Even at 5,280 feet in Denver, we are considered flatlanders to our mountain folk counterparts. And really, by mountain standards, we are flatlanders and elevation can be tricky even for us.
The good news, this year’s Brand Summit will be held in our beloved Denver, The Mile High City. And while we won’t be taking you up the hill to the mountains, the elevation can still throw you off.
Here is the thing, Colorado is a high desert, so the air is thinner and a lot dryer. And while that has a ton of benefits, it can also have drawbacks. So, here are a few things that we wanted to share with you so you know what to expect when you’re in the mountains.
Tips on Altitude:
Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat lots of little meals or snacks. Staying hydrated and fueled helps your body adjust to the altitude. If you can come to Denver early to acclimate, that’s ideal! It will help you adjust to the elevation if you are coming from a lower elevation, obviously.
Drink Lots of Water!
Start upping your intake of water before you get to the mountains. When you are at altitude, drink twice as much water as you normally would. Drinking lots of water is the best way to help your body adjust to the change in elevation.
What to Wear
Think mountain casual. Clothing like a puffer vest, medium weight or fleece jacket, jeans and comfortable (layerable) tops. Since we are closer to the sun, it often feels much warmer than it actually is. So, it is best to dress in layers. Also, temps can really dip at night, even in the summer and it is quite possible that you will feel colder than at comparable temperatures back home (mostly because of the lack of oxygen in your blood). Also, bring comfy walking shoes or hiking boots and good socks! You don’t need hiking boots, necessarily, but if you are going for a hike, you will want shoes with traction.
Snacking is Encouraged
Try to eat more foods that are high in potassium (broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes). Foods that are high in potassium helps to replenish electrolytes. At altitude, your body is working harder than normal, so you may find that your appetite increases. Or, maybe it won’t. But, even if you don’t feel hungry, keep snacking. You’ll burn it right off anyway.
Listen to Your Body
The effects of physical activities and alcohol are amplified up here. To be fair, just about everything you do at elevation will feel more difficult than it does back home. This is because the air is thinner and your body won’t function as efficiently as it normally does. And that is ok. Always remember to listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard.
It is Always Sunny
Ok, so it isn’t always sunny. But with over 300 days of sunshine per year, the odds that you’ll catch a few sunny days are pretty good. However, at altitude, there is less protection from the sun’s rays. About 25% less protection, so sunscreen is highly encouraged. We never leave the house without lip balm, sunscreen, and sunglasses…even in winter.
Don’t let anything that you hear about getting altitude sickness scare you. Yes, you can get sick and ruin your fun having. But, if you listen to your body and follow these guidelines, you will be just fine. Just keep in mind that your body might be a little confused at first.
We hope these tips help you feel more prepared to join us for another epic Brand Summit in the Colorado Rockies. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions and we’ll see you on the mountain!
The Mountains are Calling…
*Originally published 4/14/2017
*Edited to reflect our 3rd Annual Brand Summit being held in Denver. Previous Brand Summits have been held at The Stanley Hotel and Devil’s Thumb Ranch.
