Denver may be the Mile High City but it’s actually relatively low in altitude when compared to many of Colorado’s ski resorts and mountain towns. The state has 53 peaks over 14k feet, after all, and the highest cities in the US, well, they’re pretty much all here. Here’s the top ten*:
Glade Park-Gateway – 10,565 feet
Leadville – 10,152 feet
Eagle-Vail – 10,078 feet
Blue River – 10,020 feet
Mount Crested Butte – 9,960 feet
Fairplay – 9,950 feet
Victor – 9,695 feet
Breckenridge – 9,602
Mountain Village – 9,600 feet
Cripple Creek – 9,508
Altitude doesn't typically affect people until they get over 5k feet, where the decrease in oxygen causes people to breath more quickly. Denver is just over that mark so its rarely a problem for visitors, but many visitors to Colorado don’t just hang out in the city; they head up to the mountains to go skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, biking, etc… And that’s when the elevation really makes itself known.
When engaging in any kind of physical activity at altitude, its important to remember that your body simply can’t perform at the same level as it could at lower elevations. With less oxygen in the air, your muscles can’t get all the same resources they need to keep you going. You’re bound to notice that you get out of breath faster and that it takes longer for you to recuperate once tired. Your heart will beat faster too, working its hardest to keep oxygen flowing to your muscles.
The trick to keeping active when visiting Colorado from a lower elevation is to take your time and go slowly at first. Give your body a chance to acclimate to the new altitude and lower levels of oxygen. This should only take 2-3 days so if you’re staying longer than that, you can look forward to any uncomfortable sensations like dizziness or difficulty sleeping going away in time.
Of course, a more permanent solution to altitude sickness is to simply move somewhere elevated. Like Denver or Boulder, maybe. Are you looking for a job in Colorado? If that sounds like something you might be into, check out our job board and get in touch with us if you see a position that tickles your fancy!
