Active Mountaineering Conditioning (MCon) Application is Open!

Applications for the Spring 2026 PMC Mountaineering Conditioning Program (MCon) are being accepted from January 16 8:00am until January 25th 5:00pm. This year’s mentors – Ana Mills, Chris Close, Nishan Kulatilaka, and Guille Calles are 12/10 stoked for the 2026 season! We have new trail combinations, a bonus camping and skill building weekend, and not one but two IFMGA guides lined up for the speaker series! The program will run from March 7th to May 31st. Specific dates are listed in the application. All applicants must read the FAQ below before applying. Interested participants must register for the application event to receive the separate application form. Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Sneak peak! The 2026 program includes: 

  1. An in-person initial meeting to build community and learn the training methodology.

  2. 7 weekend training hikes ranging from 12-16 miles. 

  3. Optional mid-program camping weekend with skill building and bonus hike! 

  4. Virtual guest speakers and classroom presentations. Past speakers have included professional coaches, AMGA guides, and accomplished PMC members. 

  5. Capstone camping and hiking weekend complete with alpine start and covering 24 miles and 7000+ vertical feet in 24 hours (or a little more depending on your pace). 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What the heck is MCon?

  • MCon is a structured, multi-month fitness training program designed to help members build the strength, endurance, and mindset required for serious alpine objectives.
  • It combines education, community, and progressively harder physical challenges to help participants build a fitness base to achieve their mountain goals!
  • MCON IS ALL THE TYPE 2 FUN!! (And lots of Type 1 as well!)

When is MCon?

  • The Spring 2026 program runs from Saturday March 7th to Sunday May 31st. It’s a full curriculum and substantial time commitment!
  • Initial Meeting: Saturday March 7 9:00am – 2:00pm, Herndon VA
  • Hikes: Every other Saturday 8:00am – 4:00pm(ish), Shenandoah NP – March 21, April 4, April 18, May 2, May 16
  • Capstone Weekend: Saturday May 30 8:00am – Sunday May 31 12:00pm, George Washington NF. We recommend arriving the evening of Friday May 29 if possible.
  • Speakers/Classroom Learning: Every other Wednesday or Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 pm – March 11, March 18, March 26, April 9, April 23, May 6, May 21.

Where is MCon?

  • For hikes in Shenandoah NP and Capstone Weekend in George Washington NF, drive time from the DMV area is typically 1.5-2 hours, except the capstone weekend that is ~3 hours. 

Who should apply?

  • You are an aspiring, beginner or intermediate level mountaineer wondering how to get mountain fit in Virginia. No prior mountaineering experience is necessary.
  • If you can leave tomorrow to climb a 8000m peak, MCon may not have much to add to your training (but you’re awesome and we want to be friends!)
  • You should have some level of base fitness. If you are recovering from a serious injury or just getting back in shape, the hiking program may be overly rigorous for you.
  • While preference is given to new participants, MCon alum can also apply this year. You know we love spending time with you all!
  • You must be a current PMC member in good standing (paid dues).

When can I apply?

  • The application portal is open from January 16th 8:00am to January 25th 5:00pm. Due to the amount of interest in the program, we cannot accept applications after this time. Please do not apply at the last minute as we cannot guarantee your application.

How are participants selected?

  • Applications are blind reviewed and scored on qualitative and quantitative metrics by the mentors.
  • Considerations include the ability to attend events (hikes, talks, and classroom learning), volunteer contribution to PMC, background, upcoming objectives, and the level of stoke you convey!

Why is the number of participants limited?

  • MCon is limited to 16 participants and 4 mentors per season because Shenandoah National Park requires advance permits for groups larger than 20 people.
  • In addition, the smaller cohort size allows for a more immersive and intimate learning experience.

What are the requirements?

  • Participants must attend at least 75% of the program events.
  • Participants must have a heart rate watch (and preferably band) such as a Garmin, Coros, Suunto, or Fitbit. Older model Apple Watches are not ideal due to the insufficient battery life.
  • Participants must commit to reading articles and book chapters for classroom learning.
  • Participants must commit to purchasing or creating and following a training program using the resources provided.

What will I learn?

  • MCon focuses on physical and mental fitness.
  • You will learn how to build your own training plan (or can purchase a plan from one of several online coaching services). The mentors are volunteers, not official coaches. Other than the training hikes, we do not prescribe specific workouts for you. 
  • The primary training methodology is heart rate (HR) zone training. Participants will learn the basics of HR training, including how to measure your aerobic threshold (AeT) using a drift test, establish your heart rate zones, and incorporate strength training and muscular endurance training into your workouts. 
  • While you will learn self-management and other skills, MCon does not teach technical skills such as crevasse rescue, self-arrest techniques, or other advanced technical climbing skills. 

How much does it cost to participate?

  • There is no fee to participate in M-Con. It is available through your active PMC membership.
  • Costs associated with participation may include:

  •  January 16, 2026 - January 25, 2026
     8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission