40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

December 12, 2026 | Snowbird, Utah

An intimate evening celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the American Avalanche Association—four decades of dedicated service to the snow and avalanche community.

 

JOIN US FOR A3’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

December 12, 2026, 5-9pm | Snowbird, Utah

The American Avalanche Association's 40th Anniversary Gala will bring the avalanche community together for an evening of celebration, recognition, and reflection. Set in the iconic Little Cottonwood Canyon, widely recognized as the birthplace of modern avalanche mitigation, the event will honor A3's lasting impact on avalanche safety, education, and the profession as a whole.

The evening will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, an awards ceremony, a silent auction, and opportunities to gather with colleagues and supporters from across the industry. Throughout the evening, we’ll share stories, reconnect with old ski partners, and recognize the avalanche professionals who continue to shape our community.

TICKET INFORMATION

Avalanche PractitioneR (A3 Member) Tickets: $100

  • A limited number of discounted tickets will be available for A3 Members, so get yours while they last!

GENERAL Tickets: $175

Table for 10: $2,000

  • Priority seating for you and nine (9) guests at the Gala

  • Recognition in the event program and slideshow

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

LOCATION: The American Avalanche Association’s 40th Anniversary Gala will take place at the Cliff Lodge in the Primrose Room at Snowbird Ski Resort. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Snowbird is waiving their two-night minimum stay at The Cliff Lodge for our guests, which normally applies to stays that include a Friday or Saturday. There are two ways for A3 guests to book:

The two-night minimum is required for all other lodging options at Snowbird. Nearby Alta options include Snowpine Lodge and Alta Lodge. Valley accommodations in Cottonwood Heights and Sandy also offer convenient access to Little Cottonwood Canyon.

TRANSPORTATION: Valet and self-parking are available at The Cliff. Uber, Lyft, and UTA public transportation options are also available for guests traveling from the Salt Lake Valley. Carpooling is encouraged whenever possible to help simplify mountain access and reduce congestion.

 

FAQ

  • After purchasing your ticket, you’ll receive an email receipt that serves as your ticket. Simply show it to our check-in volunteers when you arrive, and we’ll take care of the rest!

  • In celebration of our mountain setting, we invite guests to embrace Mountain Cocktail attire. 

  • Food: The talented team at Snowbird will be catering the evening, with a selection of hors d’oeuvres served throughout the cocktail hour, followed by a thoughtfully curated buffet dinner, including vegetarian options.    
    Beverages: Water, soda, and coffee will be available.  
    Adult beverages? You betcha! The Gala will include an open bar. 

  • Bidding will take place in person during the gala. To bid, simply write your name and bid amount on the bid sheet next to the item you'd like to win. Be sure to check back throughout the evening and place your final bid before bidding closes.

    Payment can be made by credit card or check at checkout.

  • Yes, the space is accessible either via a ramp or elevator.

  • Absolutely! Donations can be made to the American Avalanche Association here, or checks can be mailed to:
    American Avalanche Association 
    PO Box 11443 
    Denver, CO 80211

Still have questions?
Email Alex at alexandra@avalanche.org. 

BECOME A GALA SPONSOR

Event sponsors will help make the American Avalanche Association’s 40th Anniversary Gala a memorable celebration while supporting our programs and community.

Sponsorship provides high-impact visibility and valuable connections with an influential audience of avalanche professionals and supporters. We welcome both monetary and in-kind donations, with recognition at a variety of sponsorship levels.

To become an event sponsor, email Alex at alexandra@avalanche.org

VOLUNTEER AT THE EVENT

Help make the American Avalanche Association's 40th Anniversary Gala a success! We're looking for local volunteers to help support this special celebration and create a memorable experience for our guests.

If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.

EVENT SPONSORS

presenting

supporting

 
 
 
 

Proceeds from this event directly support A3’s mission. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we sincerely appreciate your generous support. A tax acknowledgment letter will be provided following the event.