The National Avalanche School offers comprehensive professional avalanche training specifically designed for ski area operations. Graduates earn Pro1-NAS designation; which exceeds the A3's basic Pro1 requirements.
While The School is oriented specifically for ski patrollers and others who work in an operational setting, avalanche forecasters, avalanche center observers, mitigation specialists, agency land managers, guides and educators can also benefit from the program, as it provides students with a solid foundation of avalanche fundamentals.
NAS instructors have written the books, developed the science and apply the most current best practices in their own daily operations. No other venue offers this level of interaction with nationally recognized experts.
Students develop lifelong professional relationships and return to their home ski area with valuable skills, knowledge and information to share with others.
The NAS is held in 2 parts - a four and a half day
classroom session and a four day
field session held in the winter. Participants must attend and successfully pass the classroom session in order to attend one of the field sessions. Additionally, students must attend and successfully pass both the classroom session and one of the field session in order to receive a Pro1-NAS designation.