Question by kc: high altitude training?
I am an architecture student in Bozeman, MT and I have the opportunity to join a studio with a design site at the base of Mt. Everest. The studio involves hiking to the site to meet with the client.

Although I am an active person I have no experience in high altitude conditions. My professor is from the Midwest and I don’t think it is in his nature to consider the conditions of such a high altitude. Does anyone know of any good books or journals on training or considerations to keep in mind while preparing for this trip? It would be great to have some concrete information I could share with him and my peers.

Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Scott H
Hi Katy,

There’s so much information available about being in high altitude environments I couldn’t possibly offer up more than you probably have already found. But of course that’s not gonna stop me from answering.

From personal experience I can tell you this, if you have never been up higher than lets just say, 8000 ft. above sea level, then your probably making the assumption on how your body will react.

I use the 8000 foot mark because studies show that’s a consistent elevation where people can start to show signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Or “High Altitude Sickness” just as the other contributer has said, you cannot predict who or at what altitude you or anyone will become effected by AMS.

It simply has to come from experiencing the environment first hand. As it’s already been said, being physically fit is no assurance either.

You can go to the extent of having your body systems output measured, like Vo2 Max, Spo2 or Pulse /Ox readings to see where you are in terms of conditioning. But again, no guarntees as to how you’ll fair at altitude.

There has been some research done with medications like, ‘Diamox’ that being the most known, even “Rolaids” has been suggested to have an affect on limiting the effects of AMS. But you obviously should not count on these to get you up the hill.

Age is also not as big a deal as you might think. I have climbed with some people who were well into there 60′s and faired extremely well, don’t let that be your biggest concern for the Professor.

Studies also indicate that by acclimating your self in incriments to altitude in no more than 2000-3000 foot gains per day also play a key role in helping your body out. This allows your body to start to produce more red blood cells which are needed to transport oxygen throughout your body.

Other factors in helping make it up to your destination of course include your food intake along with one of the most important factors, hydration. I can’t stress this point enough. Higher altitudes demand consistant and proper hydration.

This sounds like an incredible opportunity. I hope you can gain the knowledge and some experience and take advantage of the situation. Continue to educate your self, find an outdoors mentor and get out there, experience the incredible thrawls of the mountains and gain memories that will last you your entire lifetime.

Answer by don’t cut college funds
Do you need Aspirin for Deep Vein Thombosis?

Answer by Willie D
The highest I’ve ever been is a few times over 14K. Once I went from 475ft to 12,700ft in less than 20 hours. That’s the most I’ve ever gained in the shortest amount of time. I felt nothing. But…that’s me. I’ve never gotten sick. My wife on the other hand can experience a switch in altitude of 3000ft and get sick anywhere above 7000ft.

Architecture Student in Bozeman? C’mon. I can imagine your classes…Log Homes 101, Advanced Log Homes 204, Effective Mulching 303, and Ski Lift Design 305…..ha ha…just kidding!

Good Luck with getting to Nepal.

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