High-Altitude Mountaineers Discussion - Thin Air Exhibit

For centuries, mountaineers have been climbing higher. Beyond the physical endurance that it takes to reach these heights, there is the constant battle against altitude.Whenever you go higher, you lose more and more of that crucial fuel: oxygen. The relationship between altitude, oxygen, energy, endurance and the climber can mean the difference between success and failure...or life and death!

What is THIN AIR? What happens to our bodies as we go up in elevation? What are scientists learning about the effects of altitude on our bodies and minds, and on those who call the high peaks their home?

When did mountaineers first use oxygen to climb mountains? How have they progressed? Is the use of oxygen considered a climbing aid, a performance-enhancing drug?The answers are at the American Mountaineering Museum in THIN AIR: An exhibit on Altitude and Oxygen.

Thank you to our exhibit sponsors and supporters: Eddie Bauer, Golden Civic Foundation, SUUNTO, Alpha Graphics Golden, Echoserve, Altitude Research Center, Eric and Erin Simonson, American Alpine Club, American Alpine Club Library, Colorado Mountain Club and SCFD.