[Aspects and necessity of moderate-altitude research]

Alpinism in all its variations is a leading factor in tourism. Within a few decades, alpine sports, even at high altitudes, have become available to a wide range of people. Now, more people than ever before are hiking, trekking, climbing and skiing at moderate and high altitudes. Annually, 40 million people spend time in the Alps and 100 million visit high altitudes worldwide. However, alpine excursions may entail health problems and many aspects of impaired adaptation to altitude remain unstudied. High-altitude research has mainly been associated with expeditions, with moderate altitudes receiving far less attention, though most tourism takes place at that level. The overwhelming numbers of alpine tourists mean that there is urgent need for high- and moderate-altitude medical research, which would also be within the realm of political responsibility in mountainous countries. Research in mountain medicine and dissemination of relevant findings can show how to improve and conserve performance in healthy individuals and could point the way toward new, safe approaches in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic diseases. It is imperative that mountain medicine continues to develop on a scientific basis.