High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening form of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema that occurs in otherwise healthy people at altitudes above 2,500 meters. Risk factors include a rapid rate of ascent, a history of HAPE, respiratory infections, cold conditions, and certain cardiopulmonary abnormalities. The pathophysiology involves patchy pulmonary hypoxic vasoconstriction leading to overperfusion in some lung areas and increased capillary pressure, causing fluid to accumulate in the alveoli. Exercise and cold can also increase pulmonary pressures and contribute to HAPE. Prompt descent is needed to treat HAPE, as it remains a major cause of high-altitude related death.