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Did we screw ourselves on this one? Altitude

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HypeBeast
Posts: 9813 - Karma: 72,851
So my friends and I are traveling to Colorado for a short ski trip. We live at 700ft evevation....so low. We will literally be flying in and driving straight from Denver to Winter Park. Skiing there a day, and staying the night in winter park(9000ft). I thought we were going to stay in Denver, which would have been better for altitude. But we aren't. Oh well. Then we will be going to Arapahoe Basin the next day, and traveling back that night. Don't rip me on this being a waste of money; we are going for less than $300 per person including everything which is pretty good.

I'm basically traveling from 700ft straight to 9000ft minimum, with a max of around 12k ish feet. I've read all about altitude sickness in the past and am well versed on prevention, treatment, and signs and symptoms. Yes I've seen the other threads for altitude stuff.

My question is did we royally fuck ourselves by catapulting to 9000ft+ within a matter of hours? Who thinks I should ask my doc for acetazolamide? In the past I've just taken ibuprofen to prevent headaches, but this descent is so rapid which concerns me. Anyone else have experience doing the same thing as me?
Nov 19 2017 6:29AM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,862
I live on the NH seacoast and went to Jackson Hole with no issues. My friend who was a cigarette smoker at the time, got altitude sickness
Nov 19 2017 6:56AM
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Julius_Steezer
Posts: 776 - Karma: 4,546
In my experience, altitude sickness is a relatively uncommon problem. Me and some friends/family go from england (very flat) to the alps (very unflat) every year for a week with no rest points and there's never been an issue with altitude sickness. Idk if that's just luck or what but I think you'll be good
Nov 19 2017 8:34AM
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VT_FLO
Posts: 3806 - Karma: 147
It wouldn't hurt to get acetazolamide. Altitude sickness isn't the biggest deal unless you start getting HACE (high altitude cerebral edema). You might get altitude sick if you don't have a day or 2 to acclimatize before heading up to the mountaintops, but you'll probably be fine.
Nov 19 2017 9:23AM
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TNORTS
Posts: 2077 - Karma: 2,761
VT_FLOIt wouldn't hurt to get acetazolamide. Altitude sickness isn't the biggest deal unless you start getting HACE (high altitude cerebral edema). You might get altitude sick if you don't have a day or 2 to acclimatize before heading up to the mountaintops, but you'll probably be fine.


Getting HACE in their situation is really unlikely and I honestly wouldn't even bring it up as a possibility
Nov 19 2017 10:03AM
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skistupid
Posts: 304 - Karma: 1,197
Your brain will expand to four times its normal size, resulting in a catastrophic explosion inside your skull.
Nov 19 2017 10:35AM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,974
VT_FLOIt wouldn't hurt to get acetazolamide. Altitude sickness isn't the biggest deal unless you start getting HACE (high altitude cerebral edema). You might get altitude sick if you don't have a day or 2 to acclimatize before heading up to the mountaintops, but you'll probably be fine.


He's going to Colorado not summering Everest...

Water. Drink lots. It's your best friend for flatlanders jumping up high. You get dizzy at like 12k just go down
Nov 19 2017 10:38AM
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270on420out
Posts: 7517 - Karma: 51,210
You guys should be fine. Just remember to drink a lot of water. If you're really struggling, then you could always run inside a walmart and grab one of those little oxygen tanks. The only time you'll really notice the altitude is when you're climbing stairs
Nov 19 2017 10:44AM
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TOAST.
Posts: 7533 - Karma: 36,819
You will be fine. I live at like 300' and did fine when I went to Winterpark, skied open to close the first day I was there. Just drink a lot of water.
Nov 19 2017 11:16AM
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clorox
Posts: 1728 - Karma: 4,863
Got the shits at winter park one time and live in Boston... Also after a night of drinking and having mcdonalds for breakfast.
Nov 19 2017 12:13PM
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broto
Posts: 9039 - Karma: 25,664
Often times altitude sickness is just dehydration in disguise. At 9000 feet, your body will use at least an extra liter/day of water than at sea level just to get enough oxygen out of the air. When you are doing a strenious activity such as skiing, you are going to need to drink more water than you thought possible because the altitude already puts you at a disasvantage. I would just make sure to stay hydrated and wouldn't worry too much about altitude sickness.

But seriously, chug water when you wake up, chug water in the lodge, chug water as much as possible. Your body will thank you.
Nov 19 2017 12:36PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51861 - Karma: 164,949
Drink water, drink more water, keep drinking water.

Don't get drunk on your first day up there. If you're worried maybe don't drink at all, or more than a beer. Drink water instead. Take it a little bit easy the first day on the slopes. You should be fine.

Did I mention drink water?
Nov 19 2017 12:57PM
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chimpansteeze
Posts: 101 - Karma: 482
Everyone mentioning drinking lots of water is correct, but its crucial to remember not to overdo it. Your body needs electrolytes as well, so try to mix in a 50/50 solution of gatorade and water occasionally instead of just water all the time. Had a patient on the hill this summer who had heard about altitude sickness, over reacted by chugging huge amounts of water, and had to be shipped to the hospital with signs of hyponatremia. So yea hydration is important but so is maintaining sodium levels in your blood.
Nov 20 2017 10:47AM
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skierman
Posts: 8390 - Karma: 7,757
LOL you're a park rat. You'll actually have to do something physically strenuous in order to experience altitude sickness. Sliding rails and hitting 30ft. jumps has the same activity level as sitting on your couch. You'll be fine.
Nov 20 2017 10:52AM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37648 - Karma: 123,157
drink water.

and watch your booze intake. i love watching east coasters come out west and think they can outdrink utahns cuz our beer sucks and then they wind up in a hotel lobby pantless and confused
Nov 20 2017 11:22AM
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Young_patty
Posts: 3295 - Karma: 38,223
SkiBum.Water. Drink lots.


DIRTYBUBBLE. Just remember to drink a lot of water.


TOAST.Just drink a lot of water.


GREEN_BASTARDGot the shits.


brotochug water


theabortionatorDrink water, drink more water, keep drinking water.


DeebieSkeebiesdrink water.


I guess you should drink water
Nov 20 2017 11:31AM
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mr-mcsteeze
Posts: 487 - Karma: 1,103
i cant believe noboody mentioned drink water in this thread.

come on guys
Nov 20 2017 12:02PM
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cchamb02
Posts: 10 - Karma: 21
Na u will be straight just dont be a pussy and just charge hard af
Nov 20 2017 12:03PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6934 - Karma: 24,917
If you can skip the booze or take it ez but don't get drunk. Don't go to that McDonald's. In fact consider quitting the clown food all together.
Have fun OP.
Nov 20 2017 4:02PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
theabortionatorDon't get drunk on your first day up there. If you're worried maybe don't drink at all, or more than a beer. Drink water instead.


This is killer advice. I almost couldn't host the Dew Tour livestream one year because I partied my first two nights at altitude.

Massive mistake.
Nov 20 2017 4:21PM
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VV.XTREME
Posts: 497 - Karma: 3,030
Mr.BishopThis is killer advice. I almost couldn't host the Dew Tour livestream one year because I partied my first two nights at altitude.

Massive mistake.


Classic
Nov 20 2017 6:53PM
1 0
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
sharpskiClassic


I did however learn that you can avoid getting the full-blown altitude sickness if you instantly drop everything you're doing, jump in a car and drive back down to as low elevation as you can make it as fast as possible.

About 4 litres of water and a couple of pounds of chicken wings later I was OK enough to get back on it. Caught it right as I felt it hitting me though, and actually had someone who could make that drive (thanks Troy).
Nov 20 2017 7:09PM
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lmmcc
Posts: 292 - Karma: 678
Water. Just drink lots of water and you’ll be fine.
Nov 20 2017 8:41PM
1 0
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-eREKTion-
Posts: 1629 - Karma: 10,938
IsitWinterYet17So my friends and I are traveling to Colorado for a short ski trip. We live at 700ft evevation....so low. We will literally be flying in and driving straight from Denver to Winter Park. Skiing there a day, and staying the night in winter park(9000ft). I thought we were going to stay in Denver, which would have been better for altitude. But we aren't. Oh well. Then we will be going to Arapahoe Basin the next day, and traveling back that night. Don't rip me on this being a waste of money; we are going for less than $300 per person including everything which is pretty good.

I'm basically traveling from 700ft straight to 9000ft minimum, with a max of around 12k ish feet. I've read all about altitude sickness in the past and am well versed on prevention, treatment, and signs and symptoms. Yes I've seen the other threads for altitude stuff.

My question is did we royally fuck ourselves by catapulting to 9000ft+ within a matter of hours? Who thinks I should ask my doc for acetazolamide? In the past I've just taken ibuprofen to prevent headaches, but this descent is so rapid which concerns me. Anyone else have experience doing the same thing as me?


Hydrate, gents.
Nov 20 2017 8:43PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51861 - Karma: 164,949
Mr.BishopThis is killer advice. I almost couldn't host the Dew Tour livestream one year because I partied my first two nights at altitude.

Massive mistake.


I think I remember that story. Pretty easy to happen, especially with the crew you're rolling with lol.

"Not getting that drunk" is pretty relative with that crowd.

Y'all motherfuckers need Jesus.
Nov 20 2017 9:37PM
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12528 - Karma: 116,568
just breathe more????
Jun 1 2019 1:02AM
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jakeordie
Posts: 664 - Karma: 3,277
Mr.BishopThis is killer advice. I almost couldn't host the Dew Tour livestream one year because I partied my first two nights at altitude.

Massive mistake.

I used to work bell at a hotel in Breck, and we did champagne toasts for guests at check-in. East coasters after a long day traveling would fade between front desk and the room :)
Jun 1 2019 4:20AM
4 0
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Crust_Station
Posts: 522 - Karma: 1,852
Julius_SteezerIn my experience, altitude sickness is a relatively uncommon problem. Me and some friends/family go from england (very flat) to the alps (very unflat) every year for a week with no rest points and there's never been an issue with altitude sickness. Idk if that's just luck or what but I think you'll be good


Describing the alps as “very unflat” is both the most british thing Ive ever heard and also the best thing Ive seen on this site in a long while
Jun 1 2019 8:32AM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
Get on the mox - diamox.

Or don’t, I went from sea level to 18k in 48 hours and it sucked but I survived.
Jun 3 2019 1:11AM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3604 - Karma: 3,974
RudyGarmischGet on the mox - diamox.

Or don’t, I went from sea level to 18k in 48 hours and it sucked but I survived.


Where ya do that? Just asking/curious because there are not many locations that you can do that in that time frame.
Jun 3 2019 9:57AM
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neleson
Posts: 386 - Karma: 1,091
FogdartSo my friends and I are traveling to Colorado for a short ski trip. We live at 700ft evevation....so low. We will literally be flying in and driving straight from Denver to Winter Park. Skiing there a day, and staying the night in winter park(9000ft). I thought we were going to stay in Denver, which would have been better for altitude. But we aren't. Oh well. Then we will be going to Arapahoe Basin the next day, and traveling back that night. Don't rip me on this being a waste of money; we are going for less than $300 per person including everything which is pretty good.

I'm basically traveling from 700ft straight to 9000ft minimum, with a max of around 12k ish feet. I've read all about altitude sickness in the past and am well versed on prevention, treatment, and signs and symptoms. Yes I've seen the other threads for altitude stuff.

My question is did we royally fuck ourselves by catapulting to 9000ft+ within a matter of hours? Who thinks I should ask my doc for acetazolamide? In the past I've just taken ibuprofen to prevent headaches, but this descent is so rapid which concerns me. Anyone else have experience doing the same thing as me?


I wouldnt worry too much I've done similar stuff and never got altitude sickness I only heard it was a thing a couple months back
Jun 3 2019 4:05PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 8,686
RudyGarmischGet on the mox - diamox.

Or don’t, I went from sea level to 18k in 48 hours and it sucked but I survived.


Orizaba?
Jun 3 2019 4:19PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
Ski it while you still can.
Jun 3 2019 4:43PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6934 - Karma: 24,917
I flew from sea level to El Alto. Since the plane is pressurized it’s basically like jumping to 4150 meters in the time it takes to open the door.
Coca leaves are your friends.
Jun 3 2019 5:05PM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9813 - Karma: 72,851
You guys realize this thread is 2 years old...
Jun 3 2019 5:13PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6934 - Karma: 24,917
FogdartYou guys realize this thread is 2 years old...


and you never once responded to the thread to tell us about your trip.
Jun 3 2019 5:37PM
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jca
Posts: 4172 - Karma: 6,310
How good of shape are you in? That makes the biggest difference. Above 10k you'll notice you lose your breath pretty easily but if you're in good shape and take it easy the first day you should be ok.
Jun 3 2019 6:44PM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9813 - Karma: 72,851
OregonDeadand you never once responded to the thread to tell us about your trip.

Ah yes well the altitude was fine...ish. Definitely sucked and I had a mega headache first day even with ibuprofen. I wouldn't recommend it but then again, plenty of tourists fly into Denver and drive straight to places higher such as Breckenridge - but bad choice imo.

Headache was better by the next morning. Shortness of breath and fatigue is unavoidable with exertion but fitness level can help you power through it. The walk from the parking lot to the lift has never felt so far in my life.... I have never gotten nausea or vomiting with altitude but I know people who that's happened to.

In general though I like to give a day to ease into the elevation change, even though acclimation takes longer than a standard vacation. I also will take 600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed. Seems to do the trick. For example this past year I flew into Denver, then drove to Pagosa springs and started skiing the next day. Having a day to chill out at low-moderate altitudes and getting a good night sleep really helps prevent symptoms. I really only feel the altitude when I'm 10,000ft+. >13k is rough if you gotta do any hiking. For people from sea level or around it, sleeping above 9000ft is just stupid and you're asking to feel like shit. Drinking alcohol is a whole other story. I wouldn't recommend acetazolamide unless you're a person who gets symptoms (other than headache) everytime or are sleeping at high elevations >10-12,000ft.

I did a lot of research on the topic so if anyone has any questions feel free to ask.
Jun 4 2019 1:41AM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5990 - Karma: 3,619
FogdartI did a lot of research on the topic so if anyone has any questions feel free to ask.


Research:

"Drink water"

* NS members (2012). Did We Really Screw Ourselves On This One? Altitude. https://newschoolers.com
Jun 4 2019 2:26AM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9813 - Karma: 72,851
hemlockjibber8Research:

"Drink water"

* NS members (2012). Did We Really Screw Ourselves On This One? Altitude. https://newschoolers.com


Hah I knew someone was gonna have a cheeky response to the irony of my statement.

More like journal articles, guidelines, expert opinions, tertiary references, and consulting with coworkers who used to work at hospitals in Denver.

NS is mostly right in their recommendations but I've noticed in other threads some people are overzealous with recommending drugs and some people give harmful or unrealistic recommendations.
Jun 4 2019 2:43AM
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