The Story of the HATC
A Family Story that began in El Paso, Texas
When people walk into High Alpine Training Club for the first time, they often assume they're entering a gym.
They're not.
They're stepping into a story that began generations ago.
A story rooted in service, resilience, faith, family, community, and the belief that we are strongest when we lift one another up.
For me, that story begins in the deserts of Northern Mexico, in the mountains of Chihuahua, and along the borderlands of El Paso, Texas, where generations of my family built lives through hard work, sacrifice, and service. It continues through my Indigenous ancestors who understood something we've forgotten in modern society: wellness is not an individual pursuit—it belongs to the community.
My father, a retired Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and former Commander within the California Highway Patrol's Southern Division, dedicated his life to protecting and serving others. My brother followed a similar path and serves as a Lieutenant with the California Highway Patrol. My grandfather served as a Navy veteran during World War II. Service wasn't something our family talked about—it was something we lived.
On my mother's side, the story is equally remarkable. My Irish Catholic grandmother served as an Army instructor during World War II, teaching pilots how to navigate and fly using their instruments. My French-Canadian grandfather, a military cook, met her during the war. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. Their story would eventually become part of ours.
Growing up, I was surrounded by veterans, law enforcement officers, teachers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. The lessons were simple: work hard, take care of people, keep your word, and leave things better than you found them.
Those lessons have guided me throughout my life.
They guided me as a filmmaker and storyteller.
They guided me as an entrepreneur building businesses and advising organizations around the world.
They guided me as an educator, nonprofit leader, and community builder.
And ultimately, they guided me here.
Today, High Alpine Training Club is a family-run business. During the summer, you might see my nieces helping around the club. One is a collegiate flag football athlete at Arizona Christian University. Another is finishing her degree at San Diego State University. You might see my family stopping by, attending events, or cheering on community programs.
That's because HATC isn't something we own—it's something we steward together.
The vision for HATC was never simply to build a gym.
It was to build the kind of place our grandparents would have recognized.
A place where people know your name.
A place where kids are mentored.
A place where seniors feel welcome.
A place where athletes train alongside beginners.
A place where people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences can come together through a shared commitment to becoming healthier, stronger, and more connected.
Today, HATC is home to fitness classes, martial arts, boxing, dance, hiking adventures, running clubs, wellness programs, youth scholarships, recovery experiences, and community events. But those things are only tools. The real mission remains unchanged.
We're here to help people become the strongest version of themselves.
Physically.
Mentally.
Emotionally.
Spiritually.
And as a community.
We believe wellness should be accessible.
We believe movement should be joyful.
We believe community matters.
We believe everyone deserves a place to belong.
That belief has carried our family through generations of service, sacrifice, and resilience. It continues to guide every decision we make at High Alpine Training Club.
Whether you're a lifelong local, a visitor discovering Big Bear for the first time, an elite athlete training at altitude, or someone simply looking for a fresh start, we want you to know something:
You are welcome here.
Because High Alpine Training Club was never built for a select few.
It was built for all of us.
Welcome to the family.
— Damien Navarro
Founder & CEO
High Alpine Training Club
Where Altitude Builds Legends.