche forecaster.

* Motorized course applicants are required to have at least 50% of their operational days on a snowmachine.