If you’re traveling to Vail, you may be concerned about altitude sickness. And there’s good reason – the elevation in Vail averages around 8150 feet.
This can mean dreaded Vail altitude sickness symptoms which may include headaches and nausea.
But a little preparation and these five tips can help you avoid that dreaded feeling of altitude sickness when you head to Vail on your trip.
Due to its high elevation and other factors, Vail is one of the highest ski resorts in North America. The elevation of the base village is approximately 8150 ft (2,484 m) above sea level and the mountain peaks are even higher, getting as high as 11,570 ft.
Anything over 8000 feet well exceeds the range for high altitude.
For those that are unaccustomed to high altitudes, it may be helpful to know what you can do to avoid altitude sickness before your vacation to Vail. Our company, Zaca, sells our hydration packets throughout Vail and Vail Resorts, and we know first-hand what to do when it comes to altitude!
Vail altitude sits at a base elevation of 8,150 feet above sea level.
If you're visiting to ski or snowboard at Vail Ski Resort during the winter, the peak elevation of Vail altitude at the mountain is 11,570 feet (3,527 meters).
Even if visiting for summer activities, the altitude in the mountains just a step away from the Vail town can easily get anywhere between 8,500' to 11000' feet high.
The short answer, yes.
At altitudes of 8000 feet or higher is when altitude sickness most commonly starts. Vail, set at 8150 feet high, absolutely gives a high risk of getting sick.
Mountain sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. The air at higher altitudes contains less oxygen, which means that your body has to work harder to absorb the oxygen you need to do basic functions.
It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". It is very common for visitors of Vail to feel the effects of altitude sickness.
The symptoms of altitude sickness can be as simple as a headache and nausea, or as severe as high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) — a swelling of the brain that can be life-threatening.
Don't worry, you shouldn't have to worry about HACE, it usually only occurs when someone has spent over 48 hours at 13,000 feet above sea level, which is higher than Vail's tallest mountains.
Symptoms of altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) include, but are not limited to:
Altitude sickness is not life threatening if it's mild symptoms such as these. If any extreme symptoms arise, it should be addressed immediately with altitude treatment from medical professionals.
Even though Vail is a major ski resort in Colorado, it is at higher altitude than others. Whether you want to know how to prevent altitude sickness naturally, how to avoid altitude sickness while skiing, or simply avoid Vail altitude sickness for your upcoming trip, we got you covered.
Just Follow These 5 Tips To Avoid Vail Altitude Sickness:
In conclusion, to be best prepared follow these five steps including supplementing for altitude sickness, take it easy, hydrate a lot, acclimate slowly, and avoid alcohol. We also have more information on where can I buy altitude sickness pills to supplement.
Our Zaca chewables are packed with glutathione and water-boosting benefits, and sold throughout Colorado stores for altitude. Simply take some chewables leading up to your Vail trip, and every day during your trip. Try our chewables today!
SOURCES:
1. Vail Resorts Mountain Fact Sheet
https://news.vailresorts.com/mountain/vail/fact-sheet/
2. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
3. Vail Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vail,_Colorado
