You know when you go on a trip, and it seems like there is one tiny little detail that everyone failed to mention to you? Well that little teeny tiny detail that I missed before the trip to Breckenridge was none other than the dangers of altitude sickness - also known as mountain sickness.
The altitude affects everyone differently, and unfortunately for me, the extreme altitude in Breckenridge meant a little unpleasantness. So, I invite you to learn from my experience.
Mistake #1
Upon arrival, I took a shuttle straight from the Denver airport to Breckenridge, which is at an elevation of about 10,000 ft., compared to Denver at about 5,000 ft. Bad choice.
Doctors recommend that you actually stay in Denver for the first night, to lessen the effects of the altitude. Unfortunately for me, I found this out a little too late. While relaxing in front of a fire my first night, I started to feel a little dizzy and nauseous, and told a friend that I felt like I was going to pass out, which I promptly did.
Mistake #2
After an okay night’s sleep, I got up early and hit the slopes. Yet another bad idea.
It is recommended that you take it easy the first day in a high-elevation location. By noon I felt like I may or may not live the rest of the day. I am talking nausea, headache and generally the sickest I have ever felt. Worse than the flu. So, much to my dismay, I had to leave the slopes for the day, and head back to the condominiums.
What’s even more unfortunate is the fact that I didn’t make it from the slopes to the condo unscathed. Oh no, I, got sick on the Free Bus, in front of everyone. The bus driver even made everyone get off and wait for a new bus. Although I got a lot of “I’m sorry, that looks like a horrible time” looks, and “I wish I had some water to give you!” sentiments, it didn’t make it any less embarrassing – or any more fun. The good news is, after a long nap and a good dinner, I felt great, and woke up ready to go the next morning. Finally.
If you aren’t convinced yet, perhaps knowing that one of the people in our group ended up with pulmonary edema, aka fluid in the lungs, and we had to call Breckenridge doctors (a $600 house call!), due to shortness of breath, will convince you. So, $600 later (as I previously mentioned), his altitude sickness treatment consisted of sleeping with the assistance of an oxygen tank, and a shot in the you-know-where. After that, though, the ski vacation was finally ready to a start.
My point:
The point of me embarrassing myself and actually writing about getting sick in public is this: prepare yourself for the altitude, no matter how tough you think you are! Bear this in mind:
- People that are fit and in shape are actually more at risk, since their heart rate is lower at a resting rate.
- Drink lots of water, and hold off on the beer/alcohol.
- Stay at a lower elevation for at least 24-hours if possible (it is particularly hard on your body at night, when your heart rate slows down). You aren’t going to reap all of the benefits of altitude training, but it will help.
- And most importantly, listen to your body, and take it easy if you aren’t feeling well.
