Important: YOU are going to a higher elevation…
Believe me, we don’t want to scare you away with topics like “altitude sickness” (otherwise called Acute Mountain Sickness – or AMS). However, we do want you to be aware - and give you some tips...
If you feel the effects altitude illness you have choices:
Infants and Babies
- (Best tip and hardest for busy professionals) Stay a night in Denver or Colorado Springs upon your arrival. My wife and I do, every time we visit Breck.
- Drive to Breck - if you can. The gradual drive up will help you acclimate as you go.
- Begin drinking copious amounts of water a few days (like 4 days!) before you are due to arrive in Breckenridge. Hydration is the number one preventative measure you can take to stem this potential problem.
- Don’t over-exert yourself when you first arrive in Breckenridge. You know your body – don’t push it.
- Limit alcohol intake – at least until you get used to the altitude…
- Eat light, easily digestible foods, especially the day before arriving.
- Consult a physician. Diomox is available via prescription. We don't use it because we drive or spend the extra night in C-Springs or Denver. Also, we here Diomox makes alcohol taste bad ;-) However, we do have guests who swear by it...!
- Remember, flying typically dehydrates the body - so please take that into account.
- You will know if you are experiencing AMS if you feel like you have a hangover – ya know, headache, nausea and fatigue.
If you feel the effects altitude illness you have choices:
- Drive down to Denver and do some shopping. Yes, it is clinically proven that shopping can help with AMS – or is it lower elevation? Either way, while down there, remember to continue to hydrate and take your time getting back up to Breck).
- Call a doctor. Dr. David Gray, MD* @ (970) 389-7999. He is a Breckenridge doctor who does house / condo calls (no kidding!). He will provide oxygen and meds. He can also help with just about any other non-emergency medical issue. So call him at the FIRST SIGNS of an issue so you can get better and enjoy the rest of your vacation. We understand he charges about $125 for a house call. Matter of fact, it would probably cost that in gas to get to Denver and back – plus all the savings in NOT shopping.
- Drive or walk to the clinic next to City Market: highcountryhealth.com / 970.547.9200
- Oxygen tanks are for sale around town. We don’t know how effective they are…
- Don’t wait to take action against AMS. Don’t do as I would do - and try to tough it out. If you feel ill, take action so you can enjoy the rest of your trip!
Infants and Babies
- We recommend checking with your pediatrician before taking your infant.
- If they become particularly fussy, act lethargic, develop blue lips or vomit, take them to the clinic next to City Market strip mall. phone: 970.547.9200