Thank you for your interest in A3’s Professional Avalanche Training Program. A3 is dedicated to professional excellence in avalanche safety, education, and research in the United States. A3 directly serves avalanche professionals and their beneficiaries by development and oversight of nationally standardized skills, proficiencies, and certification examinations for industry professionals.  

A3 coordinates and facilitates a group of approved Pro Course Providers that instruct and deliver Professional Avalanche Training Program Courses to meet the national standards. With the support of an Industry Advisory Group, the A3 and Pro Course Providers work together to address program development needs and updates.  Through this ongoing work, A3 provides direction to ensure Pro Course students are prepared to work as professionals in the snow and avalanche industry.  

Your Pro Course Student Fee directly supports the work of A3 in ensuring programmatic quality, consistency, and up-to-date resources within the Professional Avalanche Training Program. Fees are vital to the existing and expanding support and oversight of the Program. Included within your Pro Course Student Fee are additional benefits, including:

• One year of A3 Membership for both new and existing members ($50-60 value).

• Affiliate or Professional Level Membership (depending on qualifications).

• Subscription to The Avalanche Review

• Access to ongoing professional development through A3’s Winter Webinar Series.

• Eligibility for A3 Continuing Education Scholarships (up to $1500).

• Eligibility for International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) Scholarships ($700).

• Eligibility for A3 Member Research Grants (up to $10,000).

• Access to Resiliency Project Grants.

• Annual benefits from A3 brand and industry partners including Patagonia, Arcteryx, Ortovox, G3, BCA, Icebreaker, Liberty Mountain, ExpertVoice, and IPA Connect.

Student Fee Policies:

• One student fee is required for every Pro Course enrollment with an A3 Approved Provider

• Student fees are non-refundable.

  *It is the student's responsibility to make sure that they meet the minimum course requirements for admission to their course and that there is space in the course they are seeking admission to. A3 will not be responsible for waitlisted students who do not gain admission, course cancellations, or other factors outside our control that may limit admission into pro courses.

Thank you for your commitment to the greater snow and avalanche community. Best of luck in your forthcoming course.