Promoting professionalism, expertise, and knowledge within the avalanche industry, for the benefit of all who work, play, or travel in avalanche country.

Our Mission

The American Avalanche Association works on behalf of avalanche professionals and their beneficiaries.

The American Avalanche Association (A3) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to professional excellence in avalanche safety, education and research in the United States. Growing demand increases existing pressure on the inherently dangerous avalanche industry. A3 acts on behalf of avalanche pros and their beneficiaries to ensure access to education, safety, training, and up-to-date resources. Who are avalanche professionals? A3 members include snow science researchers, search and rescue professionals, avalanche forecasters, educators, professional guides, athletes, snow safety officers, snow rangers, patrollers, technicians, and explosive specialists. A3 focuses on three key initiatives: education, publications, and outreach, to connect organizations and professionals with vital resources.

Education

A3 oversees professional and recreational avalanche training programs to ensure programmatic quality, consistency, and up-to-date curriculum content. The organization is the U.S. certifying body for avalanche education.

Publications

A3 produces three national publications. The Avalanche Review began in 1986. The Snowy Torrents is a resource to learn from past avalanche accidents. Snow Weather Avalanche Guidelines is the standard for professional avalanche documentation and communication.

Outreach

A3 supports national technology programs and regional professional development events, including Avalanche.org, America's avalanche public safety platform. Programs impact users of all ages.

Leading the avalanche industry since 1986.

From families to adventure hounds, people who travel in avalanche terrain depend on avalanche professionals to successfully forecast, mitigate and reduce risk. Explore A3's past work here.

Impact →