Yeah I have climbed a few peaks in colorado over 14,000 feet, its not that much of a difference over climbing a 13,000 peak in terms of oxygen, what difference does 1000 feet matter anyway? you may have bigger mountains but oh well how many ski resorts in colorado are built on those mountains???
the elevation is really of no consequence until it hits 15,000. and anyone in decent physical shape can climb a hill. it takes someone with skill to ski down.