By Rob Shaul, Founder
Outside of alpine ski racing, there’s little tradition of gym-based preparation in mountain sports.
In fact, for many climbers, skiers, snowboarders, and freeride athletes, training in a gym is seen as “uncool.” The prevailing belief? Just do the sport. Or do a similar mountain sport—run trails, bike, climb—to get ready for the main event.
Before MTI, this was the norm. Show up. Hope for the best. Rely on experience and “feel.”
I’ve spent nearly two decades coaching professional and high-level mountain athletes in the gym. I’ve studied their performance, watched the sports evolve, and see these patterns clearly:
- These sports are dangerous. Extremely dangerous.
- Helmet cams, social media, Red Bull contracts, and better gear are pushing athletes into ever riskier terrain.
- The Bro Brah culture—fueled by weed, beer, and image—shrugs off the consequences.
- Many so-called “professional” mountain athletes aren’t professional about their fitness.
Now, here’s what I know:
- A mountain athlete’s body is their most essential piece of equipment. Not the jacket. Not the skis. Not the tools. Not the GoPro.
- The mountain doesn’t care how cool you look. If you’re unfit, unprepared, or distracted, it will hurt you. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow—but the longer you’re out there, the higher the odds.
- Bro Brahs and Bro Girls have people who love them. Those people deserve an athlete who trains, who practices, who prepares.
- Taking your physical, technical, and safety preparation seriously isn’t just smart—it’s respect. Respect for your sport. Respect for the mountain.
Professional athletes are professional about their fitness, technical skill development and risk assessment.
The Mountain Professional Standard:
Train.
Prepare.
Own the risk.
Respect.