A sore achilles has restricted Hamish McIntosh's output in Utah but the North big man insists he's not far away from participating in full training.

Speaking from the top of Bald Mountain in Park City, McIntosh told kangaroos.com.au working at altitude is assisting his rehabilitation immensely.

"You are working at a different level. It's harder to breathe and you can really feel yourself getting fitter.

"I haven't done as much as the other boys because I've been in rehab a little bit, but it's tough. It's all worth it when you get up the top of a mountain like this and see the view."

The 26 year-old, who this year worked in tandem with Todd Goldstein in the ruck, says recruits Cameron Richardson and Ben McKinley have quickly gelled with their new team-mates.

"They hiked really well. They've been up the front of the group and are setting a pretty good example. If I was hiking they would have definitely shown me up."

On Friday, the North Melbourne squad was put through a daunting hill-running session that left even the fittest players gasping for air.

There was little time for rest with a long walk down to Old Town Park City where there was a punishing stair climb circuit as well as boxing and weights.

"I think it's really paying off for our young group. I'm sure when we get back to Melbourne the boys are going to break some times and hopefully play some really good footy."