At an impressive 11,053 feet, the summit of Mammoth Mountain is the highest point at any resort location in the entire state of California. While this is certainly appreciated by skiers and snowboarders preferring several extra months of ideal conditions, it can be a bit unsettling if you’re affected by higher altitudes. Fortunately, you can still enjoy all there is to see and experience at Mammoth Mountain if you take some precautions to prevent or ease issues with altitude sickness. The mountain sports pros from ASO Mammoth, the premier choice for Mammoth ski rental, hiking gear, and mountain bike rental, offer these suggestions for staying hydrated on the slopes.
Slowly Work Your Way Up the Mountain
The entire mountain at Mammoth is peppered with an assortment of terrain and trails. The higher ones are generally more challenging, but there are plenty of equally appealing spots where you can ski, snowboard, or hike in lower areas. By starting lower, you’ll also be able to gradually work your way up to some of the higher spots. Doing so allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude.
Eat More Carbs
Carbs provide more calories fairly quickly. What this does is minimize fatigue and provide an extra boost to offset the issues that go along with being higher up. Just avoid foods high in sodium, since they can cause dehydration. Luckily, there are many spots throughout the Mammoth area where you can find some tasty carbs before you go to higher elevations here. There’s also a café at the top of the summit where you can “carb up” before going back out or down.
Only Consume Alcohol in Moderation
Alcoholic beverages can worsen the symptoms that go along with altitude sickness. This doesn’t mean you have to totally forego adult beverages during your visit to Mammoth Mountain. But it can be helpful if you limit your consumption until you adjust to the change in altitude.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s a good idea to hydrate whenever you’re immersing yourself in the various outdoor activities common throughout the Mammoth area. However, staying sufficiently hydrated is even more important if you want to prevent altitude sickness. An easy way to do this at Mammoth Mountain is to bring a reusable water bottle with you, since there are several water refill stations scattered throughout the resort.
Stay in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes, the town near Mammoth Mountain, is at a lower elevation. Take advantage of this fact to minimize altitude sickness by booking your accommodations at one of the places in Mammoth Lakes rather than one of the resort’s on-site spots. This way, you can sleep at a lower elevation and make your way to Mammoth Mountain during the day.
Bring Medication with You
If your symptoms of altitude sickness tend to be fairly serious and disruptive, you may prefer to bring medication with you. The general recommendation is to take any medication for this purpose a few days before you travel. Acetazolamide is a commonly recommended medication for altitude sickness. Specifically, it minimizes symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Talk to your doctor for suggestions appropriate for you.
By following the tips listed above, you can avoid altitude sickness and make the most of your time at Mammoth. Make sure to stop by ASO Mammoth on your way to the slopes. We can fit you out with the latest gear, give your skis a machine wax, and provide you with the best snowboard, bike, and ski rentals in Mammoth. Drop by or give us a call at 760-965-3444.