3 Ways To Prevent Big Bear Altitude Sickness
If you're going from Los Angeles to Big Bear, developing altitude sickness isn't that uncommon. Of course, you don't want to let it ruin your trip. Here are the three ways you can prevent Big Bear altitude sickness.
Big Bear Altitude Sickness
If you're wondering if Big Bear is high altitude, while the lake is 6,752 feet in elevation, the Big Bear Ski resort is at a base of 7140 feet and peaks as high as 8,805 feet.
So can you get altitude sickness in Big Bear? Yes, altitude sickness is very common around 8000 feet, and we know from first hand experience living in Colorado that visitors will suffer the illness at even lower altitudes.
Not only is Big Bear's altitude high enough to cause altitude sickness, if you're coming from Los Angeles, the beach or other parts California, you're accending very fast to high altitudes from sea level. This can further worsen altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness, is mostly caused by lower oxygen levels, and even dehydration from the dryer climates. Symptoms that you want to look out for and can include:
- headaches
- fatigue or weakness
- malaise
- trouble sleeping
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
Keeping on eye on these symptoms and taking precautions we discuss below will give you the best chance to avoiding altitude sickness.
Big Bear Altitude
Big Bear altitude sits at 6,752 ft at the lake, and jumps to 7,140 feet at Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort. At the ski area the elevation jumps to 8,805 feet at the summit.
- Big Bear lake altitude - 6,752 ft (2,058 m)
- Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort base altitude - 7,140 ft (2,180 m)
- Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort summit altitude - 8,805 ft (2,684 m)
At only 100 miles away from Los Angeles, these altitudes are very high when you're coming from sea level.
3 Ways To Prevent Big Bear Altitude Sickness
Big Bear is full of fun activities, but it can also be a dangerous place if you don't take the right precautions. Whether going to Big Bear Lake or Big Bear Ski Resort, if you want to prevent altitude sickness there's a few proven ways. The better prepared you are, the lessoned your chances to get altitude sickness so that your trip is as enjoyable as possible.
Here's 3 ways to prevent Big Bear altitude sickness:
1. Maximize Hydration
The first step in preventing Big Bear altitude sickness is maximizing hydration before and during your trip. Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day before leaving for Big Bear, and each day during your visit.
Altitude sickness is partially caused by the dry climate air at higher altitudes. And the lower oxygen levels also caused increase respiration, leading to increased loss of bodily fluids.
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body properly hydrated and prevents dehydration which can make matters worse when dealing with high altitudes like those found in Big Bear. Try to drink between half a gallon to a gallon of water a day. Also avoid dehydrating effects of alcohol initially before you adjust to the altitude,
alcohol and altitude sickness are a bad recipe.
TIP: Water alone is difficult to maximize your hydration, but by taking a
hydration product you can enhance the effects of water. Zaca hydration
chewable electrolytes can help your body increase water absorption and electrolyte intake.
2. Acclimate & Take It Easy
When people travel to higher altitudes, they often find themselves feeling lightheaded or dizzy — the first symptoms of altitude sickness. If you start feeling these symptoms while hiking or biking in Big Bear, take it easy and take frequent breaks until they subside.
If possible, take it slow when hiking at higher elevations so that your body can adjust to the decreased oxygen levels in the air. Try to avoid going out for a hike or skiing on your first day at elevation, instead stick to short walks around town or nearby trails until you feel comfortable enough.
Lastly, get as much as sleep as possible on your first few days. Sleep allows your body to further fight off the higher altitude conditions.
3. Take An Altitude Adjustment Supplement
Here are two key ingredients in a supplement to prevent altitude sickness:
-
Glutathione - Known as the body's master antioxidant, in research Glutathione has been shown to deplete from high altitudes by up to 45%.¹ Supplementing Glutathione is essential to replace the body's Glutathione levels and help fight off the high altitude oxidative stress and damage.
-
DHM - A flavonoid that is derived from the Hovenia Dulcis tree and cherished for its medicinal qualities in Asia, has been shown to improve performance at high altitudes.² The research shows it improves mitochondrial respiration activity. DHM is considered another one of the essential herbs for high altitude that you'll want to supplement.
By taking an altitude adjustment supplement with Glutathione and DHM, you'll best equip your body to fight altitude sickness.
Top Rated Altitude Supplement
Zaca is the world's first chewable altitude supplement for climbing, mountaineering, skiing, traveling and sports. The great tasting chewables combine a unique blend of ingredients, including Glutathione and DHM, to fuel your body for higher altitudes. With amino acids, antioxidants and herbs, you can feel better faster. Zaca comes in a convenient and easy-to-carry packets. Try Zaca's altitude supplement today to power your altitude trip.
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. Big Bear Lake California Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bear_Lake,_California
4. Big Bear Ski Area Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_Mountain_(ski_area)
