Planning a ski trip to the mountains? If you live at a lower elevation, its super important to think about how to avoid altitude sickness. Trust me, it can hit anyone and turn your fun vacation into a miserable experience pretty quickly. But heres the good news: preventing altitude sickness is actually pretty simple if you know what to do.
Ill never forget the first time I saw someone dealing with altitude sickness. I was skiing with my kids, and we were at the top of a lift when a man stopped me to ask for directions. Right away, I could tell something was off.
He kept repeating himself, looked confused, and had his hand on his head like he was in pain. When I asked if he was okay, he said he needed to sit down. Turns out, he had just flown in from the East Coast that morning and hit the slopes right away. Even though he used to live in the Rockies, the sudden jump in elevation got to him.
He was a fit guy in his 30s, but within a few hours, the altitude sickness had knocked him out so badly that ski patrol had to help him down the mountain. It was rough to see, but it was also avoidable. If hed taken some time to adjust to the higher altitude, he could have skipped all that miseryand enjoyed his first day of skiing instead of losing it.
What Is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness happens when you go up to a high elevation too quickly. It can affect anyone, but its more likely to hit people who dont live near mountains or havent spent time above 10,000 feet before. The symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, feeling really tired, and dizziness. If you start to notice any of these, its super important to head back down to a lower altitude right away.
Thats why visiting high-altitude ski spots in places like Colorado or Utah can sometimes be tough for newcomers.
Who Is Most Susceptible To Altitude Sickness?
Anyone can get altitude sickness, but some people are more likely to experience it. Young kids and older adults tend to be at higher risk. Interestingly, being super fit doesnt necessarily protect you from altitude sickness, though if youre out of shape, you might feel its effects even more.
The first time I got altitude sickness was as a teenager climbing a high mountain in Colorado. I was super active and in great shape, so it really caught me off guardit made me feel weak and helpless. Over time, Ive learned that some people are just more sensitive to altitude changes than others. Ive dealt with altitude sickness many times since then, and it can be so frustrating to feel sick when others in my group are perfectly fineeven if Im in better shape than they are! Now that I know Im more prone to it, Ive learned how to prevent it as much as possible.
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Altitude Sickness In Young Children and Babies
Young kids and babies are more likely to get altitude sickness because their bodies arent used to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. They also have a harder time managing their breathing and body temperature. Symptoms in young children can include crankiness, not wanting to eat, trouble sleeping, and even vomiting. If you notice any of these signs, its really important to get them to a lower altitude right away.
If youre traveling to a high-altitude area with a baby, keep a close eye on how theyre doing since they cant tell you how they feel. Pay attention to any changes in their behaviorits better to be safe than sorry.
Symptoms Of Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness comes in three levels: mild, moderate, and severe.
- Mild symptoms include headaches, feeling tired, dizziness, and loss of appetite. If you notice these signs, drink lots of water, skip the alcohol, and take it easy for the first couple of days at high altitude. Avoid heavy exercise. If things get worse, dont waithead to a lower elevation.
- Moderate symptoms add nausea and vomiting to the mix. If this happens, its critical to get to a lower altitude right away. If you can, also get medical help.
- Severe symptoms are much more serious and include trouble breathing, confusion, and even passing out. If you or someone else has these symptoms, get to a lower elevation immediately and seek emergency medical care.
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See the pattern? If you feel sick at high altitude, the best thing you can do is head downhillfast!
How To Prevent Altitude Sickness
The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to take it slow and give your body time to adjust. If youre on a ski trip and eager to hit the slopes, this can feel tricky. But if youre not used to high altitudes, its a good idea to take a full day to ease into things. Stay moderately active without going too hightry a light hike, a swim at the resort pool, or some snowshoeing.
Make sure to drink plenty of water and skip the alcohol. Weve found that adding electrolyte mixes can really help you stay hydrated and adjust more easily.
Another helpful tip: instead of eating a couple of big meals, try having several small ones when you first arrive. Its easier on your body as it adapts to the altitude.
And if youre on any medication, check with your doctor before your trip to make sure it wont make altitude sickness worse.
Also Read: How to Pack Efficiently for a Ski Vacation?
How To Treat Altitude Sickness
If you start feeling sick at high altitude, the best thing to do is head to a lower elevation right awayespecially if youre out on the slopes. Feeling dizzy, weak, lightheaded, or confused? Dont push through it. Skiing while dealing with altitude sickness can be dangerous for both you and others. If youre too unwell to safely ski down, call ski patrol immediately for help.
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Most of the time, getting to a lower altitude and drinking plenty of water will help your body bounce back, and you can give skiing another shot the next day.
But dont ignore altitude sicknessit can stick around for days or even land you in the hospital if left untreated. Trying to push through can quickly turn your ski trip into a nightmare.
If your symptoms are severe, its important to see a doctor. They might recommend oxygen therapy, IV fluids, or medication to help you recover.
Should I Take Medication To Prevent Altitude Sickness?
If youve had altitude sickness before, its a good idea to talk to your doctor before your trip. There are medications that can help, but theyre usually meant for really high altitudeshigher than most ski resorts.
Ive used them myself when climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, but honestly, they didnt do much for me.
Altitude sickness can really mess up your ski vacation if youre not prepared. Take your time adjusting to the altitude, drink plenty of water, and make sure youre getting enough rest. If you start to feel sick or notice any symptoms while skiing, the best thing you can do is head to a lower altitude right awayits the most effective way to feel better.