The American Avalanche Institute's Professional Level 1 Avalanche Course is offered for those who have completed Avalanche Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue and want to move beyond recreational education. Designed for aspiring avalanche practitioners and industry professionals, it emphasizes advanced snow science, hazard evaluation, operational decision-making, and standardized data collection. This course is accredited by the American Avalanche Association (A3), ensuring it meets national professional training standards. 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: Five full field days in avalanche terrain conducting snowpack observations, weather analysis, pit studies, forecasting exercises, rescue training, and group decision simulations.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Collect and interpret weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations using professional protocols

• Recognize and explain avalanche processes and instability signals in complex terrain

• Contribute to daily operational forecast discussions and risk management plans

• Apply communication and decision frameworks for operational avalanche work

• Route teams through avalanche terrain in varying hazard conditions

Course Dates:

Please refer to the Professional Level 1 Avalanche Course registration page for upcoming dates and locations.

Questions?:

Call the American Avalanche Institute.