Due to decreasing snowfalls in the Alps and increasing popularity of skiing, glacier ski regions are highly frequented. Objective: to determine the status of arterial oxygen saturation SpO2 at rest and AMS-Symptomatology among not acclimatized skiers at a glacier ski resort at 3440 m. Methods: After a fast ascent to an altitude of 3440 m oxygen saturation (SpO2), as well as high altitude symptoms of 37 skiers (15 female, 22 male, medianage: 28 (19-53)) were determined by pulse oximetry and by high altitude symptoms questionnaire. Results: No correlation between SpO2 (Median: 89%, Min: 82, Max: 95) and questionnaire result could be found, in addition a preceding short-term stay at high altitude had no effect on the results. Despite of a notable hypoxia the skiers displayed only weak, primarily not agonizing AMS-symptoms (increasing pulse rate, reduced urine output, weakness/tiredness). The highest questionnaire score as well as the lowest SpO2 values were found among persons older than 40 years. Conclusions: Because of the latency of the high altitude illness, single-day glacier skiing at middle/high altitude is possible even in not acclimatized condition. With an increase in time spent on the glacier, a worsening of high altitude symptoms has to be expected. This can contribute to the risk of afternoon ski accidents, besides muscular fatigue.
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