| Posts: 652 |
|
Clackmannanshire |
|
|
 #1 Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 30/01/2009 @ 14:39 |
   |
|
Howdy.
The missus and I (new boarders, only about a year - 18 months) have booked up to go to Breckenridge in April for our first mountain Holiday.
Since we booked folks have been filling our heads with scare stories about Altitude and not being able to do anything the whole time we are there.
I've done some research and found that Altitude sickness is pretty random so it's a toss of a coin as to whether we'll be affected or not.
Just wondering if anyone has been to Breck and had problems and if so how did you get on with your boarding while there? |
|
|
|
|
|
| #2 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 30/01/2009 @ 14:56 |
|
|
| In reply to post #1
... |
Not Breck but Iwas just down the road (so to speak) in Crested Butte just before chrimbo. I didnt suffer with altitude as such, but when walking back from the bar of a night the mix of cold and altitude did become an issue.
Please note that I have slight asthma, which did not affect me during the day time.
Fish |
|
|
|
|
|
| #3 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 30/01/2009 @ 15:10 |
|
|
|
|
| Posts: 652 |
|
Clackmannanshire |
|
|
| #4 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 30/01/2009 @ 15:34 |
|
|
| In reply to post #3
... |
Thanks mate, great reply.
We are indeed absolutely buzzing with anticipation at going. I cant wait to get there.
We looked at Keystone and I was looking forward to night riding under floodlights until I saw that it was only open for nights up till teh end of March. We go on teh 8th of April 
Thinking of going to A Basin (also on the lift pass and free bus) depending on effects of altitude as it looks awesome as well.
So may things, so little time! |
|
|
|
|
|
| #5 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 08/02/2009 @ 19:43 |
|
|
| In reply to post #1
... |
Dont worry about altitude sickness - well it didnt affect me!
To be hones the only thing I had was a nose bleed (not hardcore - just like blowing my nose revealed some dried up blood - i.e. not enough to run down my nose). That subsided after a day or two.
The hike up to the back bowls after the taking the mountain express is completely knackering. Its cos of the altitude for sure. But pretty interesting from a science point of view - just a few steps was exahusting.
They limit alcohol on the slope bars/restaurants but tbh i didnt drink on slope because I was there to board.
I think you'll be fine. Just make sure you hit up all the resorts. The bus system is awesome, frequent and not so packed.
I get really cold easily so from my side so if you or your missus does too then I'd advise you to layer up. Especially if you do night time at Keystone. I did it and loved it - theres defo less people and sometimes you have massive stretches all to yourself.
Just note that Beaver Creek is the only (when I went) resort on your pass that isnt linked by bus. If you can get a ride to it, it's worth the visit.
Have fun!  |
|
|
|
|
|
| #6 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 16/02/2009 @ 15:51 |
|
|
| In reply to post #5
... |
|
Gaz, if you are going to go to A-Basin, leave it for a clear windless day - it is a high alpine bowl and is very exposed to the elements. It gets a bit more busy on weekends, and is awesome under fresh snow. |
|
|
|
| Posts: 652 |
|
Clackmannanshire |
|
|
| #7 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 16/02/2009 @ 17:44 |
|
|
| In reply to post #6
... |
|
Cheers Chris mate, thanks for the tip! |
|
|
|
|
|
| #8 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 09/03/2009 @ 23:37 |
|
|
| In reply to post #7
... |
I did a couple of seasons in Breckenridge so for what it's worth here's my advice.
Your first nights sleep is unlikely to be very good (no matter how tired you are).
Keep a big bottle of water next to your bed as the dehydration will kick in during the night.
Don't go too mental on the mountain on your first day & finish up early for a few jars in Mi Casa + keep drinking that water.
Get to bed early, you will sleep like a baby.
From then on you should be OK.
The most tiring thing is playing in the 5-a-side football league at Breckenridge Sports Centre....avoid this & it's all good.
JonnyWishbone |
|
|
|
|
|
| #9 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 10/03/2009 @ 10:28 |
|
|
Hi.
I suffered a little from altitude when I went to Aspen. The thing that got me was that I flew from Denver to Aspen airport which is right next to the base of Butter Milk so straight away I was at approx 2500m's. I had flu like symptoms for the first day but luckily I'd planned to have a look around the town and to buy a new pair of comfy boots, get a lift pass etc. The second day I was fine and good to go. The altitude didn't affect me on the mountain although I never made it from the top to the bottom in one go  but walking up stairs was a killer and I also suffered with a pretty tight chest in the nights.
It's nothing that you can't deal with to be honest so I wouldn't worry
So I'd say take your time on the first day, rehydrate after your journey, have a walk around town and get familiar with the place. Get plenty of fluids inside ya and just have a relax and re-charge. Having said that, my mate Frodo was fine and was probably good to go on day 1 |
|
 |
|
I've been all over the world, Ibiza, Magaluf, Blackpool etc and Tamworth was by far the best for snowsports!! It's intense man!!! You're totally gripped when you're at the top and looking down...
Snowboard Wales Facebook Group |
|
|
|
|
|
| #10 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 11/03/2009 @ 10:08 |
|
|
Just came across this on the Aspen website and thought that this may help you out.
General
Skin: Using sun screen in the Rocky Mountains is as important as using a seatbelt or wearing a helmet. Use Spf. 30 and apply frequently. Be aware that the sun's reflection off the snow is strong even on cloudy days.
Water: Exerting yourself at higher altitudes increases the risk of dehydration, so drink plenty of water.
Altitude: You’re at more than 7,000 feet in Aspen Snowmass so you may feel the effects of altitude sickness. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous on the hill, head back to the base and drink more water.
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to limit physical activity for the first few days and drink alcohol in moderation. If you suffer from the altitude you can pick up over the counter pain killers that contain acetazolamide or dexamethasone at the local pharmacy. |
|
|
|
|
I've been all over the world, Ibiza, Magaluf, Blackpool etc and Tamworth was by far the best for snowsports!! It's intense man!!! You're totally gripped when you're at the top and looking down...
Snowboard Wales Facebook Group |
|
|
|
| Posts: 652 |
|
Clackmannanshire |
|
|
| #11 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 22/04/2009 @ 12:43 |
|
|
Got back from Breckenridge last week but this is the first chance I've had to reply.
Place was amazing, snow was amazing, can't wait to go back. We had planned to visit Keystone but I only managed to cover about 60% of the Breck terrain in my 6 days boarding it was so big, and I got caught up in the Parks! (First time I've ever done any park stuff and I'm hooked).
My missus followed all the Altitude instructions (take it easy first day, drink plenty of water etc etc) and she got it pretty bad on the second day. Ended up half a day in bed but it cleared up.
I decided that teh cure for Altitude sickness was to leave my 2 week old (uninsured) iPhone on the transfer shuttle that dropped us off at the hotel and then chase it for 400 yards through Breckenridge town to its next stop to get it back!  After 2 hours of breathing out of my hoop and coughing up blood (cold air in the throat) I suffered no issues with Altitude for the entire duration and was able to get to the summit of Peaks 9 and 10 on the first day no problem!
All in all a great experience for our first trip away and we've already decided we want to go back to Colorado next year.
Big props to www.americanskiclassics.com who sorted out the entire holiday for us at a good grand less than the Travel agents wanted (and in a far better hotel!). We'll be using them again next time.
Oh, and we needn't have worried. BMI didn't even weigh our board bags at Edinburgh, just sent them to oversize baggage and on teh way back from Denver United weighed NOTHING!  |
|
|
|
| Posts: 376 |
|
Gloucestershire |
|
|
| #12 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 22/04/2009 @ 17:20 |
|
|
| In reply to post #11
... |
Hey Gaz, I'm just looking at organising a trip to Breck next Feb for a group of us. Can I ask you what hotel you stayed in?
Good news that neither of you suffered with altitude too much. We did Tahoe a few years back which is also pretty high and most of our party got away with it, a couple of us had minor nose bleeds and someone suffered with flu like symptoms for a couple of days. I always get a cracking headache the first day I'm in Denver when I'm over there on business. So it's quite common to suffer a bit. Just drink plenty of water and pop a brufen or two  |
|
|
|
| Posts: 652 |
|
Clackmannanshire |
|
|
| #13 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 23/04/2009 @ 09:53 |
|
|
| In reply to post #12
... |
Hi Iggie
We stayed at the Village Hotel, which was absolutely perfect. 50 - 60 feet from the front door to the Quiksilver Super 6 lift. Couldn't have asked for more. In February as well, I think theres snow right down to the hotel front door so you could board back.
Hotel was great. Hot tubs, pool, games room, gym, sauna etc and it was only about 50/60 feet again from teh junction of main street. Having seen where the rest of teh hotels were, I'd say we lucked out as that one was in well teh best location.
Only other one I would consider when going back next year is teh Beaver Run resort. Further away from main street which would be a pain in teh ass, but again its just across teh road from teh Beaver run chair and teh boarding is more important than the food!
I'd seriously look at www.americanskiclassics.com as well mate. I was a bit scpetical at first as it sounded like a one man operation, but speaking to teh guy he was excellent, knew what he was talking about (both the place and the full end to end trip) which teh travel agents had not a clue about and he got us there for over £1000 less than Thomas Cook or Thomson could even quote. And that was without the transfers from the airport (another $360), the transfers to Heathrow (another £200) and staying in a hotel (which we found while walking through main street) a good 20 minute walk from teh hill.
Id highly recommend at least getting a quote from them to compare against what you have. |
|
|
|
| Posts: 275 |
|
West Yorkshire |
|
|
| #14 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 23/04/2009 @ 14:10 |
|
|
| In reply to post #13
... |
Hey Gaz,
Sounds like you had a great trip
Breck is on my list for next year and like you had heard about the altitude problems.
I will drop you a PM nearer to the date we go to hopefully get a bit of info on the local stuff and the hilll if that's ok with you?
Gyro |
|
|
|
| Posts: 652 |
|
Clackmannanshire |
|
|
| #15 Re: Breckenridge - Altitude Posted 23/04/2009 @ 16:51 |
|
|
| In reply to post #14
... |
No worries mate, fire away.
Think we've defo decided we're going back next year as well. Just waiting for the April Prices to be released by the airlines (my missus is a teacher so Easter Hols our only real option!) |
|
|
|