Altitude & Mountain Wellness Guide
Visiting the mountains is an unforgettable experience—but high elevation can affect everyone differently. Breckenridge and Keystone sit well above sea level, and guests traveling from lower elevations may experience mild altitude-related symptoms during their first day or two. This guide is designed to help you recognize common signs, ease your transition, and know exactly where to go if you need medical support—so you can relax, acclimate, and enjoy your stay with confidence.
Day One at Altitude: What to Know
- Drink Water: Immediately Start hydrating as soon as you arrive. Aim for water + electrolytes.
- Take It Slow: Unpack, settle in, and keep activities light on Day One.
- Skip the Alcohol Tonight: Alcohol hits harder at altitude—save it for tomorrow.
- Eat Light & Carb-Friendly: Soups, grains, fruits, and snacks help your body adjust.
- Expect Shortness of Breath: This is normal—pause, breathe, repeat.
- Headache?: Act Early Hydrate, rest, and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if safe for you.
- Try Supplemental Oxygen (Optional): Available at local shops and clinics if you’re feeling off.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Extra pillows, a warm room, and an earlier bedtime help acclimation.
- Listen to Your Body: Fatigue and mild headaches are common—pushing through isn’t.
- Get Help if Symptoms Worsen: Severe headache, nausea, confusion, or breathing issues = seek medical care immediately.
When to Seek Medical Care
If symptoms persist, worsen, or feel severe, professional medical care is recommended. Immediate care is advised for severe headaches, confusion, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If symptoms feel severe or escalate quickly:
Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco is the closest full-service hospital, located approximately 20 minutes from Breckenridge and 25 minutes from Keystone.
Full Service Hospital
Urgent Care - Breckenridge
Urgent Care - Breckenridge
St. Anthony Summit Medical Center
📍 Frisco, Colorado
✔ Full-service hospital
✔ Emergency Department (24/7)
✔ Altitude-related illness care
✔ Imaging, labs, and specialty services
This is the primary hospital for Summit County and the recommended destination for urgent or severe symptoms.
PHONE
970-668-3300
ADDRESS
Urgent Care - Breckenridge
Urgent Care - Breckenridge
Urgent Care - Breckenridge
St. Anthony Breckenridge Urgent Care
📍 Breckenridge, Colorado
✔ Walk-in urgent care
✔ Evaluation for mild to moderate altitude symptoms
✔ Oxygen support and evaluation
✔ Minor injuries and illness treatment
Ideal for mild to moderate symptoms or quick evaluations while staying in Breckenridge
PHONE
970-453-1010
ADDRESS
Urgent Care - Keystone
Urgent Care - Breckenridge
Urgent Care - Keystone
St. Anthony Keystone Medical Center
📍 River Run Village, Keystone
✔ Walk-in urgent care
✔ Evaluation for mild to moderate altitude symptoms
✔ Oxygen support and evaluation
✔ Minor injuries and illness treatment
Ideal for mild to moderate symptoms or quick evaluations while staying in Keystone.
PHONE
970-468-6677
ADDRESS
This information is provided for general awareness only and is not intended as medical advice. Individual responses to altitude vary. If symptoms persist, worsen, or feel severe, please seek professional medical care or call 911.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.