I am preparing for an active outdoor expedition.
You’re about to set off on hike or climb. Your expedition may involve challenging treks on remote trails, variable weather conditions, long days of exertion carrying heavy packs, and of course, high altitudes. Whilst the journey may be difficult, the landscapes you’ll see and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you reach the summit are well worth-it. We want you to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience, not suffer through it. Give yourself the best chance at success by preparing at Altitude Athletic.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
When traveling to high altitudes, whether for a relaxing alpine vacation or for a mountaineering trip, there’s always the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Research shows that approx. 50% of travellers staying at an altitude of above 10,000 ft (3,000 m) can get AMS, and that number can increase even further with factors like elevation, rate of ascent and duration of exposure.
Although there is no way to completely eliminate the risk, there is a way to reduce it, and that’s where we come in. We can help you pre-acclimatize for your trip through equipment rentals for longer exposure (Live High, Train Low) and access to a hypoxic environment that can simulate the levels of exertion you’ll experience on the mountain.
- Reduce the risk of AMS by up to 40%
- Improve your performance at high elevations
- Improve your sleep at altitude
- Replicate the demands of your expedition
Learn about the Science →
Strength and Conditioning
Hiking, climbing and mountaineering demand stamina, strength and balance – especially if you’re tackling high altitudes, all-day treks and unstable terrain. Your workout plan should be targeting the muscle groups and fitness you need to power up the mountain. The classes and coaches at Altitude can help with that. During your initial assessment, we encourage you to mention your goal so we can provide you with a custom program catered to mountaineers.
- Practice incline walking at elevation with a custom weighted mountaineering pack
- Improve aerobic endurance through our Endurance classes
- Work on strength and power through our Power classes
- Sport-specific equipment: Stair Master, Versa Climber, and Treadmills (-3% / +25%)
View the Classes →
Info for Guides and Expedition Companies
As an expedition guide, your job is to make sure everyone in your group has a safe and enjoyable experience. Participants who come physically unprepared for the trek are often unable to keep up, leading to disparity in the group. This makes your job much more difficult. You need your participants in good physical condition and as ready as they can be for the challenges a high altitude journey may bring. At Altitude, we can work with you and your participants before departure.
For more information, please email info@altitudeathletictraining.com
Resources for Hikers, Climbers and Mountaineers
Choosing an Adventure Trip
With the colder weather and snow starting to fall, our reaction is often to get on Google and begin the search for warmer winter getaways. While some of us are inclined to kick back on a beach for a couple of weeks and sip margaritas, others are a little more restless...
How difficult is the hike to Machu Picchu?
Tips on how to prepare for a hike to the ancient Peruvian city, which sits at an altitude of about 8,000 ft.
How to handle altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is an illness that develops when the body doesn’t have time to adapt to the decreased air pressure and oxygen levels of high altitude—defined as any area 8,000 ft. above sea level. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite—wickedly similar to a brutal hangover.