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elevation

Alcohol at Altitude: Does 1 Beer in the Mountains Equal 3 Beers at Sea-Level?

Skier drinking Fireball while skiing

While living at an elevation of a mile-high or more for over a decade, I have frequently told my Flatlander visitors: “Be careful when you go out to the bars tonight… one drink at elevation equals two or three at sea level!” This urban myth, passed down to and by yours truly and countless others over the years, was established […]

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Jared Roberts | June 9, 2025
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39% of French Ski Slopes Were Covered in Man-Made Snow in the 2022/2023 Season

As the snowline rises across the European Alps, the once snow-sure resorts find themselves using more and more snowmaking to stay open. Where once you could be reasonably sure of being able to ski down to the lower village at around 4,600 feet off-piste through the trees, there are now just thin landing strips of snow, covered in artificial snow. […]

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Ben Davies | February 19, 2024
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Protect Yourself From Spring Skiing Sun

Spring break is the ideal time for you and your family to take an unforgettable ski trip. With tickets booked, chances are you’re dreaming of epic lines and deep powder. However, what many people don’t consider are the dangers of sun exposure in snowy environments. Due to the extreme mountain climates, the risk of dehydration, sunburn, and snow blindness is […]

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Emily Crofton | April 21, 2023
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The Highest-Elevation Towns in the U.S.

Ski jump

  How high is too high to set up a town deep in the mountains? Several communities thrive above 10,000 feet above sea level, over 1/3 of the height of the highest peak on Earth, Mount Everest. Residents of these towns battle fierce winters, lower amounts of oxygen, tough driving conditions, and many other factors that can create significant issues on […]

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Matt Scribner | November 17, 2022
9 Comments

The Scope of Elevation Levels in the U.S.

mountains

The United States has three major mountain ranges. They are the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and the Appalachian Mountains. The map above really puts the scope of those mountains and the elevation of the entire country into perspective. It is easy to understand why the western United States is where you want to go for big mountain fun. You […]

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Avatar photo Brent Thomas | October 3, 2022
2 Comments

How to Prepare Your Body for Ski Season

workout

Skiing is a fantastic sport, as it works not only your entire body but also your lungs. This intense sport leaves skiers often burning 350 calories per hour. There are some tips and tricks to build up resistance and strength in the sport to prepare for the exceptional season ahead. Increasing Your Stamina Perhaps one of the most important factors […]

Avatar photo Breya Bergom | July 27, 2022
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The 15 Highest Ski Resorts In Colorado

Colorado is synonymous with skiing.  CO sees more skier visits than any other US state. The Centennial State is home to over 25 ski resorts and tons of elevation.  In fact, Colorado owns most of the highest elevation ski areas in North America. Here are the top 15: *** #1 – Silverton Mountain, 13,487 ft #2 – Telluride, 13,150 ft #3 […]

Mike Lavery | September 3, 2021
2 Comments

HAPE: Preparing for Lung Juice

An easy way to prevent lung juice

The Dangers of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)   With the ongoing spread of COVID-19, travelers have discovered a newfound respect for endurance and health. When it comes to planning a trip up to the mountains at higher elevations, there are countless potential problems that travelers, like skiers and hikers, may have to confront. High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema, or HAPE, is a […]

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Jesse | February 1, 2021
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Altitude Sickness – Keep it on the Down Low

Altitude Sickness is an all-too-common affliction for mountain newcomers and is always on the radar for even the most veteran mountain-enjoyers. As one increases in altitude, the surrounding air pressure decreases as less air is pushing down from above. Despite common misconceptions, there is no ‘less oxygen’ at higher altitudes — the oxygen content of air hovers around 21% throughout […]

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Samuel Lawrence | February 1, 2021
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The 9 Highest Cities in the World

Bolivia

From city streets to mountain peaks, humans live at all different elevations across the globe. Where do most humans live? The vast majority live less than 1 mile high (5,280 feet), however 6% of the World’s population lives among the clouds. Most of the World’s highest cities are centered in South & Central America, with 6 of the top 9 […]

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Taylor Stephan | November 3, 2020
1 Comment

The 15 Highest Ski Resorts on the East Coast

skiing in the east, cannon mtn

The east coast is not the first place most people think of when they think of skiing. It often gets overshadowed by resorts that are out west with bigger vertical and deeper powder. However, skiing in the east does have its perks. Many ski resorts on the east have an old school vibe and terrain that caters to all levels. […]

Taliana Potts | July 23, 2020
6 Comments

The Top 15 Highest Ski Resorts in California

california, highest,

California is not only known for sunshine and surfing, but it also boasts some of the best skiing in North America.  The Golden State has nearly 30 ski resorts, many of them located in the Lake Tahoe area.  California’s higher elevations rep a notable seasonal snowfall average and enjoy big storms with large dumps. Related: The Top 15 Highest Ski […]

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Taliana Potts | April 22, 2020
6 Comments

Sucking Wind- Considerations for Identifying and Treating HAPE

High altitude mountaineering

Among hardcore alpinists and weekend ski warriors alike, most have experienced altitude sickness at some point recreating at high elevations. With symptoms very similar to a nasty hangover, altitude sickness is often accompanied by headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath, and inability to walk in a straight line. While altitude sickness is not deemed to be life-threatening, if left unchecked, it […]

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Spencer Cox | February 20, 2020
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High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, “HAPE” – More Than Just Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness

When travelling from low elevation to higher altitude environments, we often notice that our breathing gets heavier, our heartbeat increases, and we may start to experience dizziness and dehydration. We frequently attribute these signs as the common precursors to altitude sickness or new elevation and changes in climate. When managed properly, these signs typically subside as you adapt to your […]

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Taylor Stephan | February 1, 2020
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High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema: The Invisible Killer

Use of supplemental oxygen

While there are many risks associated with being at altitude such as hypothermia or dehydration, High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is the most deadly. Pulmonary Edema is fluid in the lungs and, as the name suggests, HAPE is fluid in the lungs due to prolonged time at high elevations. Typically, HAPE tends to occur in people that are above 8,000 ft, […]

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Alex Camerino | February 1, 2020
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The Top 9 Highest Ski Resorts in Utah

Utah, highest resorts,

Utah is known for some of the best quality snow in the world. The state’s combination of light dry snow produces extremely desirable ski conditions. The ‘Greatest Snow on Earth’ is due to the low moisture content resulting from pacific storms passing over the Great Salt Lake. Of course, the elevation of many of the state’s mountains also helps with the […]

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Taliana Potts | October 2, 2019
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Acute Mountain Sickness | Know The Effects And Risks That Altitude Can Have In Your Body.

The view from the summit of Gokyo Ri, in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas.

A Polish woman went unconscious and then passed away last month in the middle of a mountaineering expedition in Manaslu, Nepal. Earlier this year, many climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest lost consciousness and perished on the way to the top. Similar situations happen every year in mountains all around the world. The reason? High Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain […]

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Micho | July 17, 2019
2 Comments

HAPE: High Altitude’s Deadliest Killer

HAPE & Ascent

Many of life’s most rewarding experiences can be found at altitude. ​However, depending on numerous factors, spending time at high altitudes can expose you to the deadly risk of high-altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE, a severe form of altitude sickness. Many of those who frequent mountains have likely experienced acute mountain sickness, a common & comparatively mild form of altitude […]

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Dylan Craig | July 25, 2018
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HAPE Elevation’s #1 Threat

Mountaineering, HAPE, HACE, AMS,

Planning on a big expedition in the high alpine or thinking about bagging that peak on your bucket list? Before you go, have you ever heard of HAPE, or high altitude pulmonary edema? HAPE is a more severe form of AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. The cause of acute mountain sickness is still unknown, but some medical sources think it […]

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Greg Obernesser | October 1, 2017
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HAPE is the Leading Cause of Death at High Altitudes

HAPE at altitude

High-altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE is the leading cause of death related to high-altitude exposure. John Krakauer’s breakout book Into Thin Air brought HAPE as well as High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) to the forefront of mortality on Mt. Everest, but the fact is that HAPE, while most common above altitudes of 8,200 feet, can occur at altitudes as low […]

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Meghan Kelly | October 1, 2017
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