Altitude sickness is a disease that can affect peak climbers, trekkers, skiers, or travelers at high altitude normally above 8,000 feet. Travelers face mild altitude sickness at an altitude of 6,000 feet and moderate sickness more than 8,000 feet. The risk becomes greater between 10,000 and 14,000 feet where travelers experiences harsh indication of the sickness. There is extremely damaging to traveler's physical and mental health if they stay at altitudes over 18,000 feet for few weeks. Here are some tips that you can use to prevent altitude sickness
- Hydrate. Drink twice as much water as you think you need, especially if you're coming from sea level. Start hydrating before you arrive, flying will dehydrate you as well. Carry water with you on the mountain, either a water bottle or a hydration system like a "camelback". Use bottled water if you absolutely must, but the water from the taps on the mountain will probably taste better!
- Avoid Dehydration. Yes, take in all those fluids as mentioned above but avoid dehydrators such as caffeine, salt and alcohol. Doesn't mean you can't have an apres ski cocktail, just go easy especially the first night at elevation.
- Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and narcotic painkillers. These drugs are preventing you from breathing well at higher altitude.
- Dress warmly in cold weather. Don't let your body get chilled.
- It's always a good idea to be in good physical shape before you exert yourself on the mountain with skiing or hiking. Not everyone experiences altitude sickness, but sometimes even a healthy person can feel out of sorts.
- Eat Carbs. Carbs actually take less oxygen to metabolize and digest. Don't worry about the calories, you'll burn them off on the mountain and the carbs will help give you the energy to do it.
- If you are flying into a high elevation airport and will not have time to acclimate, ask your physician, before you go, about the prescriptions Diamox or Acetazolamide. Both seem to be the industry standard for the prevention of altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness is generally harmless and short lasting. Once your body adapts to the altitude you'll feel better. That takes time and you don't want to spend your ski vacation feeling lousy and not being able to ski. The best way to prevent and fend off that sick feeling is hydration. Keep your fluids up before your trip and especially while on the mountain. It may be cold out but you’re engaging in lots of activity that uses up those fluids.