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Altitude Sickness PreventionAltitude
sickness prevention may not be necessary Most people have no problems with altitudes as high as 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), but some may have symptoms as low as 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). Some people are more susceptible than others and there seems to be no specific factors such as physical condition or age that correlate with susceptibility. Some get it, some don't. However, at altitudes 10,000 feet (3,048m) or above, approximately 75% of people will have some mild altitude sickness symptoms also know as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). So during your first day of skiing, you may want to spend a little less time at the peaks, and more time mid-mountain and lower to allow your body to acclimatize. What Causes Altitude Sickness? Essentially, because barometric pressure decreases as altitude increases, every breath you take at higher elevations has fewer oxygen molecules than the same breath taken at sea level. In order for your body to adjust to having less oxygen, your respiration and pressure in the pulmonary arteries will increase and the body will produce more red blood cells to carry oxygen. Some peoples body's adjust to this change easier and faster than others. Altitude Sickness Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of altitude sickness develop gradually so that, with proper management, serious complications can usually be prevented. Symptoms usually start to ease within about two days as your body gets used to the high altitude and acclimatizes. If any symptoms of altitude sickness appear, it is essential not to ascend to a higher altitude. If the symptoms become worse or if the person shows any signs of cerebral or pulmonary edema, such as breathlessness, confusion, lethargy, or unsteady gait, it is essential to descend to a lower altitude. Supplemental oxygen is helpful if available. Basic Guidelines for Altitude Sickness Prevention:
There are actually Altitude Sickness Prevention prescription drugs such as Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone, but these are more for people ascending to very high elevations such as on a mountain trekking trip. Hydration: Utah is a high desert with very low humidity which contributes to the nice, light fluffy powder snow we get. But it also means you need to hydrate more than usual, especially if you are used to living in a low elevation, high humidity area. I usually take a water bottle wherever I go, and have my Camelbak on when skiing. The high altitude in combination with the low humidity will contribute to altitude sickness symptoms, especially if you don't keep well hydrated. And try limiting your alcohol consumption during that first night or two in town. Otherwise, you may get the worst hangover of your life! And if you do drink, try to drink a glass of water for every alcohol drink you consume. It may take away some of the pain the next morning. Click here for more information on Altitude Sickness Prevention and additional high altitude medical advice for travelers. Return to Park City Utah Travel Tips
Note: This information regarding altitude sickness prevention is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. ParkCity-Guide.com disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment, making any changes to existing treatment, or altering in any way your current exercise or diet regimen.
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for all, but for some can translate
into a much more pleasant vacation while visiting Park City. The altitude at
Park City ranges from 6500’ to as high as 10,000’ at ski resort peaks. 
