Mountain Training & Online Coaching for Mountaineers, Skiers, and Adventurers
Strength & Endurance for Mountain Athletes
Elevate Your Performance with Training & Coaching Tailored to Your Goals and Lifestyle
Learn the 3 biggest training mistakes mountaineers make and what to do instead.
Who Trains With Casaval Personal Training
Mountaineers Training for Big Objectives
I work with climbers at all levels of experience training for peaks of all sizes like Mt Shasta, Hood, Baker, Rainier, Denali, and other demanding ascents. Training is structured and progressive so you feel strong, energetic, and confident on long, steep days in the mountains.
Backcountry Skiers and Riders
I train skiers and splitboarders to build the strength, endurance, and capacity needed for safe and enjoyable backcountry travel. Training supports both the climb and the descent and address agility and balance along with strength and power for more fun and fewer injuries.
Year-Round Mountain Athletes
For mountain athletes who want to build and maintain strength, aerobic capacity, and durability between seasons, and stay prepared for any adventure. Backpackers, hikers, runners, climbers, and skiers. The goal is simple: stay mountain-ready while building fitness year round.
Athletes Rebuilding After Time Away
If you’re returning from injury, illness, burnout, or a long break, I’ll help you regain mountain-ready fitness with a clear, sustainable plan. The focus is rebuilding strength and confidence without overdoing it so you regain your edge doing the activities you love.
How Coaching at Casaval Personal Training Works
At Casaval Personal Training, coaching is a partnership, not a template. You get a clear, structured system built from real mountain experience to develop strength, endurance, and durability for long, steep days in the mountains. Just as importantly, you get a coach who values your time, health, and long-term progress.
This isn’t about handing you a plan and hoping it works. It’s about steady planning, clear communication, and adjusting your training as you go. Your program evolves based on your goals, your schedule, and how your body responds, which helps you avoid the burnout and setbacks that come from random training.
Whether you are preparing for a summit, gearing up for a backcountry season, rebuilding after time away, or maintaining mountain fitness year-round, your training is designed around you. The result is steady progress, fewer issues, and more confidence in the mountains.
A Proven, Science-Backed Approach to Mountain Training
Mountain athletes make their best progress when training follows a clear, purposeful progression. At Casaval Personal Training, I use a proven, science-backed approach built on sport science, real mountain experience, and the long-established training principles that support lasting adaptations. This structure is the foundation of the Alpine Adaptation Method.
Periodization is the simple idea that training works best in phases. Each phase builds on the last so you develop aerobic capacity, strength, and durability without burning out or overtraining. I also use heart rate zone training throughout the process to keep you in the right training intensity for your goals. This helps safeguard against injuries, reduce unnecessary fatigue, and ensure your body adapts efficiently.
Base Phase
Build steady aerobic capacity, movement skill, and foundational strength. This creates the durability you need for consistent training.
Build Phase
Increase maximum strength, uphill stamina, and structured aerobic volume. Training becomes more focused and your capacity grows.
Specific Phase
Prepare directly for your objective with tailored strength, load, terrain, and intensity. This phase makes your training feel relevant and your goals feel realistic.
This method keeps your training clear, sustainable, and mountain-focused from start to finish.
Core Coaching Services
Shasta Summit Training
A structured, progressive training plan designed specifically for Mount Shasta. Build the strength, endurance, and uphill capacity needed for a confident, well-prepared summit push. This program gives you a clear timeline and focused work for a demanding mountain objective.
Mountain Ready
A practical, foundational training program for mountain sport lovers to get fit and stay ready for any mountain adventure. Build a solid base of aerobic fitness, strength, and endurance so you feel capable and resilient no matter the mission or the season. Hikers and trail runners, start here.
Backcountry Peak Performance
Training for backcountry skiers and riders who want to move efficiently uphill, stay strong through long days, and reduce the risk of fatigue and injury flare-ups. This program builds a powerful blend of strength, endurance, agility, and power for winter objectives.
Individual Custom Coaching
Fully personalized coaching for athletes who need a training plan tailored to a specific objective, schedule, or performance level. This option offers the highest level of customization and support, built around your exact goals, time demands, and experience.
Real Results
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I had great results with Dane from Casaval Personal Training. This was the first year that I wasn’t the slowest of my partners, and on a six consecutive day back country trip, I was the strongest, actually. I like that he is a ski guide, is hands-on, and understood exactly what I wanted and my time/location considerations. Pretty happy I was the strongest of the group and the only one that kept up with the Guides.
Andrew Rathbun
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![Casaval Personal Training athlete Will training for mountaineering with Aconcagua in the background, South America]()
Hey Dane! Just climbed Acongagua! I the conditions were rough and it took everything I had to summit. I couldn’t have done it without the training thank you! The training was great. I really liked that you were prompt replying to text/email and open to zoom when it made sense.
William Respess
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![Mountain athlete running across rocky alpine terrain during training]()
“I felt SO strong physically, I couldn't believe it. Heavy pack felt comfortable, legs were sturdy, core solid. I had no aches and pains that I usually experience from backpacking. I came down feeling so empowered and realizing that I'm capable of so much more than I ever give myself credit for (on the mountain and in life generally).”
Celestial H
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![Chris Carr skiing in the Mount Shasta backcountry on a powder day]()
“Through years of experience leading hundreds of climbers on their mountaineering objectives, Dane has developed programs and strategies to help you attain your summit. We at SMG have found this to be an invaluable resource for our guests and have personally witnessed and celebrated their success."
Chris Carr, Shasta Mountain Guides
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![Will on the summit of Denali after 16 weeks of mountaineering training with Casaval Personal Training]()
Hey Dane, I Summited Denali and felt strong the whole trip. I honestly would’ve turned around and climbed it again! I found that I was in great shape. I wouldn't say I had any deficiencies in the training. The hardest parts were getting used to how cold it gets (-25f on summit day) and the altitude. I found that 20k on Denali feels much different than 20k on Chimborazo. Thank you for your help!
William Respess
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![Tailer, mountain guide and Casaval team athlete, standing in the mountains]()
“After dealing with injury setbacks, I was able to get back in the alpine with confidence and strength. All thanks to Casaval PT keeping me strong and motivated to be the healthiest version of myself to bounce back better than before. Thanks Coach Dane for the motivating words and custom training regiment fit for my goals.”
Tailer Spinny, Splitboard & Mountain Guide
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![Chris Carr ski mountaineering on the summit of Shastina, preparing to drop in]()
"Without a doubt, the best indicator of success in the mountains is to be as physically prepared as possible. For many climbers, it's difficult to quantify the efforts of mountaineering and to develop a training program to meet the demands of a big Cascade peak like Mt. Shasta. With Dane's experience guiding and his deep knowledge base, he is a tremendous resource for those seeking to expand their capabilities. A regimented training program will not only increase your chance of achieving your goals, but you'll have a much more enjoyable time while doing it.”
Chris Carr, Shasta Mountain Guides
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![Athlete on a mountain training run through alpine terrain]()
“With Dane as my coach, I accomplished goals I honestly never thought possible, and with great satisfaction. I have never felt more at ease and strong in my body than when I’m training with Dane.”
Celestial H
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![Kathleen Dugan standing at 9,500 feet on Mount Shasta during a mountaineering trip]()
If you want to climb a mountain, Dane is your guy for the training. He knows how to push and he knows when to back off. He understands the science behind the training and it works!
Kathleen Dugan
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![Nancy Smith on the summit of Mount Shasta after 16 weeks of mountaineering training with Casaval Personal Training]()
Training with Dane prepared me so well to climb Mount Shasta. His training expertise and encouragement got me to the summit. Reaching the summit and flying my prayer flags to honor those whose names were on them was a moving and joyful experience. I could not have done it without Dane and the incredible training he gave me.
Nancy Smith
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![Cody on Mount Shasta at 9,500 feet before a successful summit climb after 16 weeks of Casaval Personal Training]()
Dane is an incredible athlete and trainer. His experience on the mountain was valuable in every way to all members of our team.
Cody Maple
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![Regina climbing Mount Shasta after alpine training for 16 weeks with Casaval Personal Training]()
I found Dane's program to be excellent! I was able to reach the summit of Mount Shasta because of Dane's comprehensive and well-thought-out training plan, (my) excellent mountain guides, as well as perfect weather and snow conditions.
Regina Gramer
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![Phillip Levi feeling strong and alive on the summit of Mount Shasta]()
I also wanted to send a very special thank you to Dane. The programming, techniques and access provided to prepare us all for that “little hill” was world class. The plan was detailed and left nothing to question. I have been in the world of Health and Wellness for 18 years and you’re doing it right sir. Thank you.
Philip Levi
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![Hiking uphill with a heavy backpack during a mountaineering training session]()
After having a child, I wanted to regain core strength and improve my aerobic threshold. Dane's program not only helped me achieve these goals but also boosted my confidence and performance in outdoor activities. I’ve never felt stronger or more balanced in my body. The strength-focused training was exactly what I needed this time, and Dane's incredible support—through emails, calls, and comments—was truly unmatched. He makes you feel seen and supported as a whole person, not just an athlete. Training with Dane has been profoundly impactful, and I’m so grateful for the experience. If you're considering Casaval Personal Training, my advice is simple: You have one body—do right by it and train with Dane!
Celestial Hanley
Get My Free Mountain Training Guide
A short, practical guide that explains the three biggest training mistakes mountaineers make and how to think about your training in a clearer, more effective way.
No hype. Just proven principles and strategies that help you train with more purpose and confidence.
Ready to Train with Clarity, Structure, and Confidence?
If you're ready to stop guessing and start following a simple, effective plan built around your mountain goals, I’m here to help.
Let’s talk through where you are, what you’re preparing for, and what the right training approach looks like for you.
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