Telluride sits at 8,750 feet, Mountain Village at 9,545 feet, and the ski resort tops out above 13,000 feet. That means many visitors feel the effects of altitude. Headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and restless sleep are common if you don't prepare. A few too many of our visitors over the years have had an amazing night one in Telluride, only to spend the rest of their trip in the Montrose hospital.
The good news: with a little planning, you can minimize or avoid altitude sickness and have a wonderful stay.
What Is Altitude Sickness?
At higher elevations, there's less oxygen pressure in the air. Your body has to work harder to absorb oxygen, which can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and shortness of breath. For most people, it's mild and passes in 1–3 days as your body acclimates. But man, you will feel the acclimation if you are sensitive to altitude — or if you exercise hard.
Pre-Trip Prep
- Hydrate before you arrive: Start drinking extra water 2–3 days before your trip
- Skip alcohol: It dehydrates you faster
- Consider medication: Some doctors prescribe acetazolamide (Diamox). Ask your physician before travel
- Fitness helps, but isn't everything: Even marathoners can get altitude sickness
Travel Day Tips
- Rest on arrival: Don't plan your hardest hike or ski day right off the plane
- Skip drinking on night one: this is hard to do on vacation, but is my #1 hack
- Drive time advantage: A road trip from Denver or Albuquerque helps with gradual acclimation, but don't overstate this if you're coming from sea level
On-Site Strategies
- Hydrate constantly: Aim for 3–4 liters of water daily
- Light activity first: Try the River Trail or a gondola ride on day one instead of tackling Sneffels Highline
- Eat right: Carbs fuel your body better than fatty foods at altitude
- Seriously, don't drink on night one
- Sleep tricks: Avoid caffeine late in the day; use a humidifier if your hotel provides one
- Supplement oxygen: Portable oxygen canisters are sold at Telluride Pharmacy and gear shops
When to Seek Medical Help
If you have severe headache, confusion, persistent vomiting, or shortness of breath at rest, go straight to Telluride Regional Medical Center. High altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema are rare but serious.
Final Tips
- Take it easy on day one. Wander town, soak in Ouray Hot Springs, or enjoy a slow gondola ride
- Listen to your body. If you feel wiped out, hydrate and rest
- Build in a buffer day to acclimate before going big on skiing or hiking
- Skip drinking on night one. My number one hack, after one too many trips to Montrose