How To Acclimate To A High Altitude For Mountain Climbing

You must acclimate when climbing at or to elevations over 8,000 feet to preserve your health and safety as a climber. Progressing too quickly can lead to the myriad of illnesses and problems associated with altitude sickness, including dizziness, decreased oxygen intake, loss of sight, acute mountain sickness, pulmonary and cerebral edema, and even death. Give yourself plenty of time to make the ascent to allow your body to acclimatize to the change in elevation and air pressure for the safest climb possible.

Step 1

Walk to the base of your ascent if you are already in the area. While flying or driving may be necessary for higher climbs, they will not give your body the ample time it needs to acclimatize to the higher elevation.

Step 2

Rest for 24 hours after flying or driving to a higher elevation. Never begin an ascent immediately after you've reached your initial destination. Aim for a good night's sleep to ease travel fatigue and give your body the time to adjust before you attempt any strenuous activity.

Step 3

Ascend at a rate of no more than 1,000 feet per day after the first 10,000 feet, suggests Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program Director at Princeton University. This gives your body a chance to adjust to changes in air pressure, which results in decreased oxygen intake.

Step 4

Rest for an entire day each time you ascend 3,000 feet. For instance, if you're climbing at a rate of 1,000 feet per day, every fourth day will be a rest day when you spend time at camp rather than climbing. This gives your body time to rest and adjust in preparation for the next leg of the climb.

Step 5

Stay hydrated. Mountain sickness symptoms can be exacerbated by dehydration and a lack of proper nutrition during the climb. To assess your level of hydration, check your urine. It should be clear. If it's yellow, you're at risk of becoming dehydrated and more susceptible to illness and fatigue. Carry plenty of water and carbohydrates in your pack to give you the energy to climb to higher altitudes.

Step 6

Stop climbing and descend immediately if you experience any common symptoms of acute mountain sickness or pulmonary and cerebral edemas. Symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, sudden fatigue, chest tightness, coughing, weakness, loss of coordination and nausea. Because edemas can be fatal, it's imperative that you call a rescue crew as soon as possible. Never continue to climb, even if you only have mild symptoms. Take a rest day and assess your symptoms before you decide whether you will continue.

Step 7

Ask your doctor to prescribe acetazolamide before your climb. Acetazolamide increases your rate of respiration so you take in more oxygen, even when you're sleeping. It can help your body acclimatize more readily and prevent some of the negative symptoms of climbing at high altitudes.