fmpden

Don't let altitude sickness cause extra concern. It is poorly understood and very unpredictable. Just because someone else has a problem does not mean that you will have a problem. And you can go to altitude five times with no problem and be very sick on the sixth time. So unless you know you have a problem, it is really a dice role.

nannibray

Have had a problem in the past, so I am a little "gun-shy" now as I am the driver. Perhaps after the first 2 nights in Boulder, then moving to Estes for 3 nights, I can tolerate some higher altitudes.

Nelson

Two nights in Boulder and three in Estes is perfect acclimatization. While in Estes you will likely drive to higher elevations during the day, so the climber's maxim "Climb high, sleep low" will also apply.

No guarantees of course, as fmpden noted, but stay hydrated, move slowly, not too much alcohol, and there is good chance you'll do fine.

The unpredictable nature of AMS works both ways: just because you've had it once does not mean you'll have it again. If you repeatedly have had a problem, then maybe that's another story. Good luck.

wave725

I am a flatlander too and understand your concern about high altitude sickness in Colorado. Here's some good tips I usually follow:

http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...ional-park.htm

azzure

I think Yosemite Valley and Lauterbrunnen Valley are comparable...although Yosemite has no cows.

nytraveler

Although altitude sickness can sometimes be mysterious if you have underlying lung problems or are or have ever been a smoker it's much more likely to affect you - since lung capacity is already compromised.

I would ascend slowly and if you start to feel really uncomfortable - head back down to a lower altitude.

Nelson

More than you ever wanted to know about altitude sickness, from the acknowledged world experts:
http://www.altitudemedicine.org/inde...itude-sickness

With regards to your trip they do have this to say:
AMS can afflict any visitor sleeping higher than 6000 feet. In Colorado, between 15 and 40% of visitors sleeping at 8000 ft or higher get AMS, with the incidence the highest at the highest resorts. Most folks visiting these areas travel in one day from low to high altitude; if an intermediate day is spent in Denver or a similar altitude, the incidence of AMS is much lower.

As nytraveler noted, underlying lung problems can make you more susceptible, see here:
http://www.altitudemedicine.org/inde...ing-conditions

It's good to be aware of this issue, but for most people it shouldn't ruin a trip if the guidelines are followed. Descent is the cure.

azzure

My one and only bout with altitude sickness occurred at about 13,000 feet, when I tried to climb Mt. Whitney. It was awful. I thought I was going to have to be helicoptered out. But it went away when I had stumbled back down to around 10,000 feet, and I enjoyed a celebratory steak dinner at that altitude.

Tomsd

azzure - heard a great story on Frommers about Farmer Brown? herding his cows through tiny Murren and getting razzed by his fellow Swiss - who were sitting on town benches - about the cows not moving very fast or some such.

nannibray

Thanks everyone. I have a lot of very useful info here.
NELSON - thanks for the web site on AMS. I copied it and will heed the advice.
I am from a city with 450' altitude so I will definitely need to acclimate slowly.

Nelson

You are welcome nannibray. Have a great trip.