Bozeman's Broth: Altitude Air Blocking Collagen?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 1, 2026

The crisp mountain air of Bozeman, Montana, while invigorating, can wreak havoc on your skin and joints. The altitude, combined with the dry climate, creates a perfect storm for dehydration and collagen breakdown. But fear not, fellow Bozemanites and visitors! There’s a delicious and effective way to combat these high-altitude woes: bone broth.

Let’s dive into how bone broth, specifically its collagen content, can be your secret weapon against the harsh realities of Bozeman’s high-altitude environment.

The Science Behind Altitude and Your Body

Bozeman sits at an elevation of around 4,820 feet. This altitude presents two primary challenges: lower oxygen levels and drier air. Lower oxygen means your body works harder, increasing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress damages cells, including those responsible for collagen production. Drier air pulls moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, cracking, and accelerated aging. This is why you might notice your skin feeling tighter and drier than usual after a day hiking the “M.”

Collagen: The Key to Resilience

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It’s the structural component of your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together. At higher altitudes, your body’s collagen production can be compromised due to increased oxidative stress and dehydration. Supplementing with collagen, particularly through bone broth, can help replenish these lost stores and support overall health.

Why Bone Broth?

Bone broth is essentially stock made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period. This process extracts collagen, gelatin, and other beneficial nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds are known to support joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve skin elasticity. Unlike some collagen supplements, bone broth provides these benefits in a whole-food form, making them more easily absorbed and utilized by the body.

Bozeman Bone Broth Options: A Local Comparison

While you can find bone broth in most grocery stores, supporting local businesses is always a plus. Here are a few Bozeman options to consider:

Montana Bone Broth Co.: A local company specializing in high-quality, grass-fed bone broth. They offer various flavors and delivery options within Bozeman. Their broth is simmered for 24 hours, ensuring maximum collagen extraction.
Farmers’ Markets: Keep an eye out for local farmers and ranchers selling bone broth at the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market or the summer Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market. This is a great way to support small-scale producers and get a truly fresh product.
Co-ops and Health Food Stores: Stores like the Community Food Co-op often carry locally sourced bone broth options. Check their refrigerated sections for brands made in Montana.

When choosing a bone broth, look for options made with grass-fed or pasture-raised animals. These animals tend to have higher levels of collagen and other beneficial nutrients. Also, check the ingredient list for added salt, sugar, or artificial flavors. The simpler the ingredient list, the better.

DIY Bozeman Bone Broth: Optimized for Altitude

Making your own bone broth is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the ingredients and simmering time. Here’s a recipe optimized for collagen absorption and addressing altitude-related ailments:

Ingredients:

2-3 pounds of beef bones (knuckle bones, marrow bones, and meaty bones are ideal) - You can often find these at local butchers like Owenhouse Ace Hardware or the Meat Shoppe.
1 gallon of filtered water (Bozeman tap water is generally good, but filtering removes any potential contaminants).
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV helps extract minerals from the bones).
1 large onion, roughly chopped.
2 carrots, roughly chopped.
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped.
1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally.
1 inch of ginger, peeled and sliced (ginger helps with inflammation, common at high altitudes).
1 teaspoon of black peppercorns (pepper enhances nutrient absorption).
1 bay leaf.
Optional: Turmeric root (another anti-inflammatory powerhouse), rosemary, thyme.

Instructions:

Roast the Bones (Optional): Roasting the bones at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes enhances the flavor of the broth.
Combine Ingredients: Place the bones, water, ACV, vegetables, garlic, ginger, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a large stockpot or slow cooker.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a very low simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Cook: Simmer for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum collagen extraction. The longer it simmers, the richer and more gelatinous it will be.
Strain: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Discard the solids.
Cool and Store: Let the broth cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Altitude-Specific Tips:

Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when consuming bone broth. This helps your body utilize the collagen effectively.
Add Electrolytes: Consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to your bone broth to replenish electrolytes lost due to dehydration.
Listen to Your Body: Start with small servings of bone broth (1 cup per day) and gradually increase as tolerated. Some people may experience mild digestive upset initially.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Not Simmering Long Enough: The key to extracting collagen is a long, slow simmer. Don’t rush the process.
Using Too Much Salt: Bone broth should be subtly flavored, not overly salty. Add salt sparingly, if at all.
Not Removing Foam: Skimming off the foam during the initial simmering process helps create a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth.
Storing Broth Improperly: Always cool the broth completely before storing it to prevent bacterial growth.

Real-World Applications in Bozeman

Imagine this: You’ve just spent a day skiing at Bridger Bowl, your muscles are aching, and your skin feels tight and dry. A warm cup of homemade bone broth is the perfect remedy. The collagen helps repair muscle tissue, while the gelatin soothes your joints. The added hydration and electrolytes replenish what you’ve lost on the slopes.

Or perhaps you’re a Bozeman resident struggling with dry skin year-round. Incorporating bone broth into your daily routine can help improve skin elasticity and hydration from the inside out. It’s a natural and effective way to combat the effects of the dry mountain air.

Beyond Skin and Joints

The benefits of bone broth extend beyond skin and joint health. It’s also a gut-friendly food that can help improve digestion and boost your immune system. The gelatin in bone broth helps heal the gut lining, while the amino acids support immune function. In a place like Bozeman, where outdoor activities are a way of life, maintaining a strong immune system is crucial.

Bone broth is more than just a trendy health food; it’s a time-honored remedy that can help you thrive in Bozeman’s unique environment. By understanding the science behind altitude’s impact on your body and incorporating bone broth into your diet, you can combat dryness, support joint health, and enjoy all that this beautiful mountain town has to offer. So, grab some bones, fire up your stockpot, and get ready to experience the healing power of bone broth. Your skin and joints will thank you.