Adjusting to Altitude

How To Guides

Aspen sits close to 8,000 feet, one of the most elevated cities in the United States.

While many visitors are not affected by the altitude at all, some visitors notice the altitude and may experience symptoms including headaches, tiredness, shortness of breath, disturbed sleep, and nausea, among others.

Alleviating Signs of Altitude

  • For starters, when you first get to Aspen, take it easy on the exercise and alcohol. Give your body ample time to properly acclimate.
  • Turn on a humidifier in your bedroom to alleviate dryness while you sleep.
  • Before coming to altitude, and in the first few days, drink extra water, eat more carbohydrates, and if you can, ascend gradually by spending a couple of nights at an intermediate altitude first.
  • Water is the number one way to help your body adjust to our high and dry air. You need to drink twice the amount of water here as you would at home.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.

Altitude Sickness

  • If you have minor altitude sickness, the symptoms should subside with time. However, in the days following your arrival, should you develop flu-like symptoms, violent headaches, vomiting, vertigo or unconsciousness seek medical help immediately.
  • If you are hiking and you develop these symptoms, descend to a lower elevation immediately, and call for help.
  • Symptoms including shortness of breath, weakness, and a cough can point towards high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and may have serious complications if left untreated even for a short amount of time. Extreme fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, and loss of coordination can indicate high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and should not be ignored; seek medical help.

Extra Air

  • Visitors who book a spa treatment at the Remede Spa at The St. Regis Resort Aspen can utilize their oxygen lounge before or after their treatment.
  • OxygenNow is the a locally physician-run business that delivers oxygen to your door and has a portable pharmacy for altitude symptoms.
  • Centrally located in downtown Aspen, Base State Longevity is a locally owned health optimization studio that provides a variety of treatments to ease your adjustment altitude in a relaxing environment.
  • Need an O2 boost? Rescue Lounge in downtown Aspen provides oxygen for a small fee.
  • Carl’s pharmacy on Main Street sells non-medical-grade oxygen boosters.
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