zztop

This may seem like an odd question but is the mountain air difficult to breathe? What I mean is since I will be at such a high altitude, will I be uncomfortable? Thanks.

rkkwan

Mean elevation of Montana is 3,400 feet; only the 8th highest in the nation. And all the major cities are 4,000ft or under. Lower than Denver.

Where are you going to?

And have you flown on a plane? Modern airplanes have cabin pressure similar to about 7,000ft above sea level.

dwooddon

It depends on your own physiology and at what altitude you are. Different people react in varying ways. I never have any problem below about 7,000 feet. Above that, I am more easily winded and strenious activity starts becoming more difficult. As I go higher, these conditions become more severe for me (I'm 64 years old). The worst symptoms I have ever had was minor headaches and tiring easier until I became acclimated, however, some others have had more severe symptoms and some become physically ill.

If you can, I would try to acclimatize myself at moderate altitudes for a few days before going into the higher altitudes. The experts also recommend drinking plenty of water since the less dense air seems to dehydrate most people more quickly than at lower altitudes.

One other risk you need to take prevention for is sunburn. In less dense conditions, the suns rays are not deflected as much by the atmosphere than at lower levels. I suggest a wide-brimmed hat of some sort, long sleeves and pants, and a good sunscreen lotion.

I believe much of Montana is at lower altitudes than many of the other mountain states so you should expereince less of a problem than in higher areas.

gail

Everyone is different. I have a m ild lung problem from birth and expected to at least notice a difference in past years trips to Grand Canyon, Denver, Grand Teton (the National Park - not actually on the mountain!). I never noticed a thing - except that the air was clean, clearn and beautiful. Also depends on how strenuous your activity level will be.

J_Correa

I have a little trouble with altitude - not if I have driven from sea level, but when I fly someplace. I just end up with a headache and slight queeziness the first day. It isn't anything that would prevent me from going though. I just make sure to drink lots of water, take an aspirin for the headache, and turn in early the first night. When I wake up, I am fine. Oh, and I don't drink any alcohol the first day.

rickandpat

I am very sensitive to altitude, which becomes all too evident when I go back to visit Colorado. We lived in Denver for 4 years, and I often had trouble when we went to the mountains, even living at 5000 feet.

But I have never had trouble in Montana (skiing, hiking or camping) since it is not that high, as rkkwan pointed out.