Copper Mountain is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the United States. Views of the mountains, crisp air, and a wide range of activities make this a memorable spot to explore and unwind.

One important thing to familiarize yourself with when visiting Copper Mountain from a low elevation is how to deal with the altitude. Copper Mountain has an altitude of 9,700 feet from the base up to over 12,300 feet at the top. Depending on where you are on the mountain, elevation can be problematic if you’re not used to it.

In this blog, we’ll discuss altitude sickness and how to adjust your body so that you can make the most of your visit.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is a response to a change in oxygen saturation in your hemoglobin. What that means is that the higher you get, the less oxygen there is, and therefore less oxygen enters your bloodstream.

Altitude sickness causes symptoms, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty sleeping

Here are some ways to get through it.

Relaxation

Take it easy on your first day. 

There’s no better excuse to relax than at a high altitude. Spend your first day getting acclimated.

Altitude sickness is caused by reduced oxygen. Overexerting yourself with exercise and high cardio activities on your first day could cause altitude sickness symptoms. 

Hydration

Staying hydrated is a great way to start combating or preventing symptoms of altitude sickness. Drink water and avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, and caffeine on your first day on Copper Mountain. 

It’s tempting to celebrate with a glass of champagne or a frosty margarita, but alcohol tends to increase altitude-related symptoms.

Light Foods

Copper Mountain has many mouth-watering restaurants to explore. 

During your first day, try to eat light. Avoid rich, high-fat, high-sugar foods. As stomach issues like nausea are sometimes associated with altitude sickness, it’s best to eat clean.

Sun Protection

No matter the season, sunscreen is a good idea in the mountains.

Suddenly, you’re closer to the sun. As the atmosphere gets thinner, there’s less protection from ultraviolet rays. Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or above, sunglasses on bright days, and a hat to shade your face.

Too much sun can make you feel fatigued and bring on symptoms like those of altitude sickness.

Use Oxygen

This sounds obvious, but we mean extra oxygen. Copper Mountain has a few oxygen services to help relieve altitude sickness and acclimate you to the change in elevation. Copper Mountain Oxygen offers oxygen rentals and oxygen bars for special occasions.

Oxygen is a good product to take on a hike up the mountain if you plan to climb. If you’re not used to high elevations, it will help you maintain oxygen levels in your bloodstream as you go.

Get Some Zs

Sleep is essential when dealing with any negative symptoms. During your stay at Comfort Condo, get your full 6 to 8 hours of rest each night. Take the opportunity to sleep in on days when morning activities aren’t planned and call it a night early to get the rest you need. Be sure to run the humidifiers located throughout the townhome. 

Like overactivity in high elevation, not getting enough sleep can make you fatigued. 

About Comfort Condo

Comfort Condo, located in Copper Mountain, Colorado’s serene Union Creek area, provides an unforgettable vacation experience in a 4-bedroom luxury townhome. Owned by Mark and Mimi Comfort, the townhome offers ski-in access and proximity to the chair lift in the winter and picturesque views and a myriad of amenities including luxurious log beds, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a community fire pit during all seasons​​. Guests can enjoy dazzling mountain views, unwind by the fireplace, or relax in a private hot tub​. With a spacious layout promoting both family time and peaceful solitude, Comfort Condo turns vacations into memorable experiences. For more information, call Cindy, your Comfort Condo Concierge at (816) 651-1207.


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