Understanding High Elevation Skiing at Vail
Skiers and snowboarders come from all over the world to experience Vail’s legendary terrain, but in order to fully enjoy it, visitors must be prepared for the high alpine environment. That’s right, we’re talking about the elevation. At 8,150 feet above sea level at the base of the mountain, and over 11,000 at the top, even the strongest of skiers can be affected by the high elevation here at Vail Mountain. So, how does one prepare to experience legendary terrain and altitude?
Understanding how your body responds to high elevation skiing helps visitors prepare properly and maximize their enjoyment on Vail's legendary terrain without altitude-related setbacks.
High elevation skiing challenges even experienced athletes, as reduced oxygen levels at altitude affect physical performance, making proper preparation essential for a successful mountain experience. For those preparing for high-elevation activities in Vail, we've compiled four simple steps to help you get ready for skiing at higher altitudes: start with a warm-up, stay hydrated, take breaks to rest and refuel, and don't forget to cover up!
Essential Tips for High Elevation Skiing Success
Warm Up Before Hitting the Slopes
If you’ve experienced Vail’s 5,317 acres of incredible terrain before, you’ll know what to expect, but you might have forgotten what the first day on hill feels like for your legs! Whether you’ve been snowboarding for years or are new to the sport, a simple morning warm up before hitting the slopes is a must. Start by focusing on your calves and quads, and then move on to what feels best for you.
Stay Hydrated at High Altitude
The best way to adjust to altitude is to stay hydrated. Now, if you’re visiting from sea level, staying hydrated will look a bit different. While on the mountain, drinking twice as much water or Gatorade as you would at home is a great place to start, and pre-hydrating before you get out on the hill, is even better. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and dehydration, if you begin to feel any of the below while on the slopes or in the villages, stop into one of our lodges. We offer complimentary cups of water and Gatorade and bottled water for purchase.
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of perspiration
- Nausea
Recognizing early symptoms and responding quickly prevents minor altitude discomfort from escalating into serious issues that could cut your ski day short.
Fuel Your Body for Altitude Performance
Skiing and snowboarding require a lot of energy, so just as you would before going on a long run or a bike ride, be sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a hearty, healthy breakfast. While on the mountain make sure to take breaks in one of the many lodges and keep a few pocket snacks on you for chairlift re-fuels. Fatigue comes on quickly and easily at elevation so it is important to stay tuned into what your body needs. Lastly, we all love a good après, but alcohol decreases blood oxygen and you need all of the oxygen you can get in a high altitude environment so keep it light and be sure to hydrate (with water)!
Protect Your Skin at High Elevation
Proper sun protection cannot be overstated in a high alpine environment. The combination of elevation and the reflectiveness of snow means that the sun’s rays are incredibly strong. So strong in fact that with every 1,000 feet increase in elevation, UV exposure increases by 6-10%. That means that skiers and snowboarders are far more susceptible to sunburns, so this last tip is to cover up with sunscreen and protective layers. Apply sunscreen before you go out on the mountain (especially on your face, unless you’re going for a goggle tan) and reapply throughout the day, ideally every two hours.
These preparation strategies apply whether you're tackling high elevation skiing for the first time or returning to Vail after time at lower altitudes, as acclimatization benefits everyone regardless of experience level.
That’s it! Follow these four tips to ensure you’re at your best while adventuring at altitude.
