Skiing at a higher altitude than that at which you normally live forces your body to adapt to thinner, less oxygenated air. About 50 percent of those who ascend from sea level to 8,000 to 14,000 feet experience some acute mountain sickness, according to "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills." Symptoms include headache, insomnia, nausea, weakness, fatigue and increased respiration. Mild cases generally resolve in a day or two, but above 10,000 feet AMS can progress to very serious cerebral or pulmonary edema. If you experience intense headache and fatigue, blue lips and fingernails, cognitive deterioration, confusion or difficulty breathing, descend immediately and seek medical attention.
Step 1
Plan to ski at a resort whose highest elevation is less than 8,000 feet, the level at which most people begin to experience symptoms. If you choose to ski at higher elevations, factor in two non-skiing days at the base elevation to allow your body to acclimate to the thinner air.
Step 2
Ask your doctor for a prescription for acetazolamide, which can reduce the symptoms of AMS, stimulate respiration and make it easier to sleep at altitude.
Step 3
Drink plenty of water. Hypoxia, or lower blood oxygen levels, causes your kidneys to eliminate more fluid than usual. Dehydration can intensify a headache, cause muscle cramps and have a negative effect on your physical performance, making it more difficult to ski well.
Step 4
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and chemical diuretics for your first several days at higher altitude so as not to intensify altitude-related diuresis.
Tips and Warnings
- If you plan to ski at several ski areas during a vacation, start with the lowest-elevation area first and ascend in increments of about 1,000 feet per day, if possible. Ski conservatively until you've acclimated to the new altitude. Even mild hypoxia can result in subtle shifts in cognition and balance. Overexerting yourself physically can intensify dehydration, especially if you're skiing in an area with a relatively dry climate.
- Don't take acetazolamide if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs or diuretics. Side effects of acetazolamide include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache and drowsiness; don't consume alcohol with acetazolamide.
References
- "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills"; Steven M. Cox and Kris Fulsaas, Editors; 2003
- "Encyclopedia of Outdoor & Wilderness Skills"; Chris Townsend and Annie Aggens; 2003
- MedlinePlus: Acetazolamide Oral
