Altitude training is not something to be rushed, but with new techniques and know-how, it can be sped up

By Meggan Wenbourne

A view of Cascade Lake from my run up to Maggie's Peak.

A view of Cascade Lake from my run up to Maggie’s Peak.

This last week I spent a majority of my time in the Tahoe Basin climbing, running and hiking with new friends from all over the world. With strong cups of coffee in our bellies and bluebird skies above, we found ourselves working hard every day against altitude and steep faces with smiles and kind-hearted banter.

The objective was simple: expose ourselves to training for high altitude ascents. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. I live at sea level and I felt it โ€ฆ a lot. With the use of some of the best equipment on the market and the training regiments of some of the fastest speed ascensionists in the world, we learned that there is a lot of discomfort associated with training for high altitude adventures.

A combination of hiking, trail running and climbing splattered throughout the week made for good exposure to the change in altitude. At night, sleeping in top of the line Hypoxico tents helped our bodies continue to acclimatize and help us to crush the following day.

Tahoe is such a beautiful training ground for all activities. Every day we were lucky enough to encounter spectacular views, awesome critters like bald eagles and fluffy black bears and swim in the purest water around. It is no wonder people come from all over the world to soak up the Tahoe magic.

Lasting friendships were made by all and cool exposure to some of the most beautiful cragging I have ever experienced left me wanting more. While high elevation adventures may not be at the top of my list of activities, it was incredible to experience firsthand some of the tools and techniques used by some of the fastest people in the world to summit some of the tallest peaks in the world!

A view from the base of the crag at Donner.

A view from the base of the crag at Donner.

Still a little snow on the north faces, but otherwise a perfect day.

Still a little snow on the north faces, but otherwise a perfect day.

A view of Mt. Tallac's booty and fall colors below!.

A view of Mt. Tallac’s booty and fall colors below.


Meg-IndiansMeggan Wenbourne is an avid outdoorswoman. She spends her time traveling to the mountains from the coastline almost every weekend to get lost in the pine trees, rocks and rivers of the Sierra Nevada range. Her favorite activities include rock climbing, SUP paddling, kayaking, mountain biking, camping and the occasional backpacking trip. When not away on an adventure, she can be found eating burritos and paddling off the coast, training at Pacific Edge Climbing Gym or nestled away in her cozy tiny house with cookies and adventure reading.