Colorado’s high elevations can present a challenge to visitors from lower altitudes. The body may struggle to adjust to the reduced oxygen availability, leading to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This illness is a common concern for travelers who quickly ascend to areas like Colorado’s ski resorts and mountain towns. Understanding how to prevent and manage AMS is essential for enjoying a safe and comfortable trip into the Rocky Mountains.
Understanding Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness occurs because the air pressure is lower at higher elevations, meaning a person takes in less oxygen than at sea level. This relative lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, strains the body’s systems. AMS typically affects unacclimated individuals at altitudes above 8,000 feet (about 2,400 meters), which encompasses many of Colorado’s popular destinations.
Symptoms usually appear within six to 24 hours of arrival. Common mild symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. While most cases are mild and resolve quickly, these symptoms signal that the body is struggling to adapt, and further ascent should be stopped.
Practical Steps for Prevention
The best strategy for avoiding altitude sickness is allowing the body sufficient time to acclimatize to the thinner air. Gradual ascent is the most effective preventive measure. Try to spend a night or two in a moderate elevation city like Denver (5,280 feet) before driving directly to a mountain town. This gives the body a chance to adapt its breathing and circulation.
Aggressive hydration is another fundamental component of prevention, as the air at high altitudes is often drier. Focus on drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-infused beverages, aiming for significantly more fluid intake than normal. Alcohol and caffeine should be limited, particularly during the first 48 hours, because they accelerate dehydration and interfere with acclimatization.
It is also important to avoid strenuous physical exertion immediately upon arrival. Tourists should not attempt intense hiking or skiing on their first day at a high-altitude location. Limiting activity allows the body to focus its resources on adjusting to the lower oxygen levels.
Immediate Relief and Critical Warning Signs
For mild symptoms of AMS, initial management involves halting all ascent and resting at the current elevation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be effective for relieving headache discomfort. If symptoms are mild, they will often resolve within a day or two with rest and continued hydration.
A prescription medication, acetazolamide (Diamox), is available and can speed up the acclimatization process by helping the body breathe more effectively. This drug is often recommended for travelers with a history of AMS or those planning a rapid ascent, but it requires a consultation with a doctor beforehand. If symptoms worsen or fail to improve after 24 hours, the most effective treatment is immediate descent to a lower altitude.
It is important to recognize signs that indicate the progression to a severe, life-threatening form of altitude illness. These include High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). HACE involves brain swelling and is signaled by severe confusion, altered mental status, or an inability to walk in a straight line (ataxia). HAPE involves fluid in the lungs and presents with a persistent cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath even while resting. Both HACE and HAPE require immediate, emergency descent to a lower elevation and urgent medical attention.
High Altitude Locations in Colorado
Many of Colorado’s most popular vacation destinations are situated at elevations where altitude sickness is a possibility. Towns like Breckenridge, Vail, and Telluride are well above the 8,000-foot threshold where AMS becomes a risk. Breckenridge’s ski resort terrain reaches nearly 13,000 feet.
Other high-altitude areas include Aspen and Keystone, along with major attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park, which has areas exceeding 10,000 feet. Even Colorado Springs (base elevation over 6,000 feet) has nearby peaks like Pikes Peak that exceed 14,000 feet. Visitors should take preventive measures seriously to ensure a safe experience.