Strength Training, Nutrition, and Mental Resilience Coaching To Keep Mountain Professionals Injury-Free and Supported All Season
You're first on the hill and last off. You patrol, instruct, guide, groom, rescue, or support. Whatever the day needs, you're the strong, dependable one.
But somewhere between early calls and back-to-back seasons, taking care of yourself turned into an afterthought. The knee that aches by mid-afternoon. The low back after a long shift. The legs that feel heavier in March than they did in November. You're running more on grit than on strength.
And you've probably noticed that some people around you are doing it differently. The patroller who seems stronger than they were five years ago. The instructor who came back from an injury faster than anyone expected. The guide who prioritizes training and recovery to keep doing this work.
They aren't just lucky. They have a plan and support.
Most mountain pros got the same old advice: "stay fit," "stretch more," "push through it." Nobody handed you a system built for what your job demands, or a team figuring it out with you.
Until now...
INTRODUCING
You will join an exclusive community of mountain professionals and our Collective of experts. All members will be able to ask honest questions, share success stories, and get support in a safe space among professionals and experts. You will be able to lean into this group when stress is high or burnout is looming, finding comfort that smoother sailing is just around the corner.
A multidisciplinary team of experts bringing together physical performance, injury prevention, leadership, mental resilience, nutrition, mentorship, and decades of real-world outdoor industry experience.
Dr. Leslie brings 20 years as a doctor of physical therapy, specializing in orthopedics and sports injuries, with a special focus on injury prevention. She helps recreational to professional athletes develop the strength, mobility, and physical resilience required for their lifestyle and career.
As the creator of ACL Strong, she designs practical training programs, makes education easily accessible, and consults with ski industry leaders on building stronger, more resilient employees who are less susceptible to injury.
Dr. Leslie will lead the Physical Performance and Injury Prevention component of the Outdoor Pro Collective.
Most people think knee pain and torn ACLs are just part of the sport. But these injuries can actually be avoided with the right exercises. You need more than traditional workouts. You need a progressive neuromuscular training strategy focused on movement quality and body control. I am passionate about helping people have less pain, avoid injury, and get more years doing what they love.
Dana Kent brings 30 years of outdoor industry leadership, including roles as president of the Intermountain Ski Areas Association and cultural change leader with Health and Safety with Vail Resorts.
As a Certified Professional Coach, she coaches women in outdoor operations and advises organizations on leadership development, psychological safety, and the advancement of women. She helps outdoor professionals improve mindset, mental resilience, and confidence for managing stress and navigating challenges throughout the season.
Dana will lead the Mental and Professional components of the Outdoor Pro Collective.
Outdoor professionals are incredibly skilled at taking care of guests, managing risk, and supporting one another. But they are not always given the time, tools, or permission to care for themselves. We want to help people build careers and lives that are strong, healthy, and sustainable, not simply make it through another season.
Industry experts bring specialized trainings and workshops in safety, rehab, sports nutrition, and other topics of interest relating to the outdoor industry.
Senior Manager of Risk and Safety at Copper Mountain, Physiotherapist, and Functional Nutritionist, providing expert support and mentorship to the Outdoor Pro Collective.
Registered Dietitian and snowboard instructor providing practical nutritional guidance designed specifically for active outdoor professionals.
Plus more expert contributors joining the Collective.
Feeling better, moving better, and so happy this was offered to me by my employer! I hope they offer it again next season!
I've been patrolling for 11 seasons. I used to think the knee aches were just part of the job. After two months of ACL Strong training, I realized I was wrong. My legs feel stronger and more stable than they have in years, and I'm turning better than I have in a decade.
I've taken my share of generic gym programs. None of them understood that I'm not a bodybuilder. I'm a ski instructor who's in ski boots for eight hours a day in the snow. This is the first program that actually speaks to what I do. My knee pain is gone, I can walk in boots more comfortably, and my energy lasts longer.
I think it should be a prerequisite or incentive to employment to all employees when skiing or riding is part of their job.
Love this program and hope all my employees participate next season!
These exercises really do strengthen (without torture). I'm trusting my balance more. The videos, narration, and text provided the perfect guidance. It’s something I've never done in the past (silly me) but will do going forward. I am feeling confident about the precise way to do these exercises and stretches.
I took last season off and was apprehensive if I would suffer much. I started this ski season the strongest I remember in a long time - and I 100% attribute that to ACL Strong! I even got a compliment from another patroller half my age - responding to a wreck with a toboggan at the end of the day, we skied top to almost-bottom without stopping. His legs were aching and mine were still STRONG. Thank you Dr L and ACL Strong!
This isn't a vague "get fit," "eat better," or "take a deep breath" program. It's a structured system of courses and live calls, each built to strengthen one piece of your physical, mental, and professional game.
The base everything else sits on. Four modules to build the core strength, joint stability, and resilience your body needs to thrive through a full season, not just survive it.
Four more modules to build the strength, power, and neuromuscular control for steeper terrain, off-piste, and the backcountry.
For stiff or painful joints, arthritis, or minor injuries, this training walks you through exactly what to do to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce swelling and stiffness.
This is for you if:
Start every day on the slopes with this 10-minute dynamic warm-up designed to increase circulation, lubricate joints, activate stabilizing muscles, and prime the nervous system.
Reduce injury risk, soreness and fatigue, while enhancing performance.
This is for:
Strength falls apart when you're underfed or dehydrated. Learn what to eat, when to eat, and how to recover so you show up strong every day, even in the middle of a brutal season.
Build the mental strength to stay calm, focused, and confident when the pressure is on. Develop practical strategies to manage stress, recover from challenging experiences, and show up ready for whatever the mountain brings.
Get on a live call with Dr. Leslie for help with your exercises, body mechanics, or any training question.
Learn from people who do what you do. Sharpen your skills, grow your network, and turn your passion into a lasting career.
Long shifts, repetitive movements, and physically demanding work can take a toll on your shoulders, back, and body. Lift Ops Strong provides practical training to help lift operators prepare for the demands of the job and reduce injury risk.
I am on a ski instructor team and the training has made a big difference in my strength and conditioning this year so thank you very much for the fine program!!
"I tore my ACL years ago and have two hip replacements. Before I started the course, I had to push myself up off the floor. Now, I can stand up without having to pull myself. I don’t have pain and people tell me I’m walking better than ever! Thanks for a great course!"
"I feel there has been a noticeable improvement in my strength and balance. The format was easy to use and only took a little dedication from me. Great customer support and service to say the least! Thanks again for providing the exceptional value of the ACL Strong program."
I pride myself at being a higher level skier, as I teach steep skiing clinics and am a head coach for a junior competitive club. I also train other instructors in steep skiing.
I do dryland exercises regularly and was willing to give your program a try. I loved it! It was simple and quick enough to add in to the day rather than replace an activity or workout. It also added a bunch of exercises I never have tried before. I was feeling stronger and more stable in my movements in all activities. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to do your course and thanks for doing what you do.
Your body is the one piece of gear you can't replace at the ski shop. It decides whether you're making confident turns on day 40 or sitting out with a sore back, wondering how many seasons you have left.
As an Alterra Mountain Company team member, you qualify for exclusive access to the Outdoor Pro Collective for just $65 per year, compared to the regular membership price of $199 per year.
Get access to strength and injury-prevention training, mobility and recovery programs, mental resilience resources, and expert coaching designed specifically for mountain professionals.
Because staying strong isn't just about getting through this season. It's about building the resilience, strength, and confidence to keep doing what you love for years to come.
As an Alterra Mountain Company team member, you qualify for exclusive membership pricing and access to training, expert coaching, and a community built to help mountain professionals stay strong, resilient, and ready for whatever the season brings.
Practical training designed for the physical demands of mountain life and work.
Get guidance from experienced professionals who understand the challenges of working in mountain environments.
Connect with people who understand your work, your environment, and your passion for the outdoors.
Build habits that support your body and mind throughout the season and beyond.
Unlock your Outdoor Pro Collective membership for just $65 per year — an exclusive team member rate compared to the regular $199 annual membership.
Everything Alterra Mountain Company team members need to know before joining the Collective.
The Outdoor Pro Collective normally costs $199 per year, but eligible Alterra Mountain Company team members receive an exclusive rate of just $65 per year.
That's $134 in annual savings for access to strength and injury-prevention programs, expert coaching, recovery resources, and a supportive community of mountain professionals.
Workouts generally can be done in about 20–30 minutes. We recommend doing them 2–3 times a week. Everything is on demand, so it fits around your schedule.
A resistance mini band is the only required equipment. If possible, we recommend having a set of dumbbells or kettlebells, a long resistance band, and a foam roller accessible for some workouts. All exercises can be done at home.
Live calls happen at various times of the day, and they are optional. Many calls are recorded, so you can watch later. The best thing is to add calls to your calendar so you can attend when possible.
Not at all. The programs meet you where you are, whether it's preseason, mid-winter, or the off-season.
Yes. You can bring questions to Office Hours or get modifications right inside the training programs. The Collective isn't a replacement for one-on-one medical care, so if you have a new or acute injury, check in with your own provider first.
No. It's for anyone who works or enjoys the outdoors and mountains. Whether you're a ski patroller, lift operator, instructor, resort employee, or outdoor enthusiast, the Collective is designed to help you build strength, resilience, and long-term wellness.
Your Outdoor Pro Collective membership automatically renews annually unless you cancel.
The exclusive Alterra team member price is $65 per year, compared with the regular $199 annual rate. Your subscription's renewal terms and applicable discounts are shown at checkout.
You can manage your membership and subscription through your account.
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee. Email us within 30 days for a full refund, subject to the participation requirements below.
Your body and future are worth investing in. As an eligible Alterra Mountain Company team member, you can join the Outdoor Pro Collective for just $65 per year instead of the regular $199. Get the guidance, training, and support built for your work and your life on the mountain.
Keep piecing together exercises from old videos and scattered advice. Keep wondering how to support your knees, back, and shoulders through long shifts and busy mountain days.
Put your exclusive Alterra team member rate to work. Access structured training, learn from experienced coaches, and connect with mountain professionals who understand the demands of your work. Build strength and resilience at your own pace.
If you're thinking, "I don't have the time or energy right now," we get it. Your work already asks a lot of you. That's why these resources are designed to fit around your shifts, in minutes rather than hours.
You don't have to piece everything together on your own. As an eligible Alterra Mountain Company team member, you can join the Outdoor Pro Collective for just $65 per year — saving $134 off the regular annual price.
Whether you're preparing for a demanding shift, recovering after a long day, or looking to stay active for years to come, your support starts here.
One membership. Training, expert support, and a community that understands mountain life.
On-demand video training. Mountain Ready strength and injury-prevention programs, mobility training, Lift Ops Strong, and recovery resources designed for mountain professionals.
Live expert coaching. Coaching calls, office hours, and guest experts so you get answers to your training questions.
Mental resilience resources. Practical tools to support focus, stress management, and decision-making under pressure.
Professional mentorship. Learn from colleagues and industry experts who know the work you do.
A community of mountain pros. Connect with patrollers, instructors, guides, resort staff, and other outdoor professionals who understand mountain life.
