The American Avalanche Institute's National Avalanche School Pro 1 course is a professional certification course accredited by the is accredited by the American Avalanche Association (A3), ensuring it meets national professional training standards. It’s designed for those that have completed the NAS classroom session. It combines theory, fieldwork, and operational practices. Students will lead data collection, conduct daily forecast discussions, analyze complex snowpacks, and apply risk communication methods. The course emphasizes decision-making under pressure and aligns with industry standards for avalanche professionals. Upon successful completion, students will receive a nationally-recognized certificate. Reserve your spot now.

Course Format:

• Self-Paced Online Learning: Pre-course self-paced online modules

• Live Online Session: Meet with your Course Leader to discuss key concepts, logistics, and prepare for fieldwork

• Field Days: Four full field days in avalanche terrain focusing on snowpit analysis, weather & avalanche observations, scenario-based forecasting, daily meetings, hazard evaluation, terrain routing, and decision-making under real-world conditions

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Collect, analyze, and communicate observational data (weather, snowpack, avalanche activity)

• Recognize evolving instability patterns and avalanche processes

• Lead daily hazard assessments and contribute to forecasting workflows

• Make informed terrain-management decisions as part of a professional team

• Employ clear risk communication and decision strategies in operational settings

Course Dates:

Please refer to the NAS Pro 1 Avalanche Course registration page for upcoming dates and locations.

Questions?:

Call the American Avalanche Institute.