Be Aware of the Altitude in Breckenridge!

The Town sits at 9,600 feet; The Base of peak 8 at 10,000. Drink LOTS AND LOTS of water! Take it EASY the first couple of days. Caffeine and Alcohol will make you feel worse. What to Watch For! Symptoms of altitude sickness include a headache with one or more of the following: Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, Fatigue or weakness, Dizziness or light-headedness, Difficulty sleeping, Confusion, Staggering gait.

Remember, once you arrive take it easy for the first day or two. Adequate hydration is important in the prevention of altitude illness. Drink two or three times more water or fluid than usual. Limit alcohol consumption for two or three days and minimize caffeine intake. Limit salty foods and increase carbohydrate consumption. Above all, listen to your body. Do not push the limits of your physical capabilities. If you feel worse, get medical attention! Minor altitude illness symptoms can occasionally become life threatening.

Preventing and Treating Altitude Sickness
• Stay in Denver a night or two if you are coming up from sea level
• Take it easy the first couple of days; physical conditioning at sea level does not help prevent altitude sickness
• Increase Fluid Intake - Decrease Salt Intake
• Drink plenty of water
• Moderate your physical activity
• Eat high carbohydrate, low fat meals
• Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, narcotics and caffeine intake they will reduce respiration.


High Country Healthcare - Breckenridge 400 N Park, Suite 1-A (City Market Shopping Center) Open 6 days a week, year round. Call 970-547-9200. For emergencies please call 911.
 
Breckenridge Medical Center - Open 7 days a week, year round. Call 970-453-1010. For emergencies please call 911.
 
There is an oxygen bar located on Main Street
 

Prevent Sun Burn - Use sunscreen (SPF 15-30), Always wear sun glasses or goggles

Prevent Cold Injury - Do eat a full breakfast and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Stop to warm up often.

Watch each other for warning signs

Preparing to visit the Wilderness - Leave word where you are going and when you will be back. Give complete route details of where you are going to close relatives/friends. Tell them about anyone's special medical conditions e.g. diabetes, asthma. Tell them when you plan to return and have them call authorities if overdue. Leave a note 'inside' your car or truck outlining your hiking plans. For security reasons, it is not necessary to place the note so it can be read through the windshield. If you're missing and we find your car, we will get inside to read your note. Take the correct map and compass. Know how to use them. Take appropriate clothing and footwear.

In Colorado mountains it is especially important to avoid hypothermia. Weather changes rapidly in all seasons. Always take a waterproof windbreaker and clothing that can keep you warm when wet, e.g. wool. Do dress in layers; bring an extra fleece. Do wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection. Please consider the helpful tips as well:
Do use sunscreen and carry a small bottle in your pocket; high elevation sun is intense. Do bring a neck gaiter, even if it seems warm. Do wear waterproof mittens or gloves. Avoid cotton which absorbs perspiration and rain and becomes cold when wet. Avoid cotton jeans. Do wear fleece or a polypro blend as the first layer. Do wear only one pair of standard mid-weight socks; thick socks or layers of socks can cause uncomfortable bunching in boots. Even in warm weather in the mountains, be prepared for rains and night cold if stranded. Large plastic trash bags can substitute for raingear in an emergency. Take drinking water, take drinking water, take drinking water! Water is much more important to your survival than food. Take high calorie/high protein snacks to maintain energy. Don't overestimate your abilities. Always allow time for the unexpected, e.g. thick scrub, cliff lines. Don't go faster than the slowest member of your group. At regular intervals do a head count of your group. Don't split up your group during a hike. There is safety in numbers. Don't leave an injured person alone. A group of three or more will allow one to look after the injured while the other goes for help. If there are only two of you, do not leave the injured person alone unless you know exactly the route to get help. Stay on trails, roads, etc.! Stay put when lost. Find a campsite (with nearby water, if practical) that will be visible from a helicopter. Wave vigorously (a bright or white shirt, jacket, etc.) at any helicopters - they are probably looking for you! Don't forget if you are overdue to phone home from the first phone you come to. Make sure, if you are overdue, that you notify local authorities that you are safe.

Ski Boot Tip - Don't leave boots in the car overnight because they'll be too hard to buckle

Winter Driving Tips - If you plan on driving make sure you carry the following in your car in case your vehicle become inoperable. Shovel, 4' x 1' expanded metal strips (for traction), Tow cable, Sand bag, Eight-hour survival candle and matches (to elevate temperature in car), Jumper cables, Distress sign, Cell phone, Dry food snacks and water, Can of gas line anti-freeze, Extra gasoline (well sealed), Blankets, (preferably wool), Warm footwear, hats and gloves, Flares.