pre arrival hydration, alltitude issues!

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Permalink Reply by Barry Goldkind(TeachToSki) on January 15, 2009 at 5:10pm

The good thing about Steamboat is we are not as high as other Colorado resorts so hopefully you won't experience a real painful dose but if you have prepared by getting in shape ie, aerobics etc. you should be fine.
Once here make sure you have a humidifier in your bedroom at night and drink plenty,a gallon a day, of purified or spring water and don't overdo it your first day on the slopes.
Make sure you are fueling your body with good food especially in the morning and maybe take an asperin.
My last tip is, after skiing replenish your electrolytes and the best stuff I have found for that is "Ultima", it has no sugars and it is amazing how mellowed out you feel after drinking it.
I actually use it in the am also before I go out.
I don't like Gatorade because of the sugars that will boost you and then bring you down.

Hope these tips help and maybe others can enhance with their ideas and experiences.

Good luck,
Barry

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Permalink Reply by g on January 15, 2009 at 6:29pm

great, that is a big help! any others with helpful tips feel free!!

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Permalink Reply by Marlene on January 15, 2009 at 6:59pm

Hey g - check out this thread on altitude. Good info related to your question.

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Permalink Reply by James on January 17, 2009 at 10:39am

What has worked for me in the past is cardio training. The more running, elliptical, biking (stationary or otherwise) you can do where you live, the better your body will be able to get the oxygen it needs up here. As some have said, Steamboat isn't that high of a mountain, but the summit is almost 2 miles above sea level, so it's worth some training effort if you have the time/ability.

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Permalink Reply by g on January 17, 2009 at 2:49pm

thanks, I have the cardio covered, just seem that my wife gets a nausea feeling for a few days after we arrive, and doesnt feel 100%!

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Permalink Reply by Steve on January 18, 2009 at 12:15pm

I've had altitiude issues at Steamboat and other places the last few times I have gone west. Before my last trip my doctor gave me a perscription of Diamox. This along with plenty of water and no alcohol the first day seemed to do the trick.

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Permalink Reply by Kup on January 18, 2009 at 12:48pm

good tips. question about the Diamox, isnt that an antibiotic? If so,not sure what that'd do for altitude sickness....of course I'm not a doctor.

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Permalink Reply by patti (snowflake) on January 18, 2009 at 5:50pm

diamox is an antibiotic a sulfa drug, so if you are allergic to sulfa drugs forget it. it helps you breathe easier by several chemical changes in the respiratory system. lots of people use it if going above 12,000 ft like mountain climbers. it has its side effects that could be annoying to you..google the drug and read more about it and see if you really wnat to use it..i'd just hydrate up and excercise and be as fit as you can be. good luck sf

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Permalink Reply by Mesa on January 18, 2009 at 11:35pm

I personally wouldn't recommend Diamox (acetazolamide) for visits to Steamboat due to our fairly low altitude. It's easy enough to acclimatize here with hydration and taking it easy for a day or 2. The problem with Diamox is that it's a diuretic and can worsen dehydration if you're not careful. It can also cause other unpleasant side effects. I would consider using it when spending a fair amount of time at least 10,000 feet above where you live, especially if you don't have time for a gradual ascent. So, if you're coming from sea level: Steamboat-No, Breck-Maybe, Mount Elbert - Yes.

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Permalink Reply by Kup on January 19, 2009 at 11:23am

first, I cant believe you said it is a sulfa drug. That is the only thing in the world I'm allergic to!! I wonder if there are other things out there to help. I am running daily and will do the hydration thing, but for being there only 6 days, I cant afford to lose 2 days to get acclimated.

Suggestions please!!!

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Permalink Reply by Mesa on January 19, 2009 at 12:51pm

Just try the hydration and see how you do your first day skiing. I really think you'll do fine. Maybe ski 3 hours the first day instead of 6. There are no other good medicine options. (steroid trials are unconvincing. Herbal trials failed.)

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Permalink Reply by hayduke on January 19, 2009 at 12:58pm

I've done 5-6 day trips for the last several years and have not experienced significant altitude problems other than shortness of breath with heavy exerction the first couple of days. That shortness of breath can be minimized by pulling off to the side of runs periodically to rest although for me it is tough to do because I hate stopping. Aerobic conditioning now, hydrate well before and during your trip, and if you drink alcohol, keep it to a minimum. That being said, last year I never had a day where I skied less than 30k vert. feet in my 5 days and I'm kind of an old guy. I can't make it out this so I'm envious of you. Have fun

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