Prep to Avoid Altitude Sickness

If you’re a lower-land liver, a trip to your favorite ski mountain can lead to issues with your bodies’ concentration of oxygen. The lack of oxygen can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and sleep disruptions. Salt Lake City sits at about 4,000 feet, Park City at 7,000 feet and the peak of Snowbird ski resort is at 10,550 feet.

There are a few things you can do ahead of time to help stave off AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):

• Get fit – to help your body be more resilient to any illness
• Drink plenty of water – start a week out drinking 2 to 3 liters per day
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol – as both will dehydrate the system
• Arrive rested – to help counter the effects of fatigue brought on by skiing, hiking, etc.
• Medications that might help – Nifedipine or acetazolamide can be prescribed by your doctor – if they are right for you. As with any drug, these can come with risks.