5 Tips to Make the Elevation Bearable in Breckenridge
Tips and Tricks to Acclimate to the Altitude in Breck
The mountains surrounding Breckenridge are like something out of an alpine dream. Majestic peaks capped with snow dominate the landscape, and it’s one of the main reasons why Breck is such a popular tourist destination. However, one of the downsides of visiting the mountains is dealing with acclimating to the altitude, especially if you are used to living at sea level. Altitude sickness can bring with it a whole host of nasty symptoms, and it can ruin your whole vacation if you aren’t sure how to handle it.
If you’re worried about altitude sickness or just adjusting to being nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, we’ve got you covered. Today we’ll be exploring five tips and tricks to make the altitude in Breck more comfortable during your next trip to the Rocky Mountains.
#1: Drink Plenty of Water
While flying, have you ever noticed that you get much thirstier than usual, being up in the dry air? The same rule applies to visiting a high-altitude location like Breckenridge. Because your body is utilizing so much more energy to breathe freely in a less oxygen-rich environment, your need for water intake will increase. Add that together with Colorado’s dry climate and you’ve got a recipe for easily-avoidable dehydration, which is only hastened by being in a high-altitude location.
So, to avoid feeling bad and getting altitude sickness, it’s imperative that you drink more water than you think you’ll need. Bring along a reusable water bottle or purchase one when you get to Denver to utilize during your trip to Breck. You’ll notice that you’re much thirstier than you would be at sea level, so drink up and ensure that you stay hydrated during your trip. Not only will you feel better and more energetic when you drink more water, but you’ll also more easily avoid getting altitude sickness while you’re in the high-mountain elevations.
#2: Be Careful with Alcohol and Caffeine
Another quirk to traveling to high-elevation destinations is that substances will affect you differently, namely alcohol and caffeine, and imbibing can mean it will take longer for you to become accustomed to the altitude.
On your first days in town especially, try to avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as you can, and focus on hydrating with electrolyte-filled beverages rather than drinking a gallon of coffee or craft beers. Once you’ve become adjusted to being in higher elevations, it’s still important to be careful with alcohol, as sometimes it can be more potent when you are coming from sea level. Know your limits, but be sure to check out Breckenridge’s outstanding craft beer and brewery scene once you’ve become acclimated.
#3: Give Yourself Time to Acclimate
Acclimating to a high-altitude location like Breckenridge takes some time, but if you don’t want to spend most of your vacation feeling sick with the elevation blues, think about taking a day or two in Denver to become adjusted. However, if you’re only coming to Breck for a few days and can’t spend any time at an intermediate altitude, don’t push yourself too hard on your first day or two in town. Instead of going for a long, hard hike on your first day in Breck, for instance, wait until the last day of your vacation–at that point, you’ll be the most acclimated to the elevation and will be able to more easily and comfortably navigate the slopes.
Another thing to keep in mind when you’re coming to Breckenridge for a ski vacation is that the ski resort itself sits much higher than the town–its highest point reaches over 12,000 feet in elevation. So, even if you’re feeling alright while you’re exploring Historic Main Street, that doesn’t mean that skiing will be the same. Wait until you’ve adjusted to Breck’s altitude before heading up to the slopes, especially if you are from sea level.
#4: Know the Signs of Altitude Sickness
When you’re looking to avoid altitude sickness, it’s important to know what the symptoms of it are so you can rest and take it easy if you begin to feel sick. According to Columbia Doctors, the first signs of altitude sickness can resemble a hangover, with symptoms like:
Headache
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Low energy
Insomnia
Dizziness
If you start to feel any of these symptoms, it’s important that you keep an eye on your condition. Altitude sickness can range from mild to extremely severe and life-threatening, so if your symptoms are only getting worse and you begin to experience confusion and trouble walking, it’s time to head to the doctor (who will probably tell you to go to a lower altitude). However, for most people, altitude sickness in Breck is fairly mild, so don’t worry too much about the possibility of it becoming too severe.
#5: Grab Some Oxygen If You Need It
Our final tip for adjusting to the altitude in Breckenridge is to utilize oxygen canisters or take a trip to an oxygen bar if you need to feel better quickly.
Check out the O2 Lounge on Main Street for a quick pick me up or head over to PS Oxygen Bar for a breathing treatment that will make you feel like a million bucks. If you’re not keen on spending a bit of money to breathe more freely, King Soopers and other grocers in town typically carry oxygen canisters that you can use without spending a pretty penny to feel better.
Craving More Breck Travel Tips? Head to the LocalVR Blog
Going on a vacation to a high-altitude destination like Breckenridge can pose some challenges when you’re from sea-level, but that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your whole vacation or spend the entirety of it holed up in an oxygen bar. Follow these tips for a safer and more enjoyable trip to Breck and you’ll be soaring down the slopes, breathing freely in no time.
Craving even more travel tips? There’s plenty more to explore on the LocalVR blog, where you’ll find great guides like our overview of shopping in Breck or our recommendations of the best spas in Breckenridge.
