3 Tips To Prevent Lake Tahoe Altitude Sickness

3 Tips To Prevent Lake Tahoe Altitude Sickness

A visit to Lake Tahoe can be a lot of fun, but altitude sickness can ruin it. By learning about Lake Tahoe elevation and following these three tips, you'll be able to minimize your risk of experiencing Lake Tahoe altitude sickness.

Lake Tahoe Altitude

Lake Tahoe altitude sits at 6,225 feet above sea level. The elevation at Lake Tahoe is above other high-altitude cities including Reno and even Denver.

  • Lake Tahoe altitude 6,225 ft (1,897 m)

Once you arrive at Lake Tahoe, 6,225 feet is usually just the beginning of the high elevation as it only increases as you go into the surrounding mountains.

Do People Get Altitude Sickness At Lake Tahoe?

Yes, people get altitude sickness at Lake Tahoe.

University Of Michigan estimates altitude sickness to start at 6,000 feet above sea level.³ This makes Lake Tahoe a prime area for altitude sickness risk at an elevation at 6,225 feet.

Follow our tips below to help avoid Lake Tahoe altitude sickness.

Lake Tahoe Altitude Sickness

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful and sought after destinations in the world. Many people who visit Lake Tahoe do not realize that the lake is at high altitude.

The lake is at 6225 feet above sea level, which means that visitors should take precautions when they arrive. That is higher than many cities and towns in California and Nevada. They say altitude sickness starts at 8000 feet, however, many people don't know that mild forms can still occur at elevations as low as 4000-5000 feet. For example, our company is based in Denver at 5280 feet and visitors commonly experience various altitude sickness symptoms.

Furthermore, if you're visiting Lake Tahoe to ski, it's even worse. Ski resorts such as Palisades Tahoe, Heavenly, Northstar California, Kirkwood, and Sugar Bowl can rise to peaks as high as 10,067 feet and cause more moderate to severe altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness, occurs when the air you're breathing contains less oxygen from the high altitudes. At 6225 feet, Lake Tahoe is estimated to have 20% less oxygen than at sea level. Your body will have trouble adjusting and symptoms like a headache are the most common.

Lake Tahoe altitude symptoms may include:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty sleeping
  • fatigue

Proper preparation is the best way to prevent Lake Tahoe altitude sickness.

3 Tips To Prevent Lake Tahoe Altitude Sickness

Lake Tahoe is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, it's also known for being at a higher elevation than most. If you're planning a trip, it's important to understand how to best prepare for Lake Tahoe altitude sickness. 

There's proven ways how to avoid altitude sickness. Here are three tips to help you prevent altitude sickness during your trip to Lake Tahoe:

1. Maximize Your Hydration

One of the best ways to avoid altitude sickness is to hydrate. Higher altitudes have a drier climate and cause higher rates of respiration which can cause faster fluid loss. Dehydration can lead to headaches and nausea — the same symptoms as altitude sickness.

The more fluids you drink, the better your body will be able to adjust to the change in elevation. Drink at least half a gallon per day — more if it's hot or if you're exercising vigorously.

TIP: It's best to take a product to maximize your hydration such as Zaca's chewable hydration tablets, which increases water absorption and electrolyte intake.

2. Take It Easy & Acclimate

The first thing you should do is take it easy when you arrive at Lake Tahoe. Take time to acclimate and get used to the elevation,. Even if you're an avid skier or hiker, don't overdo it on your first day in Lake Tahoe and take lots of breaks. This will give your body time to adjust to the change in elevation and help prevent altitude sickness from occurring during your vacation.

If possible, spend a night in Reno at 4505 feet in elevation (only an hour away) before driving to Lake Tahoe. Acclimate gradually especially if skiing, so at the very least try to spend a few days in Lake Tahoe before hitting the slopes or hiking trails.

Sleep is also utmost important. While altitude sickness can cause a disrupt in your sleep, it's best to get ample sleep before and during your trip and give your body time to repair and recover.

3. Take Supplements for Altitude Sickness

One of the most effective, yet underutilized steps is taking supplements for altitude sickness. With different brands of pills, liquids and tablets that are altitude adjustment supplements, there are some vital ingredients that you should look for when choosing a supplement.

In our years of research, here are two key ingredients with altitude-backed science:
  • Glutathione - A study showed Glutathione levels go down due when in high altitudes environments.¹ This amino acid is considered the body's mater antioxidant and is important to fighting oxidative stress. Supplement Glutathione to replenish this key nutrient at high altitudes and also boost your antioxidant levels to fight off the free radical damage.
  • DHM - This flavonoid which is extracted from the cherished Hovenia Dulcis plant is shown to improve performance at high altitudes. By enhancing the body such as increasing mitochondrial respiration activity, this is another key nutrient to supplement at high altitudes.
The synergistic combo of Glutathione and DHM in a supplement for altitude sickness will give your body the nutrients to better adjust to high altitudes.


Top Chewables Tablets For Altitude

Supplements for Altitude Sickness Lake Tahoe
Zaca's fast-acting chewables tablets are a top pick for altitude due to its powerful ingredients that include both Glutathione and DHM. The taste is a delicious berry and they are easy to take on-the-go with its portable packets. Take the chewables before and during your mountain trip to replenish, rehydrate and recover. Try Zaca chewable tablets today and better enjoy your altitude journey!









 

SOURCES:

1. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
2. Dihydromyricetin Improves Physical Performance under Simulated High Altitude
https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2014/11000/Dihydromyricetin_Improves_Physical_Performance.6.aspx
3. Altitude Sickness University Of Michigan Health Service
https://uhs.umich.edu/travel-altitude-sickness
4. Lake Tahoe Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Tahoe