#50: Strength, Skiing, and Coaching with Crystal Wright

In this episode, I sit down with Crystal Wright, two-time Freeride World Tour Champion, founder of Wright Training, and strength coach for mountain athletes. From her early days ski racing with the U.S. Ski Team to dominating freeride competitions and building one of the top strength training programs for skiers, Crystal shares her journey, insights on training for performance, and the challenges of coaching in a male-dominated industry.

We dive into her transition from competitive skiing to running a gym, her philosophy on strength training for mountain athletes, and the evolution of freeride skiing. Plus, Crystal opens up about the struggles of balancing business, adventure, and family while continuing to push herself in the mountains.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone looking for motivation to push through adversity, this episode is packed with valuable insights on training, leadership, and resilience.

Topics Covered:

• Growing up in Jackson, WY, and competing in ski racing before transitioning to freeride
• The experience of competing at the highest levels and winning two Freeride World Tour titles
• How injuries shaped her career and led to the founding of Wright Training
• The biggest mistakes skiers make in training and how to fix them
• How strength training enhances performance and prevents injuries in mountain athletes
• The challenges of being a female strength coach in a male-dominated space
• The evolution of freeride skiing and why fewer women are competing today
• Risk management in ski mountaineering and lessons from close calls in the mountains
• Balancing running a business, raising a family, and staying fit for the mountains

Guest Bio:
Crystal Wright is a former two-time Freeride World Tour Champion and founder of Wright Training, a strength and conditioning gym dedicated to training mountain athletes. A former U.S. Ski Team racer, she transitioned to freeride skiing and went on to win multiple big-mountain competitions. After suffering a career-altering injury, she turned her focus to coaching, helping outdoor athletes build strength, prevent injuries, and improve performance. She also leads ski mountaineering expeditions and is a passionate advocate for female athletes in freeride and strength training.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:15] Crystal’s upbringing in Jackson and early ski racing career
• [00:10:30] Transitioning from ski racing to freeride competition
• [00:18:45] The injuries that changed her career path
• [00:25:20] How she built Wright Training and the principles behind her programming
• [00:32:50] The most underrated exercises for skiers and how to train for longevity
• [00:41:10] The challenges of being a woman in strength training and freeride skiing
• [00:49:30] Why ski mountaineering became her new passion and lessons from the mountains
• [00:56:45] Balancing motherhood, business, and personal performance goals

Resources & Links:

• Follow Crystal Wright on Instagram: [@wrighttraining](https://www.instagram.com/wrighttraining)
• Learn more about Wright Training: [www.wrighttraining.com](https://www.wrighttraining.com)

• Mountain Tactical Institute Home
• Check out the MTI Athlete Team
• Apply to be a Paid MTI Athlete
• MTI's Daily Programming Streams

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