Altitude Defense Academy
Your Premier Destination for Virtual Training Education and Community Connection
At Altitude Defense Inc., we are your gateway to a thriving community centered around virtual self-defense simulation training. Our focus is on practical techniques to help you protect yourself from imminent harm and build lasting self-reliance. We foster a welcoming, no-judgment atmosphere where individuals of all experience levels can begin their personal defense journey with confidence.
Our core values revolve around education, encouragement, and integrity. We take pride in equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a confident and responsible protector of yourself and your loved ones. We believe in cultivating a mindset that empowers you not only in self-defense situations but also in many other areas of life.
For those serious about personal defense, we offer an extensive selection of defensive tools, optics, accessories, and high-quality security safes. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we’ll go the extra mile to source it for you.
Altitude Defense is more than a store — it’s a hub for connecting our community with other local businesses in Pagosa Springs and the surrounding areas. Through strong partnerships, we bring you the finest products and services, ensuring your complete satisfaction and building lasting relationships.
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards while running a successful business that benefits everyone in our community.
Experience our state-of-the-art Milo Virtual Defense Range and participate in classes that teach the fundamentals of effective personal protection. And for those who enjoy the finer things, explore our 6-foot humidor stocked with a wide range of cigars — from sweet and mild to premium options like Ashton and Cohiba. You can relax and enjoy them on our comfortable “Altitude Patio.”
We invite you to visit us and discover what Altitude Defense is all about. Join our community, learn, shop, and experience the very best in personal defense, education, and camaraderie. Your journey starts here.
Our Mission Statement
We believe in empowering individuals, believing in their potential to achieve self-reliance for their own safety and the safety of others. Our approach involves educating customers in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere. Our goal is to cultivate a mindset among our clients that values the preciousness of life and encourages them to defend themselves against potential threats.
At Altitude Defense, we embrace each person as a unique individual with their own background and experiences. From those unfamiliar with firearms to seasoned experts, we provide guidance and support. Our mission is to foster courage in individuals seeking readiness for unexpected challenges, recognizing that when a person develops confidence and knowledge in one area of life it often becomes a catalyst for improvement in other facets of their life.
Our focus extends beyond firearms training; we aim to nurture self-belief and empower people to recognize their capabilities.
Cindy
Owner & Founder
My name is Cynthia Heitz. I have been in Pagosa Springs all my life. I am beyond excited to be the founder of Altitude Defense and to bring a safe, judgment-free zone to Pagosa where people can visit, learn new skills, gain a new mindset, and increase your firearm tenacity.
A few years ago, I decided I wanted to purchase my first firearm. I walked into a gun store and saw a “cool one” and asked if I could see it. I did not know the first thing about firearms or sliding the rack of a pistol. When they handed it to me, I didn’t know where to place my finger. I pulled the rack of the gun back, and, yes, it tore my finger! I handed the gun back and left immediately feeling discouraged and disregarded.
A few weeks later, I took the courage to go to a different gun store. After spending 15 minutes with the patient store owner, I was confident enough to purchase my first firearm. I even signed up for his virtual training classes. In those classes, I received training and learned valuable skill sets on using my firearms. I also grew an awareness of my surroundings, a respect for owning a firearm, increased my self-confidence and acquired a new mindset. I felt empowered. In the following months, I ran into many individuals who experienced similar situations or felt too afraid to even try. They expressed wanting to be more confident in owning, carrying and handling firearms. Others, like me, felt too intimidated to step into a gun store in the first place.
This is when Altitude Defense was born. To create a judgment-free atmosphere where individuals felt empowered in owning and handling firearms. This is where the idea of Altitude Defense was born. Whether you have a gun safe full of firearms or you’ve never held a gun before, I encourage you to stop by and learn new empowering skills and grow your confidence.
Jeff
#1 Supporter & Biggest Fan
My husband, Jeff, is my biggest supporter. He stands behind me and will help me do whatever it takes to make this store and my vision success! He is also my best customer!
Businesses we do business with!
