Your Ski Vacation and Telluride's High Altitude

For your comfort during your Telluride ski vacation, an oxygen machine is available on premises at our Telluride vacation rental home.

There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility.

There are roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath at 12,000 feet
The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly. Thus those flying to the Telluride area are more likely to be affected than those driving.

Some symptoms of altitude sickness include:
   •   Headache
    •   Nausea & Dizziness
    •   Loss of appetite
    •   Fatigue
    •   Shortness of breath
    •   Disturbed sleep
    •   General feeling of malaise (a vague feeling of discomfort)

Some tips for the prevention of altitude sickness:
    •   An oxygen machine is available to enhance your stay in Telluride and may be used for you to acclimatise to the altitude. The oxygen machine is located in the great room with more information here: Climate Control & Oxygen Machine
    •   Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatisation is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least four to six litres per day). Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow.
    •   Take it easy and don't overexert yourself when you first get up to altitude. But, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.
    •   Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquillisers, sleeping pills and opiates such as dihydrocodeine. These further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of symptoms.
    •   Eat a high calorie diet while at altitude.
    •   Remember: Acclimatisation is inhibited by overexertion, dehydration, and alcohol.