Altitude

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HIGH ALTITUDE WARNING!
If you are traveling with an infant we recommend speaking with your pediatrician before you make vacation plans!  

Infants and the elderly have more altitude concerns than children or adults.  Most precautions typical travelrs take to avoid altitude sickness to do not work for infants or the elderly.  Even the healthiest infant may react poorly to the high altitude environment of Summit County!



Oxygen tanks may be delivered to your residence by the following local companies:
www.alpinaire.com

www.24houroxygen.com
The base elevation of Breckenridge, CO is 9,600 feet.  This is almost 2 miles above sea level!


When traveling from a low altitude to a high altitude please take the following precautions to ensure you fully enjoy your vacation!


  • If you are FLYING in from a low altitude location we strongly recommend spending your first night at a hotel near your arrival airport.  Most Colorado airports are at a lower elevation than Summit County.   Spending your first night near the airport will allow your body to acclimate more easily to the high altitude.  Traveling directly from sea level to 9,600 feet can be a large shock to your system and can result in long lasting or more severe altitude sickness.
  • If you are driving in from another state your body will typically acclimate to altitude changes as you drive.  However, if you are making a drastic altitude change we recommend stopping to spend the night (or a few hours) half way through your journey.
  • Drinks LOT of water.
  • Avoid maximum physical exertion for the first few days.
  • Humidifiers are recommended in sleeping areas.
  • Limit any dehydrating agent.  This includes alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages and time in hot tubs/saunas.
  • Be aware that consuming alcohol at high altitude can affect you at a much higher rate.  The rule of thumb is 1 = 3.  One drink at high altitude equals three drinks at sea level.  Take caution when drinking alcohol - hangovers are also three times worse!