V̇O 2 max,an Important Determinant of Success when Climbing High Mountains

Abstract

Burtscher, Martin.V̇O₂max, an important determinant of success when climbing high mountains. High Alt Med Biol. 26:382–384, 2025.—Trekking and climbing at high altitudes without the use of supplemental oxygen require high baseline aerobic performance, i.e., maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O₂max), primarily due to the loss of V̇O₂max with increasing altitude. Thus, basic individual performance (at low altitude) becomes particularly important. This fact is often underestimated, which may fail to reach the summit and could be associated with increased risks of accidents and emergencies. However, timely training preparation and aligning the planned mountaineering goal to individual performance can reduce risk and disappointment on the mountain.