On Tuesday (Utah time), North's players hiked more than 15km on icy snow through some of the highest peaks of Utah.

Starting at the players’ base for the trip, the Montage Hotel, the group began its gruelling climb to Guardmans Pass, which stands at just under 10,000 feet (3km) above sea level.

There is nowhere in Australia that reaches the same heights, with the hike reaching an altitude almost one kilometre higher than the tallest peak in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko (2,228m).

With every metre climbed, the air gets thinner and breathing becomes even more difficult.

Reaching the summit, the wind picked up and the temperature fell well into minus territory. There, the players huddled as a group to listen to the thoughts of the senior players on what it takes to make it as a professional AFL footballer.

Not surprisingly, the trip down was a much quicker affair, and despite the conditions, most kept their feet.

The benefits of Utah are many, with the high altitude training just a small part of why the Roos make the trek from Arden St to North America every pre-season.

With the young players all travelling to Utah in 2015, and a select group of senior players joining them, the trip has included hikes, training at altitude and more.

Coach Brad Scott has already told NMFC.com.au why he rates the camp so highly, aside from the high altitude benefits.

“The number one thing we teach our young players is what it looks like to live an elite lifestyle for at least a few weeks. That’s invaluable,” he said.

“We come to this amazing place, this amazing hotel and we’ve got great relationships with some elite programs in NFL, NBA, Winter Olympic sports and we show the players what elite athletes do day-in, day-out.

“I think the real advantage comes from what players are doing away from the footy club and we get to immerse them in that for a long period (in Utah).”

Stay tuned for NMFC.com.au's follow of Jamie Macmillan during the hike.