WE DON'T JUST TRAIN FOR MOUNTAINS.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
We don't just train for mountains.
We train for transformation.
you’re stuck, asking yourself:
And beneath it all is the fear you can’t bring yourself to say out loud: what if I just can’t do it?
“Am I training the right way?”
“What if I’m the slow one who holds everyone back?”
“Could I push too hard and end up injured before I even start?”
But right now,
Here’s the truth, though:
It’s not you.
It’s the way you’ve been training.
It’s the lack of a clear, structured plan. Piecing together generic workouts or copying internet advice leaves gaps in your preparation.
And in the mountains, those gaps show up in your legs, your lungs, your endurance, and your confidence.
Right when you need them most.
Vertical
Performance
Training System
That’s why we created the
It’s a structured, progressive training system that replicates the exact movements, energy systems, and mental demands of mountaineering and trekking, even if you’re training at home or on flat terrain.
Developed by our head coach and sport scientist, Kate Sielmann, this isn’t generic fitness. It’s targeted, mountain-specific preparation that works in the mountains.
THEY SAID IT BETTER THAN WE COULD
“The results have been clear: my endurance has improved massively, and my leg and core strength are at a new level.”
“There is no way I would have gotten to where I am now without Kate’s guidance. ”
“I even felt stronger than my (all male) expedition team members!”
“There wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t think I could do it—this program made that happen!”
“My guide was super impressed. He kept saying how strong and fast I was! ”
“I passed Mont Maudit strong and happy!! It was even easier than I thought.”
High Altitude Mountaineering & Trekking
Vertical Performance
You’re not here to wing it or hope it’s enough.
You’re here to train with purpose, structure, and direction that actually works.
And that’s exactly what our programs deliver.
Three levels of structure and support—each designed to meet you where you are, and take you to your strongest, most capable self on the mountain.
Train With
our training programs / our training programs / our training programs / our training programs / our training programs / our training programs / our training programs / our training programs / our training programs
COURSES / TEMPLATES / RESOURCES / FREEBIES / COURSES / TEMPLATES / RESOURCES / FREEBIES
BUT DOES IT *WORK*?
“Not only was I able to keep up, I was at the front of my group on both the ascent and descent!”
“I’ve done a lot of high altitude climbing before but never felt as good as I did on this climb!”
“I can’t believe how good I felt the whole way up AND down. Kate, your coaching really is phenomenal on so many levels.”
“This program has shown me how inappropriate my training was for climbing mountains!”
“I have only ever survived on mountains but this time I thrived. I even overtook people and didn't feel like collapsing.”
“Kate prepared me mentally and physically—she checked every piece of gear and instilled a confidence I didn’t know I needed.”
“The results have been huge. I’ve gained muscle, I’m leaner, and my endurance has taken a big leap forward.”
“That level of preparation made all the difference. Every bit of training paid off!”
“I felt physically and mentally strong, which I attribute 100% to you and your training!”
Not Ready for a Program Yet?
If you’re not ready for one of our training programs but still want to train smarter, faster, and more confidently for your next mountain, this book is your next best step.
Train Smarter, Climb Higher gives you the exact systems we use with our programs—mountain-specific training, performance psychology, nutrition strategies, and high-altitude insights.
High Altitude Mountaineer Coach
Hi, I’m Kate Sielmann.
I’m a sport scientist and the head coach of Vertical Performance and I’m obsessed with helping women get fitter and faster in a way that actually translates to the mountain.
But I’ve learned, for us, it’s rarely just about the summit. On the surface, maybe. But deep down, it’s always something more.
It’s about who you become on the way.
Because one day, when someone asks about that mountain, it won’t be the altitude, the summit photo, or the stats that matter most.
How you moved through the fear, the doubt, and the part of you that once thought, “Maybe I can’t.”
And proved, quietly and powerfully, that you could.
Because helping women feel *that* strength—without wasting time, effort, or energy—lights me up more than anything (well… except when my twin daughters tell me I’m their favourite person).
So if you’re here because some part of you knows you’re capable of more…
You’re in the right place, with the right people.
that's why i do this.
It will be the story of you
It will be the story of you
It will be the story of you
Take what you need
Free Resources & Strategies
Blister Prevention for Mountaineers & Trekkers
Always get blisters? This is for you! A downloadable PDF guide to understanding why blisters happen and how to prevent them—including proven strategies, gear recommendations, and on-the-mountain techniques developed through years of expedition experience.
Coming Soon
The Vertical Performance Podcast
This isn’t just another training podcast.
It’s where mountain preparation meets real conversation—about what it actually takes to perform under pressure, at altitude, and in life.
From training smarter and fueling better to managing the fear, fatigue, and mental load that often comes with mountain based goals—this is where we talk about it all. The wins, the wipeouts, and the truth in between.
The Vertical Performance Podcast
Eat Better, Train Better
Nutrition Strategies for Optimal Performance
