Aspen is located at 7,908 feet above sea level giving us a high alpine climate with low humidity & year-round sunshine.
Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate! Water is the number one way to help your body adjust to our high and dry air. Did you know that altitude accelerates dehydration? You need to drink twice the amount of water here as you would at home.
Monitor your alcohol intake. Alcohol actually slows down the body’s adjustment to elevation. Monitor your alcohol consumption over your first few days. You will feel its affects faster than usual, so be aware and make sure to drink water as well.
Give your body time to adjust. Although you might think you’re ready to take on that hike you’ve been looking forward to all year, it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise during the first day of your trip. Don’t forget, there is plenty to see and do at lower altitudes including downtown Aspen.
Prepare for the sun. The risk of sunburn is increased at high altitude. No matter what the season, always make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, lip balm and sunglasses. If you happen to forget one of the high altitude essentials, these items (and so many more) are always readily available for purchase at Carl’s Pharmacy or one of these local Aspen shops.
When you’re tired, stop. Simple and easy. If your legs are feeling shaky on the slopes, it’s time to stop. The same goes for hiking, biking or any other physical activity in the mountains.
Searching for further relief? The St. Regis Aspen Resort’s Altitude Concierge helps adjust guests to being at 8,000 feet above sea level in comfort. The Altitude Concierge can provide a personal oxygen machine to be delivered to a guest’s room for easier breathing, offer ideas for low-impact activities while in Aspen, curate a selection of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages, and even hand-deliver plates of delicious pasta dishes from their restaurant, as starchy foods packed with carbohydrates are known to lessen the impacts of altitude sickness. The property is focused on making sure guests are prepared to have a good vacation (and a healthy time) by adjusting to the effects of altitude with as much ease as possible.
For relief delivered to your door check out OxygenNow - the only locally physician run business which delivers oxygen to your door and has a portable pharmacy for altitude symptoms.
*If you are feeling extremely ill please call 911 for medical attention.