Calendar of Events

Check with the Vail Chamber of Commerce for specific dates and times for Vail at www.vailchamber.org Check with the Beaver Creek Chamber of Commerce for specific dates and times for Beaver Creek at www.beavercreekchamber.org

Altitude Sickness Information

The mountains of Colorado are among the most beautiful parts of America and we hope you will enjoy every minute of your visit. But some of the very features which make the high country so attractive may cause problems unless you recognize and know how to prevent them. Here’s why:

As you go higher, barometric pressure decreases, the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. It’s also colder and drier, and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger. Each of these changes may have an unpleasant effect on your body.

Altitude
Many popular resorts are 8,000 to 9,500 feet above sea level, and the mountain summits rise a mile higher. You will probably notice that your breathing is faster or deeper and you may feel short of breath, especially when you exercise. This is the body’s first and most effective response to altitude. Your heart is likely to beat faster also; this too, is a helpful normal reaction.

However, you may also develop a headache, a touch of nausea, or unusual tiredness; some people even have trouble sleeping. Depending on the altitude, 20 to 30% of all visitors from near sea level have one or several of these symptoms, which we call acute mountain sickness or AMS. Children are slightly more susceptible; the older you are, the less likely you are to be affected.

These symptoms usually go away in a day or two. If they grow worse, or if you are worried, be sure to consult a doctor. If you develop a worsening cough, increasing shortness of breath or feel like you have fluid in your lungs, see a doctor at once! Altitude illness, though usually minor, can become serious quite rapidly, so don’t take it lightly or try to tough it out!

Before you leave home, you can do a few things to decrease the effects of altitude. Our studies show that spending two nights at a modest altitude like 5,000 feet decreases symptoms of altitude sickness at higher altitudes. Eat more foods which are high carbohydrates, drink more water and reduce your sodium intake.

Diamox1 is a prescription drug which prevents the unpleasant symptoms for many people. Ask your doctor about its use.

Once you arrive, take it easy for the first day or two. Reduce alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods. Drink more water than usual. Salt causes your body to retain fluid (edema), which increases the severity of altitude illness.

Above all – listen to your body! Don’t push. If you feel worse and worse, get help! Minor altitude symptoms occasionally become life threatening.

Temperature
The sun has more power in the thin air and a bad sunburn can spoil your stay. No matter how tanned you may be, use a protective cream. “Cold sores” are aggravated at high altitudes but might be prevented by a medication (Acyclovir) which your doctor can prescribe. Snow blindness – which is sunburn of the eyes – is a real danger, especially on new snow, and even on foggy or cloudy days. Wear sunglasses or goggles with ultraviolet protection.

Temperature falls about three degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of altitude, and it can get cold very fast. Take extra clothes. Hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur even in the summer if you are wet or wind-chilled, hungry, tired, or poorly dressed. The warning signs are clumsiness and trouble thinking or talking clearly, irritability and confusion. Watch for these signs in each other. If in doubt, stop, warm up, eat and drink – and if necessary send for help.

Most people dress appropriately in winter, but be sure boots and gloves are not wet or too tight. If you lose sensation in your face, fingers or toes, stop, look for frostbite (numb, cold, white areas) and take time to warm up.

Water
The crisp mountain air is exhilarating, but it’s also very dry. You lose much more water than you realize in exhaled air and from sweating. It’s very important to maintain the body water, so drink two or three times more than usual. Fill your canteen in the hotel. Don’t drink from streams. Juices and water are better than tea, coffee or alcohol. Remember that at high altitudes, one alcoholic drink does the work of two.

Injuries
Accidents can happen at any time to anyone, but they are more common when you are cold, tired or hungry. Remember that lack of oxygen can impair your judgement, leading you to do foolish things. Whether hiking, skiing, playing golf or tennis, give your body plenty of food and water to function efficiently. Don’t keep going when you’re very tired; quit while you’re ahead.

Illness
Of course you are as likely to get a cold, flu or upset-stomach in the mountains as you are at home. But altitude illness feels very much like flu, or a hangover, and it can be a lot more serious. If you have any doubt, get medical help. Don’t let ignorance or carelessness spoil your stay.

There is great personal joy, beauty and spiritual peace to be discovered in the mountains. Treat yourself with respect and enjoy your stay.

1. Recent experience suggests that a small dose of Diamox suffices: 125mg the morning before you are to arrive at increased altitude, again that evening, and each morning and night for two days after arrival. SOURCE: COLORADO ALTITUDE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Area Attractions

Vail – The largest single-mountain resort in the U.S. with 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, including Vail’s Front Side, famous Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin.

Beaver Creek – Located just 10 miles west of Vail. Offers great skiing with virtually no lift lines. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find everything you want at Beaver Creek plus a genuinely friendly atmosphere.

Adventure Ridge – Located on Vail mountain at Eagle’s Nest. Among the winter activities offered are: ice skating, tubing, ski biking, kid’s snowmobile tours, and snowshoeing. In the summer: climbing wall, rebound trampoline, pony rides, disc golf, and more. Adventure Ridge offers a variety of restaurants and operates during the day as well as most evenings. Contact the Mountain Information Center at 970-754-8245 for more information.

Walking Mountains Science Center – Located in Avon, this five-acre site provides the community with a place for hands-on learning and discovery. The campus boasts a wetland area, Buck Creek, aspen forests, and an indoor discovery center. For class schedule or hours of operation, call 970-827-9725.

Nature Discovery Center – Discover the wild side of Vail at this high mountain yurt next to the Eagle’s Nest gondola. Summer nature hikes and winter snowshoe tours available. Open seasonally. Call 970-754-4675 x 10 for schedule.

Vail Nature Center – Located across Gore Creek from the Ford Amphitheater. This five-acre preserve features trails and a visitor center that hosts daily programs on topics such as wildflowers, birds, and beavers. Call 970-479-2291 for hours of operation.

Children’s Program

Vail: Children have their own special mountain areas such as Coyote Crossing at Lionshead, and Animal Kingdom at Golden Peak in Vail. Three to six-year-olds can join the Mogul Mice beginner’s class or the Super Stars class for those who are more advanced. Six to 13-year-olds can join an all-day class including lunch. Non-skiing children from two months to six years can spend the day at the Small World Day Care at Golden Peak (970-754-3200 x 1).

Beaver Creek: Beaver Creek offers lessons with grouping by age and ability so everyone has a great time (970-754-5462). There are specially designed areas for children only with magical mountain adventures featuring fun ski-through attractions and NASTAR races. Non-skiing children from two months to six years receive excellent professional care and enjoy plenty of indoor and outdoor exercise at the Small World Play School. Call 970-754-5325.