You’re planning your first Colorado vacation, but you have one main concern upon arriving – altitude sickness. It’s a common fear, but one that you can help prevent with these five steps:

1. Try to Arrive Early

If you know you’re planning on skiing during your vacation, try to come a day earlier than you actually start skiing. This gives your body a chance to adjust to the change in altitude. Make sure during those first 24 hours that you aren’t overexerting yourself. Give you body the best shot at avoiding getting sick by taking it easy. Check into your Breckenridge Rental, look around the area, and enjoy a nice meal.

2. Keep Hydrated

Some believe you should drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, while other experts suggest drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces. Regardless of which theory you most align with, drink double that! One of the biggest things you can do to help prevent altitude sickness is to stay hydrated, and doubling your normal water intake will help.

3. Avoid Overexertion

You don’t want to overdo it when you’re in higher altitudes than you’re used to. Yes, hitting the slopes, biking down the mountain, or simply enjoying a scenic hike are great parts of visiting Colorado, but don’t do too much! If your body is not used to such activities and the higher altitude, you might have a recipe for disaster on your hands.

4. Avoid Dehydration

While this aligns with #2 above, you should also avoid anything that might dehydrate you more. Don’t drink too much alcohol or coffee. Limit your sodium intake. A hydrated body will be better equipped to adjust to the higher altitude and avoid altitude sickness altogether.

5. Use Sun Protection

While getting a sunburn on your vacation would be bad, it would be worse to let the more intense sun of the mountains affect you by causing more problems. If you’re not used to mountain living, you’ll find that the sun is more intense. This can cause more altitude sickness issues as your body tries to adjust.

If, even after following these five steps, you still experience altitude sickness start taking it easier. You may need to cut back on your activity level. If systems are very intense or worsen, you may need to seek medical attention. We want you to have a wonderful vacation, but we also want you to be healthy!

Make sure to check out the many lodging options at Breckenridge Rental for your next Colorado mountain vacation.