Reduce Injuries, Save Money, and Build a Thriving Team
Risk Management for Proactive Leaders in the Ski Industry
Build more resilient employees with simple at-home exercises, designed to reduce injuries on snow and ice.
Knee Injuries are the most frequent and costliest work comp claims for ski areas.
From twisting on skis to slipping on ice, one-third of employee injuries involve the knees.
A ruptured ACL is one of the worst injuries to have on staff because it is season-ending (possibly career-ending) and typically requires a major surgery followed by a year of rehab to get back on snow.
KNEE INJURIES burden the organization with Stress, workload, and $$$ wasted
Chances are...
If you’re reading this right now, you know that knee injuries are an ongoing problem...and you probably already have strategies in place to mitigate risk...
Still, the reality is:
No matter how many signs, safety meetings, and reminders you have to protect employees, nothing replaces strength, balance, and resilience when it comes down to it
Most organizations aren’t addressing pre-season fitness with a clear strategy
…not because it isn’t important, but because it has been too challenging to coordinate.
But, the truth is,
a neuromuscular training program
is the MOST EFFECTIVE way to help employees prepare for being on snow and ice so they are less likely to get hurt
Exercise is proven to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve function
- Prevent injuries
- Reduce fall risk
- Enhance performance
By strengthening properly, improving balance, and learning to move with more awareness and precision, you can minimize stress on joints and significantly reduce the chance of injury.
You might think that it's the employee's responsibility to be fit and prepared to do their job, right?
But, being fit for snow and ice is entirely different from everyday life.
- Skiing and snowboarding are rotational sports that require strength in multiple planes…not like biking, jogging, or lifting weights with machines.
- Walking across icey or uneven terrain requires coordinated muscle activity, timing, and balance across multiple joints...and this requires certain types of exercises.
Most people don't know how to exercise correctly to get the results they need
Doing the right exercises, the right way, is the fastest and easiest way to become more RESILIENT, BULLETPROOF, and FIT for winter conditions!
Your on-snow employees are athletes,
and they should train more like athletes!
What used to be very challenging to implement to hundreds or thousands of employees, is now incredibly simple…
Introducing…
The ACL Strong
SKI AREA PROGRAM
A proven system of simple at-home exercises to help skiers, riders, and on-snow employees save their knees, prevent injuries, and be winter-ready
Strengthening exercises
Balance
Warm-up routines
Movement Re-training
Footwork, Agility, and Reaction Time
Stretches
Your employees deserve to know how to protect their knees (now and long-term)
...and you deserve to have a strong, healthy, thriving team with a lower injury rate.
Straight from our Members
I Believe in this program. It is the most important part of my skiing routine. I do not go out without doing the warm up and 3-4 days a week I complete a workout. Not only does it help me stay healthy, my ability to access muscles and movements needed to continue to improve my skiing is quicker and stronger. Thank you!
MG
Instructor
I suffered a minor calf strain last season, and was concerned about patrolling this season. However, after starting your program my legs felt stronger and much more prepared for the season. Each day I could feel my foundation getting stronger. As a patroller we must be prepared to be called into action at a moments notice, there isn't time to stretch or "loosen up." This program brought an increase in strength and confidence this season. Thank you.
BN
Patrol
I think it should be a prerequisite or incentive to employment to all employees when skiing or riding is part of their job.
JJ
Love this program and hope all my employees participate next season!
CP
Give them the training they NEED to THRIVE this season
Thousands of ski and ride professionals have been through the ACL Strong Snow Course. In fact, many of our members come back every year for pre-season winter readiness training!
This 21/22 season, ACL Strong had 48 ski areas and over 1000 participants enrolled!
Our participants had 62% fewer knee injury reports compared to average for ski area employees!
That’s over $270,000 saved in knee injury expenses alone!
Plus, ACL Strong participants had 70% fewer ACL injuries compared to average for patrollers and instructors! (Viola et al)
If YOU could save someone from a torn ACL, or a catastrophic lower extremity injury, how would that feel?
It’s time for you to feel better, move better, and get results like our other members…
I'm trusting my balance more.
These exercises really do strengthen (without torture). I'm trusting my balance more. The videos, narration, and text provided the perfect guidance. It’s something I've never done in the past (silly me) but will do going forward. I am feeling confident about the precise way to do these exercises and stretches.
RM, Ski Instructor
I started this ski season the strongest
I took last season off and was apprehensive if I would suffer much. I started this ski season the strongest I remember in a long time - and I 100% attribute that to ACL Strong! I even got a compliment from another patroller half my age - responding to a wreck with a toboggan at the end of the day, we skied top to almost-bottom without stopping. His legs were aching and mine were still STRONG. Thank you Dr L and ACL Strong!
Yasuko F, Patrol
See what’s included in the ACL Strong Ski Area Program
Snow Course
A simple 6 week step-by-step exercise program designed to help skiers and riders train smarter and save their knees so they can keep doing what they love.
In just 20 minutes, 3 times per week, participants will:
- Learn the exact exercises to do at home, without needing a personal trainer or going to the gym
- Start moving more efficiently and feeling stronger right away!
- Bulletproof their knees so they avoid injury and have a safer, healthier season!
Ready-To-Shred On-Snow Warm-up
10 minute warm-up routine to do on the snow, with boots and gear on, everyday, before hitting the slopes.
- Increase circulation and warm-up muscles
- Lubricate stiff joints and increase Range of Motion
- Activate stabilizing muscles
- Perform at a higher level with a lower chance of injury
Mid-Season Recovery Add-On
In the mid to late season, when stiffness, overuse, and fatigue set in, we offer 3 more modules to help employees feel refreshed, recovered, and rejuvenated.
Must complete the Snow Course to access
- Revisit important strength and balance exercises
- Focus on stretching and mobility
- Feel more recovered after long days (or several days in a row)
- Avoid injuries from fatigue and overuse
Bonus
Office Hours with Dr. Leslie
Participants will have access to join Dr. Leslie in virtual office hours throughout the season.
- Ask questions about the exercises
- Check form and get feedback
- Connect with other members
- Learn new tips
Maybe you've tried these types of programs before and didn't have success...
I guarantee this will be a new experience…
ACL Strong applies research-proven techniques and exercises, combined with years of expert clinical experience, and is infused with social strategies and follow-up touch-points to keep employees motivated so they can succeed.
With minimal time, space, and equipment required…
And modifications available for all ages, fitness levels, and experience…
ANYONE can do it!
Seriously, from newbies to veterans, we teach them how to get the MOST BENEFIT out of the least amount of work!
Your employees should have access to an expert-guided training program that they can do on their own before the season starts. The ACL Strong Ski Area Program offers incredible value in a convenient, easy-to-follow, online format.
Start the season stronger than ever, and finish with fewer injuries than ever!
STRONGER TEAM,
HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY
“Some of our departments have higher injury rates than others. How do we control who signs up?”
You can give out the registration code to certain departments, or to your entire organization. It’s up to you! We start with a certain quantity of “seats” in the program, but we can always add more if they get filled up.
“We don’t even know who we are hiring until December? Is that too late?"
No problem! Registration in the Ski Area Program is open as long as you have seats available. Your employees can enroll and get started with ACL Strong as soon as they get hired. They will have unlimited access to the program through the whole season. Group access expires in July so we can reset for the next season.
How do we know if they complete the training or not?
You may assign a group leader to monitor sign-ups and progress of the participants in your group. Group Leaders get special access to reports and behind-the-scenes content so they can help promote a successful program for their team.
Get A Quote for your group!
Here’s how to Enroll your Organization:
STEP 1
Contact Us to Get A Quote
STEP 2
Get a Registration Link and Code for your Group
STEP 3
Group members can sign up on their own and get immediate access!
Our Members Know What's Up!
Love your program!
I am on a ski instructor team and the training has made a big difference in my strength and conditioning this year so thank you very much for the fine program!!
Eric H, Ski Instructor, Vail Resorts
I loved it!
I pride myself at being a higher level skier, as I teach steep skiing clinics and am a head coach for a junior competitive club. I also train other instructors in steep skiing. I do dryland exercises regularly and was willing to give your program a try. I loved it! It was simple and quick enough to add in to the day rather than replace an activity or workout. It also added a bunch of exercises I never have tried before. I was feeling stronger and more stable in my movements in all activities. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to do your course and thanks for doing what you do.
GP, Instructor, Coach
Great Course! Very Beneficial!
"I tore my ACL years ago and have two hip replacements. Before I started the course, I had to push myself up off the floor. Now, I can stand up without having to pull myself. I don’t have pain and people tell me I’m walking better than ever! Thanks for a great course!"
Jim Bredy
ACL Strong Rocks!
"ACL Strong rocks! I’m already feeling stronger in my legs and more agile. I no longer feel the pain and stiffness that I had before. Thank you!!"
Exceptional Value
"I feel there has been a noticeable improvement in my strength and balance. The format was easy to use and only took a little dedication from me. Great customer support and service to say the least! Thanks again for providing the exceptional value of the ACL Strong program."
Chip Bair
ACL Strong for Life!
“Thank you Dr. Leslie for the ACL Strong program. I am 56 years old and have been skiing since 5 years old. This program re-focused my training on balance and proper knee alignment. ACL Strong for life!"
Keith M.
Frequently Asked Questions
The only requirement is a resistance mini band. We highly recommend an unstable surface or balance trainer (i.e. BOSU or dyna disc) to get the most out of the balance/stability exercises, but it’s not required. There are alternatives provided if you don’t have access to this, such as a pillow or foam pad. We also show how to use a foam roller and stretching strap, but these are optional. See our equipment page for more info.
You can enroll a group in 3 easy steps:
One: Complete our Ski Area form or Team Discount form. We will connect via email and provide a quote for your group. Once accepted, we can send an invoice and get started!
Two: You will receive Registration instructions for your group members to self-register on the website.
Three: All participants will have access to the program immediately and through the entire season (up to one year)!
***For staying bulletproof long-term, we recommend repeating the program every year, starting pre-season.
The Snow Course is not intended for rehab from an existing injury without an evaluation by a medical professional or physical therapist first. If you are cleared to play a sport and have NO precautions for weight-bearing, range of motion, jumping, and lateral cutting, then you can participate in the course. We highly encourage participants NOT to push into pain during the exercises. We provide modifications for most exercises and participants should choose the intensity that they can perform with good form (and no pain). We emphasize quality over quantity. If pain is noted during an exercise, we ask participants to follow these steps: 1) Check your form, 2) Decrease Intensity or Impact, and 3) If pain persists, then simply skip that exercise. After ACL reconstruction, we recommend waiting 9-12 months to participate in the course. Once you are cleared for running, jumping, and changing directions WITHOUT pain or limitations, then you may participate at 9 months post-op.
Yes, I love interacting with members! I encourage you to utilize the Facebook group for support as well. Our community is amazing.
Yes! We encourage teams, departments, and organizations to do this training. Pricing is based on number of participants and grants a one year license to all who register with the team or organization. Contact Us for a quote!
While the course is designed for individual participants, we understand that families may purchase the course to participate in together. Doing the exercises together can be helpful for compliance, motivation, and keeping good form. Please keep the login credentials within your own family, as number of logins per day may be restricted and will impact tracking/progress through the course.
The problem with searching for your own “injury prevention” exercises on Google or Youtube is that you are not getting a comprehensive program that addresses all necessary components of injury prevention. It can be overwhelming to sift through hundreds of exercises, determine which are right for you, and make sure you are covering all aspects that are necessary for effective prevention. You will likely stumble upon exercises that may or may not be appropriate for your level of fitness and body control. Choosing the wrong exercises, or doing exercises the wrong way, can be dangerous and may lead to injury.
Yes, you can log in from any device including your desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.
Now we have an app! Be sure to download it from the AppStore or Google Play Store.
Purchasing the course independently gives you a personal license with lifetime access.
If you are a team or organization, purchasing the course grants you access for up to 1 year. The best way to continue to reduce injuries each year is by returning to this program with your team or organization each year. Please see our Team Inquiry page.
A long-term maintenance plan should include continuing with neuromuscular training exercises for about 15 minutes, 2-3 times per week. There are a couple of ways we recommend to do this:
- Repeat the course from the beginning, choosing the best options/modifications for your current level.
- Select exercises or modules from the course to repeat 2-3 times per week.
- Repeat the Snow Course or Classic Course before each season of your sport.
- Upgrade to the Elite Membership to gain access to more exercises, trainings, and office hours with me, Dr. Leslie, so you can stay strong ALL YEAR. Plus, you’ll automatically get access to the newest Snow Course and Classic Course every year! Click Here
Reduce Injuries, Save Money, and Build a Thriving Team
Risk Management for Proactive Leaders in the Ski Industry
