American Avalanche Association vs. AIARE - What's the beef?
(Found this on Reddit ... https://www.reddit.com/r/Backcountry...recognize_any/)
October 14, 2017
Greetings American Avalanche Association (A3) Members & Friends,
Midday yesterday AIARE informed A3 that they will not be participating in the A3 Pro Training Program this season. Our understanding is that this decision comes directly from the AIARE Board of Directors.
A3 is disappointed by this decision. A3, avalanche educators, and industry advisors have worked diligently for over three years to develop a professional training program that improves avalanche worker safety. A3 has worked closely with AIARE to incorporate their experience and expertise with professional avalanche education into this program.
In light of this decision by AIARE, A3 cannot recognize any professional courses taught by AIARE this winter as part of the Pro Training Program. Students who elect to take a professional course with AIARE this season will not receive Pro 1 or Pro 2 certificate as part of the A3 Pro Training Program.
To our knowledge, AIARE's network of providers will continue to teach recreational courses - Level 1, Rescue, and Level 2 - consistent with A3 guidelines for those particular courses at this time.
A3 will continue to implement the Pro Training Program as planned this winter to provide high quality, consistent professional training opportunities for avalanche workers. The following course providers are progressing through the A3 Pro Training review process and are offering Pro 1, Pro 1 Bridge, and Pro 2 (certain providers) courses this season:
• Alaska Avalanche School • American Avalanche Institute • Colorado Mountain College Leadville • National Avalanche School • Silverton Avalanche School
Please contact each of these Pro Course Providers directly about schedules and enrollment on a Pro Training course this winter. For general questions about the A3 Pro Training Program you can visit the A3 website or contact us at a3@avalanche.org.
Sincerely, Jaime Musnicki, A3 Executive Director John Stimberis, A3 President Eeva Latosuo, A3 Education Trustee Josh Hirshberg, A3 Interim Pro Training Coordinator