Aspen is the stuff of legends. It’s where world-class skiing meets high-end luxury, offering a winter wonderland that attracts celebrities, athletes, and families from around the globe. You go for the "Champagne Powder," the jaw-dropping views of the Maroon Bells, and the vibrant après-ski scene.
But there is a catch to all this beauty. Aspen literally takes your breath away, and not just because of the scenery. For many visitors, the reality of the trip hits them the moment they step off the plane. If you are flying in from sea level, places like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, your body is about to undergo a massive physiological shock. The air is thinner, drier, and holds significantly less oxygen than what you are used to.
Whether you are planning to crush the moguls on Ajax or simply shop the boutiques downtown, altitude sickness is a very real risk that can derail your vacation before it even begins.
At Zaca, we understand high altitude better than most. Based in Colorado since 2008, we have spent over a decade helping travelers, athletes, and locals conquer the challenges of elevation (with our altitude supplement). In this guide, we will break down exactly how high Aspen is, why it affects your body, and the best ways to avoid altitude sickness so you can enjoy the luxury of Aspen!
In the county of Pitkin Colorado, Aspen is a remote area of the Rocky Mountains known as where the rich and famous go to vacation. When people book a trip to the Rockies, they know they are going "up." But few realize just how high Aspen actually is. It isn't just a mountain town, it is a high-alpine environment that qualifies as "High Altitude" by even local Colorado standards.
Here is the breakdown of the elevation stats you need to know:
With some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado, Aspen has is home of the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort and close to places such as White River National Forest which includes Maroon Bells.
Aspen altitude can increase drastically if you're heading outdoors or skiing. Aspen Mountain, also called Aspen Mountain Ski Resort, climbs to 11,212 feet feet high at the summit.
The Takeaway:
It is important to distinguish between where you sleep and where you ski. Even when you are relaxing in your hotel room or grabbing dinner on Main Street (where you're spending the most time), you are sleeping at nearly 8,000 feet. This puts significant stress on your body 24 hours a day even while resting/sleeping.
When you head out to ski or snowboard, you are entering "Very High Altitude" territory. Skiing at the top of the Highland Bowl or the Cirque at Snowmass, you are at over 12,000 feet. At this height, there's roughly 36% less effective oxygen than at sea level, which is a huge difference. Keep reading to learn our tips to avoid or minimize the altitude effects.
(source: Hypoxico, Aspen town, Aspen mountain)
Aspen is known for its stunning views, but it’s also a hub for many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and rock climbing. If you’re planning an outdoor excursion in the area, you might be wondering if you will get altitude sickness. After all, the city sits at 7,908 feet above sea level.
So can you get altitude sickness in Aspen? Yes. It is high enough to cause altitude sickness in many visitors.
Altitude sickness occurs when someone travels to an area with high elevation, which has lower oxygen levels, without giving their bodies enough time to acclimate.
The condition is also referred to as acute mountain sickness (AMS) by those who live in high-altitude areas like Aspen. Symptoms often occur within 6-72 hours of reaching Aspen. Aspen Valley Health says these can even persist for a "few days or a few weeks".
Aspen altitude sickness symptoms:
With a destination as beautiful as Aspen, it's best to be well equipped on how to avoid Aspen altitude sickness than to suffer during your trip. With years of research and being a local Colorado based company, we'll share our best tips below.
Aspen doesn’t just feel high. It IS high.
Comparing Aspen to other places helps explain why your body can struggle here. Especially if you arrive fast and go hard.
This is the biggest jump.
At sea level, your body is used to plenty of oxygen. Everything feels easy. Breathing is automatic. Energy comes fast.
Then you land in Aspen.
You instantly lose about 25% of your oxygen availability. The air is thinner. Your body has to work harder just to keep up. Your heart beats faster. Your lungs push more air. Even simple things (walking, carrying bags, sleeping) can feel harder than expected.
That’s altitude shock.
Denver sits at 5,280 feet. It’s high, but manageable for most people. Many travelers feel fine there.
Aspen is different.
The town of Aspen sits more than 2,600 feet higher than Denver. That extra elevation matters. A lot.
You might feel totally normal in Denver. Then arrive in Aspen and suddenly feel winded, tired, or lightheaded. Same body. Same day. Much thinner air.
Aspen and Vail get compared all the time.
Vail Village actually sits a bit higher at 8,150 feet. But Aspen’s ski terrain tells a different story.
Mountains like Snowmass and Aspen Highlands push much higher. Snowmass tops out around 12,500 feet. That’s nearly 1,000 feet higher than Vail Mountain.
More altitude. Bigger vertical. Harder breathing. That’s why preparation makes such a big difference (as discussed below).
Aspen's altitude commonly causes altitude sickness in visitors. At 7,908 feet (2,438 m) high, you ascend much higher than Denver. And significantly higher for visitors from sea level. We'll share our best, and most researched tips to avoid Aspen altitude sickness. Here are 3 Tips For Avoiding Aspen Altitude Sickness:
Dr. Ben Peery from the TheAspenTimes emphasizes, “Hydration status really helps."
You should be drinking at least a gallon of water (or half your body weight in ounces) per day. In Aspen, you're going to want more than that because you're going to be losing fluids much faster than usual due to the thinner air and dry climate. Drinking water will help you avoid altitude sickness as it keeps your body hydrated.
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of altitude sickness so it's important that you stay hydrated. Be cautious about drinking alcohol and coffee the first few days as they can both be dehydrating.
To amplify your hydration, add Zaca's hydration packets to your daily regime to maximize water and electrolytes absorption.
When you first arrive in Aspen, don't try to overdo it. If you're used to living at sea level, your body isn't going to be used to the thinner air that exists at this altitude. Allow your body some time to acclimate before you start hiking, skiing or doing any extra physical activities. Acclimating can take anywhere from a day or two up to a week depending on the person.
It's also best if you spend at least a day or two at lower altitudes before going all the way up to Aspen, or else you'll definitely get some symptoms. You can start by staying in Denver then moving up gradually as your body adjusts.
Take a remedy for altitude sickness before you even leave for your trip or as soon as you get to your destination. Altitude sickness prevention is the best bet, and certain remedies and ingredients exist that are shown to help with altitude adjustment.
In our research, we've found these two ingredients proven to help or even prevent altitude sickness:
These two remedy ingredients, Glutathione and Dihydromyricetin are a safe bet to use during you stay to avoid Aspen altitude sickness.
This concludes our researched list of tips to avoid Aspen altitude sickness — including drinking lots of water, taking it easy and acclimating, and taking an altitude remedy or supplement.
If your schedule allows it, this is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Don’t rush straight to Aspen.
Stage your ascent instead.
Spending one night at a lower elevation gives your body time to adjust. It reduces stress. It helps you sleep better. And it lowers your risk of altitude sickness once you go higher.
Here are a few great spots nearby:
About an hour from Aspen. And one of the best places to acclimate.
The elevation is much easier on your body. You can walk around without getting winded. Sleep comes easier. Recovery feels faster.
Plus, the hot springs are a bonus. They help you relax, rehydrate, and unwind before heading higher.
Just down the valley from Aspen.
Basalt sits more than 1,000 feet lower than Aspen, which makes a real difference—especially at night. Many people sleep noticeably better here.
It’s quiet, scenic, and a solid place to ease into altitude without overdoing it.
About 30 miles from Aspen and full of character.
Carbondale sits at a “just right” elevation. High enough to start adapting. Low enough to avoid strong symptoms.
It’s a great middle ground if you want to prepare your body without pushing it too fast.
If you can stage your trip, do it.
Your body will thank you once you hit Aspen.
Zaca chewables are a natural herbal supplement designed to help support your body at high altitudes. Popularized first in Colorado, these tablets are easy to take on-the-go and delicious tasting. Containing natural ingredients and herbs including both Glutathione and Dihydromyricetin, you can rehydrate, replenish, and recover. Try Zaca chewable tablets today and feel better faster on your mountain trip!
Why pack Zaca for Aspen?
Aspen doesn’t end in town.
Many of the most popular hikes and activities take you even higher. Higher elevation means thinner air, faster fatigue, and harder breathing if you’re not ready.
Here’s what to expect before you head out:
Aspen rewards preparation. Pace yourself and follow our top tips so you can better enjoy the mountains without burning out.
Aspen is special. Luxury meets wild mountains. Big views. Big days. But the elevation in Aspen is real, and it demands a little respect.
Prepare before you arrive, here's the top takeaways:
Yes, no question it is high altitude. Aspen sits at 7,891 feet, which officially counts as high altitude. Once you hit the ski areas, you’re climbing past 12,000 feet. That puts you in very high altitude territory. For reference, that’s higher even by local Colorado standards, and compared to most cities in Colorado.
You likely will, especially if you’re coming from sea level. Many visitors feel mild symptoms in their first few days. Headaches. Fatigue. Shortness of breath. Poor sleep. Severe cases are rare, but feeling off is common in Colorado ski towns.
Breckenridge’s town is higher. It sits at 9,600 feet, while Aspen is lower at 7,891 feet. The difference? Aspen’s ski terrain climbs just as high, mountains like Snowmass and Aspen Highlands reach similar peak elevations.
The most effective cure is going lower. But that's usually not an option for vacationing, nor needed for mild symptoms. Rest and quality sleep, hydration (especially with electrolytes), antioxidants, and over-the-counter pain relievers (such as Ibuprofen) can ease headaches if absolutely needed.
Yes. Options are pretty easy to find, Aspen has oxygen bars around town. Rescue Lounge and Base State Longevity to name a few. Oxygen rentals are available as well, such as Alpine Oxygen, which seems to have the best results. Portable oxygen canisters (like Boost) have become popular too in Colorado, sold at local grocery stores and pharmacies. Although we find the science and claimed results somewhat questionable.
Most people need 1 to 3 days to feel like themselves again. Some feel fine after a day. Others take longer, especially if they fly in and hit the Aspen/Snowmass slopes right away.
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