Beginner Mountain Fitness

Beginner

8 weeks

HR and RPE based

Get ready to climb your first mountain.

You dream of visiting the summits of iconic peaks like Mt. Rainier, the Grand Teton, Mt. Baker, Mont Blanc, Colorado 14ers, Mt. Whitney, and numerous easier 4,000-meter and 14,000-foot peaks. Now is the time to make that dream a reality.

This 8-week beginner mountaineering training plan is the perfect preparation for a 1-3 day mountaineering objective. This includes easier peaks such as Mt Baker or Colorado 14ers. Rainier or Mont Blanc aspirants should jump up to the 12-week or, better yet, our 16-week mountaineering training plan.

As a thoroughly modern, smartwatch-compatible, heart-rate-based training plan, each workout is defined for you in terms of your desired heart rate intensity and the exact duration. The workouts are designed to be hikes or walks but can be executed as slower runs by more trained individuals. These are complemented with proven mountaineering-specific strength workouts.

Harness the transformative power of a meticulously designed training plan infused with endurance training principles that deliver results.

Whether you use an RPE-based or heart rate-based training plan, we recommend that you use a chest-strap heart rate monitor and GPS watch to log all your training.

Stop dreaming and start training.

This is our most beginner-friendly plan, with easy-to-follow instructions, 49 workouts, and an 8-week pre-mountaineering training plan with weekly checklists.

A great plan for both guided and unguided climbers.
A comprehensive combination of strength and endurance exercises.
Ready for ~4000m mountaineering objectives.
Workouts uploaded to your smartwatch or GPS device.*
Email and chat support.
Buy it once. Own it forever. Unlimited updates.

*Apple Watch syncing is currently supported for HR plans only.

If you would like to use this plan with an Apple Watch, purchase the HR version here.

If you want workout intensity guided by perception of effort, you can purchase the RPE version here.

For aspiring mountaineers looking to prepare for easier 4,000-meter or 14,000-foot peaks.

RPE Based:

Heart-Rate Based:

Questions?

How can I get the most out of this training plan?

This is a great place to start if you’ve never followed a structured plan before. The instructions are easy to follow. Strength training is included in this plan and assumes no previous experience. It’s a popular choice for those preparing for 4,000m/14,000ft peaks, like Mont Blanc, Mt. Rainier, Colorado 14ers, etc.

What should I do prior to starting this plan?

This 8-week beginner mountaineering training plan is designed with aspiring mountaineers in mind, including those with no prior experience. It provides easy-to-follow instructions and is an excellent starting point for your mountaineering journey.

What should I do after I complete this plan?

This serves as a launching point for bigger mountaineering adventures. The combination of strength and endurance exercises will lay a solid foundation for tackling more challenging peaks in the future. Consider joining Training Groups to keep the momentum going and add more to your increasing knowledge and skill.

Don't believe us?

Strong experience backing a training philosophy that can be applied to a lot of different climbs and activities.

Ready to get started?

RPE Based:

Heart-Rate Based:

You will be taken to TrainingPeaks to complete your purchase.

Can't decide? Try any training plan commitment free, starting at $23/month.