5 Tips To Avoid Breckenridge Altitude Sickness - Zaca

5 Tips To Avoid Breckenridge Altitude Sickness

Breckenridge Altitude Sickness

Are you planning to visit Breckenridge? Breckenridge altitude sickness is commonly a big problem for tourists.

There's nothing like the perfect day skiing or shopping in Breckenridge. But that feeling of total bliss can be quickly diminished when you start to get altitude sickness such as dizziness, high altitude headaches and other altitude symptoms.

Being based in Colorado, we give you 5 tips help you on how to avoid altitude sickness so that you can enjoy the perfect trip to Breckenridge. Whether it's to ski, hike or just enjoy the mountain town full of fun restaurants, shopping and activities -- you'll be well prepared to prevent Breckenridge altitude sickness.

 

Breckenridge Altitude Sickness

Breckenridge Colorado is an amazing ski resort and fun Colorado mountain town. It is home to some of the most extreme skiing and snowboarding in North America. 

Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet above sea level. This altitude can have an effect on anyone even if you have been to the Rocky Mountains before. With its ski runs and hiking trails above 10,000 feet, Breckenridge is one of the highest towns in the United States. That means guests visiting this Colorado mountain town may need to take a few extra altitude sickness precautions before hitting the slopes and trails.
 

Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Breckenridge?

The short answer is yes, you can get altitude sickness in Breckenridge. That doesn’t mean that every visitor will experience it though as it depends on your personal level of fitness as well as your previous experience with higher altitudes.

Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Breckenridge. This is because Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet above sea level, and even higher than that if you're on the slopes or hiking trails!

Breckenridge altitude sickness is actually quite common. Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is caused by lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The symptoms are similar to those of a hangover -- headaches, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. It commonly occurs at 8000 feet, where Breckenridge is much higher.

Breckenridge Altitude Sickness Symptoms

While it is rare for visitors to experience life threatening altitude sickness, nearly everyone feels some of its effects.

Here are some common symptoms of mild altitude sickness:

  • headaches
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea or vomiting
  • fatigue and loss of energy
  • dizziness
  • shortness of breath
  • sleep disturbance or insomnia

Higher altitudes can also cause High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). HAPE is fluid accumulation in the lungs and causes labored breathing and a persistent dry cough. HACE is fluid accumulation in the brain and causes a severe headache, drowsiness, confusion and unsteady gait. These are very unlikely at Breckenridge's elevation levels, but if you do feel very severe symptoms beyond the mild ones listed, seek Breckenridge altitude sickness treatment from a medical professional or hospital.

5 Tips To Avoid Breckenridge Altitude Sickness

Breckenridge is a wonderful destination that is 9,600 feet above sea level. The change in altitude can cause some people to experience minor altitude sickness, which can be avoided by following a few simple travel tips. We'll show you how to prevent altitude sickness naturally.

Here Are 5 Tips To Avoid Breckenridge Altitude Sickness:

1. Load up on Glutathione

Taking supplements for altitude sickness is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. One study discovered that when people are at high altitudes, their glutathione levels can decrease up to 45%.¹

Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps the body adjust to higher altitudes and reduces free radical damage. You can take glutathione supplements to help protect your body from altitude sickness.

Our recovery chewables are loaded with glutathione.

2. Acclimate Slowly

If you've driven into Breckenridge from Denver (elevation 5,280 feet), give your body time to adjust before you start feeling active. Don't go to any higher altitudes, so you want to avoid skiing or trail hiking for at minimum the first 24 hours.

Give yourself time to adjust before arriving too, like spending at least a night or two in Denver at an elevation lower than Breckenridge.

3. Drink plenty of water

Drink water, drink water, drink water: This can't be said enough. At altitude, the air is dryer and thinner than at sea level. Your body needs more water than usual to cope with the change and stay hydrated. Drink lots of water — or better yet electrolyte-rich hydration packets — and avoid caffeine until your body gets used to the elevation.

4. Rest Up

Give yourself plenty of rest as your body adjusts to the elevation change, especially during the first 24 hours. Mild exercise such as a walk around town is great but don't overdo it. The more strenuous the activity the more likely you are to experience symptoms of altitude sickness like dizziness, nausea, headache and shortness of breath.

5. Avoid drinking alcohol

It is best to avoid alcohol at least during your first day in Breckenridge as alcohol is dehydrating and will make symptoms worse. Alcohol can interfere with your body's ability to adapt to the high altitude. If possible, avoid drinking alcohol until after your body has adjusted to the change in elevation, usually up to 2 days.


In conclusion, for your best chance at avoiding Breckenridge altitude sickness ─ load up on glutathione, acclimate slowly, drink plenty of water, rest up, and avoid drinking alcohol early on.

Our Best Weapon For Altitude

altitude sickness breckenridge
Our Zaca chewables are loaded with glutathione and hydration enhancing benefits. A top choice throughout Colorado stores, and a great preparation before making your Breckenridge trip. Take a packet of chewables for a few days leading up to your trip, then 1-2 packet a day during your stay in Breckenridge. Try our recovery chewables today!

 








SOURCES:

1. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/ 

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