Did you know there is a day to honor the mountains? International Mountain Day is celebrated annually on December 11. What a joy to know that something we love to simulate in our cycling classes has been given its own special day! It’s the perfect opportunity to create a themed class focused on climbing, inspired by the beauty and challenge of the world’s great peaks. You can decorate your studio with Tibetan prayer flags or posters of stunning mountain landscapes to set the scene.
To help you create your own mountain tribute ride, I’ve curated a bucket playlist with over 180 tracks related to mountains, summits, and climbing. Or, save time by using one of our pre-designed profiles. We have a new one by Fern Stancer, Alpine Ascent, and another classic profile I created called In Honor of Mountains. Originally designed with three climbs, it was updated in 2022 to feature one long, challenging ascent. Both profiles and the bucket playlist can be found below, along with links to more climbing-focused rides.
Why We Love to Climb
There’s something uniquely special about climbing on our bikes, whether outdoors or in the studio. It’s more than just a physical challenge; it’s a mental and even spiritual journey. Pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones builds strength, resilience, and confidence. We find a deeper sense of purpose and connection, feeling truly alive as we ascend. Indoors, we rely on our imagination to visualize the road ahead—rising through a forest, over a bluff above the ocean, or across a sun-drenched desert. Every climb becomes a new adventure, taking us to places limited only by our minds.
Mountain Trivia
International Mountain Day was established in 1992 by the United Nations to highlight the significance of mountains and mountain ranges. Here are some fascinating facts about mountains:
- Mountains cover approximately 22% of the Earth’s land surface.
- They provide 60%–80% of the world’s fresh water, essential for sustainable development and the fight against poverty and hunger.
- Mountains are home to 25% of terrestrial biodiversity and host 28% of the Earth’s forests.
- Six of the world’s most important food crops—potatoes, maize, barley, sorghum, apples, and tomatoes—originate in mountainous regions.
- Mountains attract 15%–20% of global tourism.
Inspirational Quotes for Your Ride
Incorporate some powerful mountain quotes during your class for added inspiration. Here are a few of my favorites:
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” ~John Muir
“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddam mountain.” ~Jack Kerouac
“You are not in the mountains. The mountains are in you.” ~John Muir
“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!” ~Dr. Seuss
“The summit is what drives us but the climb itself is what matters.” ~Conrad Anker
“I learn something every time I go into the mountains.” ~Michael Kennedy
“I don’t know why mountains lift the spirit so. They just do.” ~Alex Derr
“Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view.
Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” ~David McCullough Jr.
Climbing Profiles and Playlists
ICA has a wealth of climbing profiles to help you celebrate International Mountain Day. Here are just a few of the many options you can explore:
ICA Has So Many Climbing Profiles to Choose From!
Below, ICA members will find the Spotify playlist for “Mountain Day” with over 170 songs.
Fern’s ride called Alpine Ascent: Celebrating International Mountain Day can be found at the end of this post.
In addition to these two theme rides, we have so many climbing profiles on ICA that could also be used to celebrate this day. Feel free to take some of the inspirational coaching in these profiles and add them to either of the mountain-day-themed profiles above. Here are a few of those profile options as well as a series called “Strategies for Strength” that has numerous posts filled with inspirational climbing-focused coaching:
- In Honor of Mountains by Jennifer Sage. This is the original theme ride created for International Mountain Day. There are two versions, one with three climbs and a more recent version with one long 46-minute climb.
- Three Transformative Climbs: Finding Resilience Within by Jennifer Sage. With every uphill struggle, we’re reminded of life’s challenges that test us physically, mentally, and emotionally. This ride is about digging deep and embracing each challenge, one turn of the pedal at a time.
- Energia Magica by Jennifer Sage. This profile consists of one long, epic climb and is filled with inspirational coaching. (From our archives, originally released in 2011.)
- Classic Climbs by Tom Scotto. A favorite for instructors looking to challenge their riders.
- The Mount Washington Hill Climb by Tom Scotto. A tribute to the iconic race up one of the most challenging climbs in the U.S.
- Climb, Climb Again by Shari Miranda. A thrilling hill repeats profile.
- The Grimpeur by Sara Zalesky. An homage to professional cyclist Mara Abbott’s impressive climbing prowess in a Giro d’Italia stage. (Grimpeur means “climber” in French.)
- North: A Journey Up Everest by Billy Coburn. A powerful, emotional ride inspired by the devastating Nepal earthquake.
- Rock and Roller High-Cadence Climbs. A rockin’ ride by Jennifer.
- Pedal and Percussion: Climbing to the Rhythm. A rhythmic ascent created by Jennifer, perfect for International Drum Month, featuring big climbs with strong percussion.
Enhance Your Coaching Skills
In addition to our climbing profiles, ICA’s Strategies for Strength series is a must-read for instructors looking to elevate their coaching skills. This comprehensive 12-part series is filled with motivational techniques and ideas to help you create more effective and inspiring climbing profiles. Whether you’re guiding riders through a gradual ascent or a steep, challenging climb, you’ll find valuable tips to enhance your coaching and keep your riders engaged.
Below, you’ll also find the comprehensive bucket playlist titled Mountains/Summit/Climb/The Top/Top of the World with over 180 tracks. If you have any song suggestions to add, please share them in the comments!
International Mountain Day is a fantastic way to bring a sense of adventure and purpose to your indoor cycling classes. As you and your riders conquer each imaginary peak, remember: the bike may not move, but the journey can take you anywhere.
Another stellar profile. I used some of the inspirational quotes you listed here on the slides I projected via the Stages Studio software. My class loved it all; the profile, the music and the slides/movie. I got the biggest applause at the end of the class that I have ever gotten in my 20+ years of instructing. THANK YOU!!!!! A huge part of my success as an instructor is because of you and ICA.
Another one for the list. Used this gem (if you like Psytrance that is!) this week for the final climb.
The Highest Mountain by Astral Projection. It’s 10 mins long, no vocals apart from the great interjections of ‘’Because only if you’ve been in the deepest valley – Can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain’’.
Also try King of the Mountain by Louis II. Unfortunately couldn’t find a good QOM track.
Martyn, this is an AWESOME song! Thanks! I love those lyrics, or interjections as you call them!
King of the Mountain is another great one—I’ve used that in several versions of this ride before—it’s perfect, isn’t it?!
Keep the great suggestions coming!