From Gym to Glacier: Training for Rainier and Other Cascade Climbs

In this webinar, Alpine Ascents guide Dom DeMatteo breaks down a practical, individualized approach to training for Mt. Rainier and other mountaineering objectives. Instead of getting lost in exercise physiology, Dom focuses on the real demands of climbing in the mountains—why even very fit athletes can struggle at altitude, under load, and across long days, and how to turn your existing fitness into effective on-mountain performance. Dom covers how to assess your athletic background, identify common gaps specific to mountaineering, and build a realistic training plan that works alongside a busy schedule. The goal isn’t just to train harder—it’s to train smarter for the mountains. Before guiding with Alpine Ascents, Dom worked as an exercise physiologist and coach and competed as a high-level endurance athlete, bringing together science, coaching experience, and real-world mountain insight in this approachable, practical session. A must watch!