TTM Summit Readiness Simulator · Powered by the Banister Model

The Mountaineering Readiness Calculator & Summit Simulator

The Summit Simulator from Train to Mountain is the free mountaineering readiness calculator. It runs the same Banister fitness-fatigue model that Train to Mountain members use, applied to the variables you enter: target altitude, training load, current fitness, and weeks to summit. Set your inputs, and watch the science calculate your readiness in real time. Train to Mountain members get this powered by their actual wearable data, training history, and a live Ridge AI agent.

CTLiChronic Training LoadYour aerobic fitness level - a 42-day rolling average of training stress. Higher CTL = greater fitness base. The Banister model uses this as the performance-building component. ATLiAcute Training LoadShort-term fatigue - a 7-day rolling average of training stress. High ATL means your body is currently carrying recent training fatigue. TSBiTraining Stress BalanceYour form = CTL minus ATL. Positive TSB (+5 to +20) is optimal for performance. Negative = fatigued. A well-timed taper peaks form on the day it matters. SRSiSummit Readiness ScoreTTM's composite cardiovascular readiness score - combining fitness adequacy, form, altitude experience, training specificity, and recovery quality. 75+ is the target for a confident attempt.
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First, pick your mountain
Alpine Zone
4,808 m
≈ 54% of sea-level O₂ available
Required iRequired CTLThe minimum Chronic Training Load estimated for sustained cardiovascular performance at this altitude, derived from altitude physiology research (Muza, Fulco & Cymerman; West et al.). This is aerobic capacity only - technical skill and acclimatisation are separate.  CTL
60
cardiovascular fitness units
Jump to reference altitude:
What this score measures: Cardiovascular readiness for sustained aerobic effort at your target altitude - derived from altitude physiology research (Muza, Fulco & Cymerman; West's High Altitude Medicine and Physiology). Technical climbing skill, acclimatisation schedules, route conditions, and objective hazard are outside the scope of this model and must be assessed separately.

Get your real readiness score

This simulator uses estimates. TTM uses your wearable, your training history, your actual physiology. Get a personalised program built by AI from day one.

Free during beta · No credit card · iOS first, Android following

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Common questions

What is a mountaineering readiness calculator?

A tool that estimates your cardiovascular readiness for a target altitude based on your training load, fitness trend, and weeks remaining. The Summit Readiness Simulator runs the Banister fitness-fatigue model on your inputs and returns a single readiness score against the objective you set.

How accurate is the readiness score?

The interactive simulator gives a directional estimate from the variables you enter. The full TTM mountaineering training app produces the calibrated score using your real wearable data - heart rate, training load, vertical, recent session history - which is materially more accurate than any single-input form. Treat the public simulator as a quick sense-check, not a verdict.

What inputs does the readiness calculator need?

Target altitude, current weekly training volume, current fitness level (CTL or equivalent), and weeks remaining until the objective. The model uses these to estimate projected fitness on summit day and the cardiovascular reserve you should hold for altitude-corrected effort.

Why does the calculator focus on altitude, not summit speed?

Because altitude is the variable that most consistently breaks summit attempts among aerobically fit athletes. Sea-level pace and time-on-feet matter; reserve at altitude matters more. The model corrects for the oxygen drop at your target elevation to surface the readiness gap that pure fitness numbers miss.

Is the simulator free?

Yes. The public calculator is free, with no signup. The full TTM app runs the same readiness model on your wearable data, with weekly recalibration; that experience is part of the subscription.

What if my readiness score is too low?

The simulator surfaces the gap rather than promising you can close it. If projected readiness is well below the threshold for your altitude, the honest answer is usually one of: extend the timeline, drop the altitude target, or commit to a structured build that adds the missing fitness before the trip.