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after a full day of skiing, first day in breck, my 9 yr old came bounding off the slopes, then all of a sudden complained of a terrible headache, started vomiting and passed out. you can't imagine. I carried her into the health service right there in the middle of the ski lift area, and they were nonplussed. guess they saw that kind of reaction constantly -- they knew exactly what it was. yes, we were dumb not to anticipate it. get a good night sleep the night before, get used to the time difference, take it easy the first day and drink, drink, drink. After a night of breathing oxygen from a tank, my daughter was perfect, and we enjoyed the rest of our trip. But it was a hard lesson to learn that way. from now on, we sleep in the first day there, take it easy and drink water nonstop.

I'm glad someone brought this up. I travel to Denver often on business, and usually go right out to dinner as soon as we get there...and during dinner I'm always "out of it" - a little disoriented and short of breath. I always thought that it was all in my head, how could just 5300' affect anyone? The rest of the out-of-state group always appears fine, though. By the next morning, I'm 100% better.

PS Having a drink - even just one - makes it SO much worse...feels like I've had 3!

I live at sea level and have never suffered from altitude sickness in the mountains. I got a little bit dizzy at the top of Pikes Peak - but I was inside the gift shop and it was really warm in there. Once I steped outside I was just fine.

I also live at sea level. first trip to telluride was difficult. driving up from durango headache started and within 30min i was fast asleep. still get mild headaches even in denver and santa fe. best cure is lots of water, twice my usual 64 oz. a day before flying. no caffiene, no alcohol the first couple of days. lightheadedness doesnt really go completely away while exerting engery. eat healthy meals and get plenty of sleep. talk to drs. for any and all medical conditions!!! also-enjoy!

My daughter and I were in Beaver Creek several years ago. She insisted that I get medication from my doctor to take while on the trip. I had no problems. She had been there the year before and someone in her party became so ill that he was rushed to the hospital. Beaver Creek is beautiful. Have fun.

For whoever asked about Melatonin:

I'm not an herbal taker but when I went to China (12 hour time difference) I thought I might need help sleeping so I tried Melatonin.

I believe it helped and I did not have an risidual effects the next day.

Thanks all for the tips. I live at 500' above sea level and go to the Rockies every year. I didn't realize things like being "out of it" were from altitude sickness.

Just got back from Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. Had no altitude sickness symptoms, but suffered dreadfully from extremely dry nasal passages. Felt like I had major allergies or a cold, and had to get saline spray at the store. lived in Atlanta, and was used to high humidty. My husband was affected too. FYI, Judy