Ski resorts are constantly searching for the next competitive amenity to lure luxury travelers, and a new development in Telluride, Colorado, has just raised the bar. Altitude Control Technology (ACT), a world leader in altitude simulation, has announced it is bringing its oxygenation systems to the town’s newest and largest luxury resort project, marking a first-of-its-kind installation in North America.
The technology works by precisely altering oxygen levels within a room to simulate lower elevations. By making guests feel as if they are at sea level, the system is designed to combat the common discomforts of high-altitude travel, promoting better sleep and increased energy for outdoor adventures.
For decades, oxygenation in commercial spaces faced significant regulatory hurdles due to safety concerns. To clear the way for this Telluride installation, ACT partnered with the Telluride Fire Protection District, fire risk engineer Dr. Michael Larrañaga, and other consultants to draft an unprecedented building code. This new regulatory framework complies with the National Fire Protection Association and national building codes, ensuring the project meets rigorous safety standards.
“This is significant not only for Telluride, but also to serve as a model for future projects and our industry as a whole,” Kyle Bassett said, COO of ACT. “We worked with several consulting partners to turn the safety standards we have pioneered into law.”
This expansion into the resort sector follows a growing trend in hospitality. According to data from the global hospitality association HITEC, 84 percent of luxury travelers now seek wellness services that go beyond traditional spa menus, favoring preventative health and longevity-focused amenities.
ACT, which has operated in the altitude simulation space since 1995, has spent three decades refining its systems for universities, research institutions — including Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic — and private residences. As mountain destinations look toward future growth, including preparations for events like the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, this new regulatory path offers a blueprint for other municipalities to integrate advanced wellness technology safely.
Beyond the Telluride project, ACT is currently completing an installation at a luxury wellness resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. As these systems become more common in the luxury travel and real estate markets, they offer a new solution for guests and residents who previously struggled to adjust to the thin air of mountain environments.
