North Melbourne's second high performance altitude training camp in Utah has officially begun.

The majority of the players, coaches and support staff have arrived in the famous ski location of Deer Valley on Monday evening (local time) for the three-week intensive program.

While Daniel Wells (health), Andrew Swallow (International rules/arriving late), Brent Harvey (arriving late) and Cameron Richardson (hip/arriving late) were absent, a new face in former Hawk Will Sierakowski was given an opportunity to meet his new team-mates for the first time.

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Addressing the group at the exquisite Montage resort, director of sports science and rehabilitation Pete Mulkearns warned there would be an incredible amount of physical and mental hard work ahead.

"It's something that is going to underpin this camp and it's going to underpin all our training. It's so important that you are ready to work hard, that you recover well. We've got you in great surroundings to do it, but when you are here, we have to work hard."

And he wasn't lying about the surrounds. The Montage resort is one of the newest luxury accommodation facility's in the region having only opened in December 2010,
less than 60 kilometres from the Salt Lake City airport.

Situated atop Empire Pass, Montage boasts 154 deluxe guestrooms and 66 suites and residences, all with breathtaking alpine views.

This will be the highest point the players will stay during the camp. At Deer Valley, there are three separate villages: Snow Park Village at 7200 feet above sea level, Silver Lake Village at 8100 feet, and Empire Pass at 8145 feet.

The resort has a large gym, an indoor and outdoor pool, bowling alley, archery field, spa centre and shops among other things.

But while the resort offers world class amenities, it's clear North Melbourne is only here to work hard in preparation for season 2012.