My brother, Dr. Mark Allen, thorasic surgeon at a well known hospital in the country that shall not be named did this write up below for us (and you) to help you avoid and treat altitude sickness as well as deal with the “We’re not in Kansas anymore” conditions of the Rocky Mountains. Be sure to read before you arrive so you can avoid what several experience and in turn miss out on sweet ski days.

From Dr. Mark Allen, M.D.:

Here’s our health recommendations to help avoid the adverse effects on your body and get the most out of your time here:  
 
1) Break Out Those Shades  
Shades or sunglasses are not just for looking cool in the mountains. Sunglasses actually offer very important protection for your eyes from the damaging UV radiation. The UV radiation in the mountains is 36% higher than found at sea level. Wear your shades to protect your eyes from the glaring sun as it reflects off the snow. And don’t forget, goggles can offer the same type of protection even though you think they might not look as cool.  
 
2) Dry Climate = Dry Skin  
When you come to Colorado, you’ll notice that your skin may seem drier than at home. The high altitude sun and low humidity are to blame. Be sure to bring lotion and lip balm for a more comfortable and itch free vacation.  
 
3) Block the Sun  
Along with the high altitude comes intense sun beams and those damaging UV rays. Be sure to use sunscreen lavishly and we recommend 30 SPF. Re-apply often.  
 
4) Water is Your Friend  
Be sure to drink a lot of water when you are at our high altitude. If you don’t drink enough water, you may bring on a headache which is associated with altitude sickness. By drinking lots of water, even though you may not be thirsty, you will push that headache away. Make sure that you do not drink alcohol instead of water, as alcohol can also bring on altitude sickness. Remember, water is your friend.  
 
5) Eat Right  
It is important to eat to avoid altitude sickness and that means consuming complex carbs. Complex carbs actually require less oxygen to metabolize and help you burn off a better ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide, allowing you to use oxygen more efficiently. Plus carbohydrates will help maintain your energy level and the protein will help rebuild muscle. You’ll appreciate that plate of pasta a little bit more the next day on the mountain.  
 
6) Dress Smart  
Bring layers of clothing as the temperatures will vary greatly from morning to evening and from day to day in Winter Park. It’s not unusual to have a cool morning of 35 degrees and later in the day have it warm up to 80 degrees. A lightweight coat, sweater, and t-shirts are all a must. Long pants and shorts will serve you well to have some of each.  
We all enjoy that tremendous view from a high summits and skiing down from them, but there are risks in going to high altitude, and it’s important to understand these risks.

7) Beware of high altitude sickness

      Here is a classic scenario for developing a high altitude illness. You fly from New York City to Denver at 5,000 feet (1,525 meters). That afternoon you rent a car and drive up to Winter Park at 9,120 feet (2,780 meters). You go out to dinner have 3 or 4 drinks, go to bed, wake up early and hop on the chairlift and go up to the top of the Panoramic Express Chair lift at 12,060 feet (3,676 meters) ski all day, and have a few beers after your done skiing.  You begin to have a severe headache and feel nauseous and weak. If your condition worsens, you may begin to have difficulty skiing. Scenarios like this are not uncommon, so it’s essential that you understand the physiological effects of high altitude.

For more information on altitude sickness – what it is, what it isn’t and what to do, click here.