Powder Hour
Investing in People, Performance, and the Outdoor Lifestyle
By Hilary McCloy, PT, DPT
Hilary McCloy, PT, DPT, demonstrating an exercise from her self-designed Powder Hour workout series.
With a record 181 million Americans participating in outdoor recreation in 2024, it’s clear that spending time outside is more than just a pastime—it’s a powerful unifier. Here in New Hampshire, we’re embracing this momentum by weaving outdoor recreation directly into workforce development. Tools like the Workforce Toolkit for the Outdoor Lifestyle are helping businesses highlight what makes our region unique, not just for living, but for thriving at work.
As a physical therapist, lifelong skier, and founder of Powder Hour, I see firsthand how movement and outdoor recreation support both productivity and health. Powder Hour is an online ski-specific strength program I developed over the last decade, shaped by my time on the U.S. Alpine Ski Team, years as a PT, and days in the backcountry. The program was created with a simple but powerful idea: if we invest in our bodies like we invest in our gear, we stay healthier, more engaged, and more resilient in all areas of life.
Hilary hikes up to ski lines in Tuckerman Ravine, December 2024.
For businesses, this philosophy translates directly to the workplace. Offering employees wellness opportunities like Powder Hour builds camaraderie, morale, and retention. Several local businesses have already embraced it as part of their culture, encouraging staff to train together and celebrate their progress. It’s preventative care at its best, helping employees avoid injury, feel energized, and maintain long-term productivity rather than reacting after problems arise.
The program itself is designed to be accessible: 16 workouts, progressively building strength, balance, and endurance, with modifications for all ability levels. All you need is minimal equipment, and it can be done from home or at a gym. Even for employees who aren’t skiers, the gains in strength, agility, and mental health are universal. That’s the magic of connecting recreation and wellness—it’s about more than sport, it’s about creating healthier, happier, more connected teams.
One of my clients put it best:
“If you want to be ready to rip this ski season this is the program that will get you there. The workouts not only boosted my strength and endurance but also enhanced my balance and agility. The combination of functional exercises and sport-specific drills has made a huge difference in my skiing. The program is easy to follow and can be done at home with minimal space and equipment. The exercises are explained by an incredibly knowledgeable physical therapist and skier; Hilary McCloy using a format that is clear-cut and uncomplicated.”
We all know recruitment is competitive right now. The businesses that stand out are the ones that connect their culture to the outdoors, prioritize employee well-being, and offer experiences that go beyond the paycheck. Powder Hour is one example of how to do just that. Whether you’re a skier aiming to enjoy winter to its fullest, or a business leader looking for new ways to support your team, programs like this are a reminder: our most important investment is in our people.