You are visiting one of the most beautiful areas in the Rocky Mountains and we hope you enjoy every minute of your stay. But some of the very features which make these high valleys so attractive can cause problems unless you know how to prevent them. Following are some suggestions.

Altitude 

Here, some 9,000 feet above sea level, the air is thin and there is less oxygen. You may already have noticed that you are breathing deeper or faster and feel a bit short of breath at times. 

This is one of the body’s first reactions to the altitude. These are normal responses. You may have a headache, a touch of nausea, or feel tired. About 15 percent of all vacationers have such symptoms, which usually disappear 24-36 hours after arrival. 

If these symptoms should grow worse or if you are worried, please get help. Drink lots of fluids, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine. 

Sun and Temperature 

The sun is much closer at this altitude and has more power in this thin air and a bad sunburn can spoil your stay. Use sunscreen with a high SPF. It also gets very chilly at night, and an extra set of warm clothes is a good idea when outside. 

Hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur in summer or winter, if you are wet or chilled by even a light breeze. It can also occur when you’re tired and haven’t eaten properly. Clumsiness, trouble thinking or talking unclearly, and overwhelming tiredness are warning signs. Keep an eye on your companions. If these warning signs appear, stop, warm up, eat, take a hot drink, and if necessary, seek medical attention. 

In winter, most people wear enough warm clothes, but be sure your boots and gloves aren’t wet or too tight. If you lose sensation in fingers, toes, cheeks, ears or nose, stop, look for frostbite (white, cold, numb skin) and take time to warm up. 

Snow blindness from snow glare and ultraviolet rays from bright summer sunlight are real hazards, so wear dark glasses, even on a cloudy day. 

Humidity 

The crisp, dry mountain air is exhilarating, but very dry and you’ll lose more body moisture from the deeper breathing and from perspiring (often you won’t even notice this). 

It’s important to maintain your body’s water store, so drink two or three times more water than usual. 

The dryness also affects contact lens wearers, who may need to moisturize their eyes more frequently. Contact lenses may need to be removed on a daily basis to let the eyes take in more oxygen. 

Alcohol has extra impact at altitude – one drink has the effect of two – so monitor your alcohol intake. 

Injuries 

Accidents can happen at any time to anyone, but they are more common when you’re cold, tired or hungry. Whether you are hiking, skiing, playing golf or tennis, give your body plenty of food and water and keep your muscles warm so they function efficiently. Don’t keep going when you’re tired; quit while you’re ahead! 

Illness 

You’re as likely to get a cold, flu, stomach trouble, or something worse, here as anywhere else. Don’t blame everything on the altitude. If in doubt, see a doctor. The health services can handle most problems here, but helicopter or surface ambulances are quickly available. When in doubt, call for help.