Explore every episode of the podcast The Training For Mountaineering Podcast

In this episode, I interview Allie Pepper about her brand-new coaching offer to help mountaineers navigate the road to an 8000m climb. Inside, she shares some insights into how coaching and preparation can be so powerful before a climb, and what this new offer is all about. 

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Learn more and sign up for Allie's Steps to 8000m coaching here: https://alliepepper.com/steps-to-8000m/

Download the free 'Everest Essentials' eBook here: https://441610001.hs-sites-ap1.com/everest_essentials

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Luther about his training journey (so far) leading up to Aconcagua.

Inside, he shares insights into his training, the challenges he's faced, and how everything went as he tested himself on a recent climb of Mt Baker. 

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Mentioned in the episode: 

• ​https://madisonmountaineering.com/

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Ojas about his training and preparation for mountaineering. When we first started working together, Ojas had the goal to climb Aconcagua. After months of training and hard work, his expedition was cancelled days before he flew out.

Inside, Ojas talks through his training leading to this cancelled expedition, how he reassessed and readjusted after this incredibly disappointing change of plans and his future plans and goals for his training and mountaineering.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode I interview sports chiropractor Mandy from Performance Place Sports Case, who is a specialist in working with trail runners. 

Inside, she shares some insights, philosophies, and strategies around how mountaineers can prevent, reduce and manage injuries if they are using trail running as part of their training.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Website: https://www.p2sportscare.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Performance-Place-chiropractor

​In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Jackie about her recent climb of Mt. Rainier, following the Emmons Glacier Route. Inside, she shares some insights about her training and mental preparation, and also her experiences on the mountain.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

On 21 May 2026, Summit Strength client Shika stood on top of Mount Everest after eight years of climbing and four months of structured preparation with Rowan.

In this episode she shares how she trained for the mountain, how she managed the competing demands of work and a master's thesis without burning out, and what summit day actually felt like. If you're dreaming of a serious adventure and wondering whether your body can handle it, this one is for you.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore a dead-simple mindset technique a mountaineer can use to manage stress and nerves in the lead-up to a challenging expedition.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore whether breaking up your long cardio days into shorter sessions throughout the week is an effective or recommended strategy to help manage scheduling.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore how a mountaineer should (and should not) judge the intensity of their strength training.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

If you are going through training for a mountaineering journey, don't fool yourself into thinking your memory is reliable. This episode explores why this is an important subject to be aware of and a simple strategy to help. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

Most mountainers are aware that recovery during their time is important. But the actual application of recovery protocols and strategies in the mountaineering community often leaves a lot to be desired... one aspect of recovery which often doesn't get applied well is 'active' recovery.

In this episode, we explore this topic and dive into:

• What active recovery is (and why it can be valuable for mountaineers in training)
• Common mistakes I often see from mountaineers with their active recovery
• Some simple recommendations and tips to help you get the most out of this aspect of training

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we share some areas a mountaineer can look at if they are always fatiguing early in their longer hikes or runs. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

​In this episode, we explore some common myths about strength training that are commonly shared in the mountaineering community.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we talk about the concept of Aerobic Deficiency 'Syndrome' for mountaineers and why I believe the conversation around this topic needs to change. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

​In this episode, I explore some quick (but very useful) tips to help a mountaineer get better results from their strength training. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

​In this episode, we do a follow-up on the topic of respiratory muscle training for mountaineers. And we explore HOW a mountaineer can train to see benefits in this area, plus some commonly discussed training methods that probably won't lead to improvements in this specific area. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

​Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore respiratory muscle training (strength training for your breathing muscles), which is a very interesting area of training for high-altitude mountaineers.

Inside, we explore:

• What is respiratory muscle training?
• The potential benefits of respiratory muscle training for high-altitude mountaineers
• How to develop and train respiratory muscle strength (and a few methods which are often talked about, but are probably not very effective)

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore an often-neglected area of training for mountaineers - upper body strength.

You will learn:

• Why is upper-body strength important for mountaineers
• Principles of effective upper body training
• A few great upper-body exercise options for mountaineers
• How to program upper body strength into your week

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

Inside, I share some strategies a mountaineer can use to build and sustain mental endurance for the mountains. Fair warning, these ideas are SIMPLE - but if applied, they can make a genuine difference in the mental battle when things get tough.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore some of the most basic (but most common) mistakes I see from mountaineers with their cardio training.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore some better ways of judging your fitness, preparedness, and readiness for mountaineering than using a VO2 max test. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore breath-hold training for high-altitude mountaineering and hiking, breaking down some of the claimed benefits of this breathing training method and exploring its relevance and effectiveness for high-altitude preparations. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer

In this episode, we explore some simple guidelines a mountaineer should follow to ensure their strength training is well-rounded, efficient and effective. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore a simple (but incredibly powerful) mindset strategy to help a mountaineer in their training and while on the mountain.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/mountaineer.html

In this episode, we chat about VO2 max for mountaineers, explore its relevance when training for mountaineering, and answer a few common questions on the topic.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore altitude chambers and masks and discuss how a mountaineer can apply them to their training (if they already have access to them). 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode we explore an interesting workout structure a mountaineer can use to develop maximal strength, muscular endurance and resilience for the mountains. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode we explore eight treadmill workouts a mountaineer can use to improve fitness and endurance for the mountains. 

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

If you are a mountaineer who wants to get fit, strong and resilient in 2026 - this is for you!

Inside, we explore our online personal training for mountaineering and talk through how we help mountaineers train, prepare, and conquer their adventures.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength mountaineer Shika, who has just come off a successful summit of Ama Dablam in Nepal. 

Inside, she shares some insights into how the shift from just running and CrossFit for training to a structured, specialised approach for mountaineers prepared her for this adventure.

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore one crucial point about strength training that all mountaineers should keep in mind when going about their training and preparations. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode we are talking all about simulated altitude tents for mountaineers.

​And I am answering the question of whether I recommend altitude or hypoxic tents for mountaineers going on a high-altitude expedition.

Inside, we cover: 

• How altitude tents work
• Why the evidence presented around altitude can often be a bit confusing
• The anecdotal evidence about altitude tents from the mountaineering community
• Some basic 'best practices' for using an altitude tent
• A range of potential drawbacks for mountaineers considering using an altitude tent
• Some good (and not so good) alternatives for mountaineers looking for an edge at high altitude

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Interested in online training for mountaineering? 

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore how a mountaineer can build some serious strength, even if they don't have access to dumbbells, barbells or machines to train on. 

I explore some simple loading strategies, a few of my favourite exercises for mountaineers and some simple tweaks to add challenge when needed. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore a few great methods of circuit training a mountaineer can use to help improve their fitness, strength and resilience for the mountains (which are MUCH more relevant than the typical approach to circuit training seen in the fitness industry). 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore some ideas and strategies around how a mountaineer can maintain their strength (in a practical and effective way) during a long season in the mountains. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Inside this episode, we explore the ideas of cool-downs during training and why I believe they are overrated in most situations.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html 

In this episode, I explore a very simple and straightforward training plan a mountaineer can follow to build their strength and fitness for the mountains.

Chapters:

0:08 Simple Training for Mountaineering

4:32  The Balance of Simplicity and Effectiveness

6:37  Cardio and Conditioning Basics

11:09  Strength Training Essentials

16:56  Incorporating Longer Cardio Sessions

20:45  Managing Repetition and Boredom

24:08  Importance of Deload Weeks

25:03 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?
Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I dive into a few exercises that I often see recommended for mountaineers, which, in all honesty, you probably don't need to be spending your time on. 

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Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Pack training is a foundation of all mountaineers' training. But if you are following a long-term training plan, these sessions can sometimes get a bit dull. To help, I'm sharing six different pack workouts you can use to add some variety to your sessions. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore when a mountaineer might benefit more from having coaching and support, instead of just following a static training plan.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore the most critical priority that a mountaineer needs to remember in their final weeks before a big expedition (which SO many people don't think about). 

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Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, we discuss the concept of eccentric strength and why putting some extra attention into this can be incredibly beneficial for mountaineers.

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Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore the idea of off-foot conditioning and share how I like to leverage this for my mountaineers in their training. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, I explore muscular endurance workouts a mountaineer can use, which is slightly different from the typical approach of loaded elevation climbing or high repetition strength training.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Ankle pain and sprains are incredibly common in the mountaineering community. In this episode, I explore five areas of training a mountaineer can use to build up their strength, endurance and resilience in their ankles. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Long-duration, steady-state cardio is the foundation of any training plan for mountaineers. But all too often, I see 'novel training methods' pitched as a potential replacement for this type of training. But this could be nothing further from the truth.

In this episode, I explore a few methods of preparation which may potentially be beneficial, but which you should NOT mistake as a replacement for your cardio. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Many mountaineers are VERY driven individuals. This can be beneficial in many situations, but it can often lead to numerous distractions that hinder focus on training.

In this episode, we explore a few simple ideas to help reduce this, and ensure you are getting the most out of your sessions! 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore the idea of 1 repetition maximum for mountaineers, and answer the question, 'Should mountaineers aim for certain 1RM targets in their training? 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

In this episode, we explore an important consideration which can make a major difference to a mountaineer's performance, comfort and mood when at high altitude. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html

Speed is rarely a limiting factor for mountaineers and would usually not be considered a priority for their training. However, there are a few situations where developing specific speed can be important for mountaineers and should be considered in their training. 

In this episode, we explore this subject and some insights into how mountaineers can improve this aspect of fitness.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your mountaineering adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online-mountaineer.html