To help you make the most of your Rocky Mountain Tours' vacation!
The Rocky Mountains offer many recreational opportunities including
skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, climbing
and more, all for your enjoyment.
Many ski towns and base villages are located between 6,000 - 8,000 ft.
above sea level, and the summit elevations can rise above 12,000 ft.
It is possible for guests, who are not accustommed to these altitudes,
to experience some minor side effects due to the high elevations found
at most mountain resorts.
Here are a few tips and suggestions for staying healthy and making the
most of your stay in the mountains.
Altitude Adjustments
When you first arrive, acclimatize
yourself for a period of time prior to beginning strenuous activities.
At high elevations, the atmosphere is thinner and there is less oxygen
and less humidity available to you than at sea level. This can result
in a number of symptoms, such as muscle fatigue, insomnia, mild headaches,
or slight shortness of breath. Our thin atmosphere filters out only a
minimum of the suns ultraviolet UV rays and can result in severe
sunburn. So be sure to take adequate precautions to protect your eyes
and skin.
What to do:
Eat lightly and drink plenty of liquid.
You may tend to become dehydrated more quickly at high altitude than
at sea level, so drink plenty of water and other fluids (8 to 10 glasses
daily). You should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the first
24 hours of your stay.
Eat lightly and drink plenty of liquid.
You may tend to become dehydrated more quickly at high altitude than
at sea level, so drink plenty of water and other fluids (8 to 10 glasses
daily). You should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the first
24 hours of your stay.
Keep Warm
There's an old saying here in the mountains, If
you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes...it's sure to change. At
this elevation, the weather can change quickly. Winter or summer,
prolonged exposure to the elements can cause serious problems. Children
are not always aware that they are becomming too cold. Parents should
watch for red noses and red ears. If this occurs, bring the child in from
the cold, remove wet clothes and warm the child and affected areas
immediately. Moderation is the key word... take frequent breaks from the
cold of heat.
It is wise to layer your clothes, no matter what the season. A t-shirt,
wool sweater, nylon windbreaker with a hood and a bottle of water are basic
equipment for just about any summer activity. Winter sports enthusiasts
should wear warm, waterproof gloves, hat, socks, plenty of warm,
water-resistant clothing and goggles or sunglasses with adequate UV
protection. Local sporting goods carry outdoor wear which is both wind
and water resistant, an ideal choice for unpredictable mountain weather.
Avoid Sunburn
Adequate UV (Ultraviolet) protection is a must.
At this elevation, the atmosphere is thinner and provides less protection
from the sun's UV rays. UV exposure has been linked to an increased
incidence of skin cancer, so use a sunblock lotion with an SPF of 30 or
greater. During high exposure activities such as spring skiing, those
with fair skin may experience a sunburn after only two hours of sun
exposure, even after applying maximum sunscreen protection.
Parents should be especially careful with young children, and apply
a generous amount of sunscreen to both you and your children prior
to any outdoor activities. Be sure to reapply it at least every four
hours. If you're perspiring or getting wet from the snow or water,
apply it more frequently.
Protect Your Eyes
It is also important to use proper UV
protection for your eyes. The surface of the snow or water can act as
a reflector of UV rays and can generate a great deal of UV exposure the eyes.
Equip yourself and your children with UV sunglasses or goggles. Failure
to wear proper eye protection can result in an actual burn of the eye's
surface-a painful condition requiring medical treatment.
Listen To Your Body
If you experience symptoms such as headache, insomnia, and/or fatigue,
you may have a mild form of altitude sickness. These symptoms are a
warning to decrease your activity level. If symptoms persist or begin
to worry you, don't hesitate to contact the Emergency Department or
local Medical Center, day or night.
What To Know Moderate your level of activity according
to your physical condition. Skiing, Snowboarding, hiking and mountain
biking require muscular strength and flexibility for control. The more
control you have, the safer you will be.
If you are an inexperienced skier or first-time snowboarder, take a
lesson. It doesn't cost much, and could make the difference between an
enjoyable day on the slopes and an unexpected trip to the Emergency Department.
Hikers and backpackers should stop by the local Visitor Center or Ranger
Station for trail maps, permits and other important information.
Know The Slopes
Take time to learn your way around the ski slopes. Review the trail map.
Be aware of the ski slope rating system. A black diamond run at one ski
resort may have a different degree of difficulty than at another ski area.
Review the trail maps thoroughly prior to making your first run.
For your convenience, many ski areas provide SKI HOSTS who can provide
information on the degree of difficulty of the ski runs.
Warm Up First
Drink plenty of liquids prior to any activity. Performing a few
stretches before engaging in strenuous physical activity can help
your muscles respond to the challenges ahead.
Know The Conditions
Be aware of trail conditions. A stiff wind can blow the powder snow,
exposing an unexpected patch of ice which can be dangerous. Know that
conditions in the mountains and on the slopes constantly change and
vary - even from run to run.
Moderation
It's wise to limit or even avoid alcohol consumption at the beginining
of your trip as alcohol has the ability to increase the affects of
dehydration without you noticing until it's too late. Use caution
and good judgement if you're considering an alcoholic drink at lunch
and you plan to return to the slopes afterwards. Most ski accidents
occur in the afternoon, as muscles begin to fatigue. The effects of
muscle fatigue are increased by the consumption of alcohol.
Make The Most Out Of Your Ski Experience...
Ski Responsibly & Know The Code!
Return to SkiTheWest.com
|
|
|
|