At a height of 2650 m a.s.l., the UFS Schneefernerhaus is situated at a threshold height above which healthy people have to acclimatize for any long-term stay. Patients with heart or pulmonary disorders may experience problems at this height.
The ambient air pressure at the station is equivalent to the cabin pressure in commercial aircrafts. Therefore the UFS is an ideal place for studies relating to altitude acclimatization, performance at altitude, air-travel, breathing regulation, cognition, metabolism (risk groups) and the effect of climate on manifestations of disease. It is the German reference center for the effects of moderate altitude exposure on healthy subjects and patients with respiratory disorders. Due to its remoteness from sources of natural and anthropogenic pollutants and pollen, the station is a suitable location for studies relating to the effect of climate change on illness severity in allergy and asthma patients.