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...

1. (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. 
   
2. Drive to Breck - if you can.  The gradual drive up will help you acclimate as you go.
3. 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.
4. Don’t over-exert yourself when you first arrive in Breckenridge.  You know your body – don’t push it.­­
5. Limit alcohol intake – at least until you get used to the altitude…
6. Eat light, easily digestible foods, especially the day before arriving.
7. 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...!
   

Note:  ·       

• 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