Shasta Summit Training: Your Path to the Peak
Prepare. Perform. Climb with confidence.
Why Train for Mount Shasta?
Summiting Mount Shasta is a challenge like no other. With over 7,000 vertical feet of steep terrain and the weight of a heavy pack, this climb demands more than determination—it requires preparation. While physical training is no substitute for technical ability and climbing experience, building strength and endurance will enhance your ability to develop and practice essential mountaineering skills, making the process more productive and enjoyable. When you're fit, every step of the journey—from training to the summit—becomes safer, more rewarding, and truly unforgettable.
What You Get with Shasta Summit Training
This program is more than just a workout plan—it’s your personalized path to summit success. Designed specifically for Mount Shasta climbers, it combines proven training methods with hands-on coaching to prepare you physically and mentally for the challenges ahead. Here’s how we help you reach your peak:
Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Mountain Coach and Guide: Benefit from my extensive experience both guiding climbers on Mount Shasta and training athletes to achieve their mountain goals. With years of hands-on expertise, I’ll ensure your preparation is safe, effective, and tailored to the unique demands of summit success.
Custom Training Plan in TrainingPeaks: A sport-specific, fully individualized plan tailored to your fitness level and climbing goals. Delivered with TrainingPeaks, ensuring you have all the tools to succeed.
Weekly Workout Monitoring and Email Check-Ins: Stay on track with progress reviews, accountability, and expert feedback to optimize your training every step of the way.
Monthly Face-to-Face Coaching Calls: Connect with your coach via Zoom for in-depth guidance, strategy, and motivation to tackle your next milestones.
Unlimited Email Support: Have questions? Need advice? Get limitless guidance and encouragement whenever you need it.
With Shasta Summit Training, you’re not just following a plan—you’re supported every step of the way to build strength, endurance, and confidence for a safer, more enjoyable climb.
What Climbers Say
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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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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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“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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“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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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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“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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"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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“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
Pricing Information
Shasta Summit Training is designed to fit your schedule and timeline, whether you have 8, 12, or 16 weeks to prepare. The cost is $250 per month, with a minimum commitment of 2 months.
Flexible Duration: Train for as long as you need, from 8 to 16 weeks.
Transparent Billing: Payments are charged monthly. Please note that partial-month refunds are not available.
Easy Cancellation: Notify us before your next payment date to avoid being charged for the following month.
Invest in your safety, success, and an unforgettable climbing experience. Start your training today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Shasta Summit Training is for anyone planning to climb Mount Shasta. With three levels to choose from this program is suitable for beginner to expert level mountaineers.
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Yes, but the workouts can be adapted for you to train outdoors and at home or in a gym. Here’s the basic equipment you’ll need:
A box or step measuring 12-18 inches high
A short box or step measuring 4-8 inches high
A backpack capable of securely carrying at least 30% of your bodyweight
Running shoes and hiking boots
Training poles (hiking)
Pull up bar, gym rings, or a cable pull machine.
Free weights like dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells
Optional yet helpful equipment includes:
Heart rate monitor with chest strap
Treadmill
Stair climber
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A typical week in this program includes on average 1-2 strength workouts and 3-4 aerobic workouts (hiking, running, or cycling). Beginner athletes can expect to train between 4 and 6 hours a week while more advanced trainees can expect more. The actual number of training hours in your program will depend on your availability, fitness level, and recent training history.
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Online coaching and personal training is a relatively new concept that provides maximum value to an athlete in a few ways. I think you’ll enjoy it. There are no scheduling restrictions so your workouts can be scheduled when you need where you need. It’s the most affordable way for me to offer my services. For an athlete who trains with a variety of indoor and outdoor workouts it’s not cost effective to have a coach or trainer with you every day. I use the best training software available so we can stay connected. This way I can provide timely feedback for each of your workouts.
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The program relies on TrainingPeaks to deliver workouts, monitor progress, and provide training feedback.
Every Casaval Athlete receives a coach paid premium account. TrainingPeaks is a great online training platform used by top level endurance pros.
TrainingPeaks is the absolute best and most powerful training software available for endurance athletes.
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Consistent and clear communication is essential for your success. Every athlete receives a weekly email check-in and unlimited email support so that you get what you need when you need it. You can email me at any time with questions and we can always arrange a phone or Zoom call if needed.
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Every workout includes instructions and video guidance for each exercise. You can also reach out at anytime and I’ll do my best to get you familiar with an exercise. If needed you can schedule a remote video training session.
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Nutrition is a huge part of good health and fitness. Eat as well as possible or at least do your best to make the best available choices. Poor eating habits will lead to poor recovery and that leaves you more prone to injury. You can't out-train a bad diet. You don't need to be perfect but you should try to make the best available choices 90% of the time.