Designed for Sport category Cirque Series participants, this plan prioritizes uphill efficiency, downhill confidence, and consistent weekly volume over intensity.

The 12 week Beginner/Intermediate plan adds 4 weeks of foundational base building before entering the main 8 week training block. This extended timeline is ideal for athletes with limited current running fitness or those who want a more gradual introduction to vertical training.
Weeks 1 through 4 focus on building the habit of consistent movement, establishing basic strength, and accumulating gentle vertical gain. Weeks 5 through 12 mirror the 8 week plan with slightly higher starting fitness assumed.
No prior structured training is required.

Races in the Cirque Series typically cover 6 to 9 miles with 2,200–4,000 feet of gain and loss on steep ski resort style terrain. The races are short and relentlessly vertical.