Outdoor Pro Collective

Risk Management for Proactive Leaders

The Program Ski Resorts Trust to Reduce Injury Claims and Build Stronger, Healthier, Happier Teams

Give your employees a proven process to become stronger and more resilient. Support them physically, mentally, and professionally so they move better, think clearly, perform consistently, and stay injury-free through the season.

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Built for ski organizations, patrollers, instructors, operations staff, and outdoor professionals.

Mountain employee experiencing knee pain and injury strain

Ski Areas Are Ranked 3rd Highest in Employee Injury Rates

...and OSHA is paying close attention.

The #1 cause of injury in the workplace is a slip, trip, or fall. From a twisting fall on skis, to slipping on ice, to getting tangled on the lift, mountain resort workers have an inherently high risk of injury.

33% of injury claims involve the knees, with torn ligaments, such as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), and osteoarthritis being major long-term issues for employees, impacting quality of life and careers.

Injuries on snow and ice are not just costly. They disrupt staffing, increase pressure on departments, and have ripple effects across the entire organization.

#1 Workplace injury cause is slip, trip, or fall

33% Of injury claims involve the knees

10.1 Claims per 100 employees in the ski industry

The Biggest Mistake is Failing To Support Employees Physically and Mentally

When it comes to physical preparation for the mountain, most people miss the mark. Traditional strength training doesn't cut it anymore. We need functional movement, multi-directional stability, and neuromuscular training. The right exercises teach the brain and muscles to communicate faster, so you correct yourself before a slip becomes a torn ACL, fracture, or head injury.

Mental resilience is one of the most under-served aspects of wellness, and employees are suffering. The right coaching improves mindset, decision-making, and confidence, further reducing the risk of injury.

It’s time to be proactive, not reactive, and help employees protect themselves and their future.

Elevate your team health and culture through the entire season

Since 2018, ACL Strong has reduced injury rates by helping outdoor athletes get stronger, more stable, and more durable. We adapt to changes in the industry and organizational needs. With the desire for more mental resilience support, we've integrated physical, mental, and professional coaching for the ultimate benefit for employees, organizations, and the industry at large.

Physical Performance + Injury Prevention

Dr. Leslie Desrosiers

PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS · Founder of ACL Strong

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.

Mental + Professional Performance

Dana Kent, LLM, CPC

Founder of Dana Kent Coaching

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.

Bec Bale

Risk + Safety · Physiotherapy · Ski Industry Expert

Senior Manager of Risk and Safety at Copper Mountain, Physiotherapist, and Functional Nutritionist, providing expert support and mentorship to the Outdoor Pro Collective.

Makayla Meixner

MS, RDN, CSSD · Sports Nutrition

Registered Dietitian and snowboard instructor providing practical nutritional guidance designed specifically for active outdoor professionals.

Plus more expert contributors joining the Collective.

Physical Strength

ACL Strong training programs: Step-by-step exercise plans with sport-specific strength, core stability, balance, mobility, neurocognitive processing, plyometrics, and flexibility
Fueling for the Mountain: Nutrition training and guidance by Registered Dietician and snowboard instructor
Yoga for Outdoor Pros: Mobility work for the spine, hips, and legs
Live and On-Demand Classes

Mental Resilience

Mindset and Mental Health Coaching: Set intentions, clear mental blocks, and improve focus for starting each day mentally prepared
Expert Coaching: Following the flow of the season, every month has a theme with industry-specific tools to thrive
Women’s Support Group: Coaching and mentorship by certified coach and industry expert
Live Workshops monthly

Professional Longevity

Leadership: Learn how to show up as the leader you want to be
Guest Experts: Workshops on a variety of topics, specifically for professionals in the ski industry
Risk and Safety Management Channel: Get support while navigating the challenges the season
Live Calls and Expert Support

A Community of Mountain Professionals Coming Together To Support Each Other

Employees will join an exclusive community of mountain professionals and our Collective of experts. All members will bebe able to ask honest questions, share success stories, and get support in a safe space among professionals and experts. Your staff 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.

65% Fewer Injury Claims

15 ski organizations participated in ACL Strong for 6 seasons, between 2019-2025.

ACL Strong participants who completed at least 75% of the program had 65% fewer claims for lower extremity injuries, compared to ACL Strong participants who did not participate in the program (completed <15% of the program).

85%+ Lower Average Cost per Claim

From 2020-2025, the average cost per claim for lower extremity injuries, for 15 participating ski organizations was $8,155 per claim.

ACL Strong participants who completed at least 30% of the program had an 85% lower average cost per claim ($1,167 per claim);

ACL participants who completed at least 50% of the program had an 89% lower average cost per claim ($885 per claim);

and ACL participants who completed at least 75% of the program had a 98% lower average cost per claim ($160 per claim)!

ACL Strong lower average cost per claim chart

Feeling better, moving better, and so happy this was offered to me by my employer! I hope they offer it again next season!

I Believe in this program. It is the most important part of my skiing routine. I do not go out without doing the warm up and 3-4 days a week I complete a workout. Not only does it help me stay healthy, my ability to access muscles and movements needed to continue to improve my skiing is quicker and stronger. Thank you!

- MG Instructor

I suffered a minor calf strain last season, and was concerned about patrolling this season. However, after starting your program my legs felt stronger and much more prepared for the season. Each day I could feel my foundation getting stronger. As a patroller we must be prepared to be called into action at a moments notice, there isn't time to stretch or "loosen up." This program brought an increase in strength and confidence this season. Thank you.

- BN Patrol

I think it should be a prerequisite or incentive to employment to all employees when skiing or riding is part of their job.

- JJ

Love this program and hope all my employees participate next season!

- CP

I'm trusting my balance more.

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.

- RM Ski Instructor

I started this ski season the strongest

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!

- Yasuko F Patrol

STEP 1

Connect with us and get a quote for your organization.

Get a Quote

STEP 2

We will send you a unique Registration Link for your staff to sign up for free

STEP 3

Employees can sign up and get instant access to the training, coaching, and community! Enrollment opens October 1st.

Love your program!

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!!

- Eric H, Ski Instructor, Vail Resorts

Great Course! Very Beneficial!

"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!"

- Jim Bredy

Exceptional Value!

"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."

- Chip Bair

I loved it!

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.

- GP, Instructor, Coach

ACL Strong Outdoor Pro Collective program mockup

Fewer work comp claims. Healthier, Happier Employees. A team that's strong, balanced, and sticking around longer.

Your employees deserve to know how to protect themselves and their future — and you deserve a team that's thriving because of it.

Enroll Now →