BE PREPARED!
Your trip to Breckenridge should be an experience you will always remember. We’ve put together a list of hints and advice to help make your trip unforgettable in a positive way!
Proper Clothing:
Dress for cooler temperatures but be prepared for sudden weather changes. It’s colder at higher altitudes and layers of clothing are a good idea. It may feel colder or warmer depending on whether it’s windy or cloudy on one hand, or sunny with still air on the other. It’s best to dress in layers and wear breathable clothing, such as smart wool that keeps moisture away from the skin. Beware that weather can change drastically! It could be a bluebird day and turn to storms quickly. With that being said, if you are going for a hike or other outdoor adventures, make sure to bring a rain jacket and layers in case it gets cold. You don’t want to get caught in a storm unprepared!
Sunburn:
Because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection from snow or water, you can sunburn much more easily than most people think. Ultraviolet light is more intense at higher altitudes. Be sure to protect your face and lips with appropriate sunscreen (at least 15 SPF), and protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles.
Altitude Sickness:
Perhaps as many as half the visitors from lower elevations experience some form of altitude illness. The vast majority of cases are self-limited and spontaneously resolve as the body acclimatizes. Symptoms include fatigue, decreased appetite, shortness of breath with minimal exertion, nausea, headache and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are often worse the second day at altitude (but resolve in four to five days). Rest is the key to treating mild forms of altitude sickness.
Avoiding Altitude Sickness:
Stay Properly Hydrated: Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day).
Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other depressant drugs during acclimation, which can also lead to dehydration.
Light Activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating Altitude Sickness symptoms.
Please check out this helpful link regarding more ways on how to acclimate to altitude. http://www.skisilverthorne.com/adapt-to-elevation-changes.php
Frostbite & Hypothermia: Frostbite results from cooling of body tissues and subsequent destruction of these tissues. This occurs when skin is exposed to cold and windy conditions. Fingers, ears and noses are especially susceptible. The best cure is prevention. Keep the skin covered and warm up frequently. If blisters, occur or if fingers or toes are involved, seek medical attention immediately. Over exposure to cold, wetness or wind can cause a very low internal body temperature known as hypothermia. Warning signs include shivering, fatigue, slowed pulse and bluish lip color. Hypothermia is life threatening. Victims of hypothermia should get to warmth and shelter, remove wet clothes, warm up in blankets, and drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages. Emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.
Parking/Transportation:
Breckenridge is served by the Free Ride Transportation System. Paid parking is available in town and ranges from $5 to $20 a day. Free day skier parking is available off of Airport Road with free shuttle service to the base of the Gondola. To make paid parking in town extremely easy, make sure to download the PassportParking Mobile Pay App on your phone. (Guests staying at our condo can walk everywhere so you shouldn't need to worry about parking for the day as you can walk to the Gondola. Guests staying at our House Airbnb can either take the bus or drive...so this information is a bit more applicable to them)
Attire:
Breckenridge prides itself in being a laid back, casual mountain town. No need to bring your high-heels or dress clothes (Unless of course you're visiting for a wedding!) Jeans and a sweater/fleece are the norm around here. Don’t forget your snow boots in the winter! Very important to get around comfortably!
Ski apparel
Appropriate dress can make or break your day on the slopes. It is worth investing in a pair of waterproof ski pants as jeans get wet and do not allow enough movement. It is best to dress in layers as temperatures can vary from day to day. A waterproof shell is your best bet for a jacket, with a fleece and under layers for additional warmth. A nice pair of ski or snowboard socks can help in ski/snowboard boot comfort. Additional comfort can be achieved by wearing highly breathable clothing specifically made for winter outdoor activities. Neck gators, hats and face masks are also highly recommended.
4-Wheel Drive/Snow Tires: If you are renting a car at the airport, please make sure they have all weather tires, snow tires or 4WD. We live on a dirt road, so 4-wheel drive is HIGHLY recommended in the winter time! Also, here is a copy of an article that was published in our local paper regarding Colorado Traction Laws:
"Traction law aims to reduce crashes. Snow tires are even more important now that Colorado has enacted traction laws nine months out of the year. The new rules were signed into law in May after a particularly heavy snow season. Signs along the interstate notify drivers that traction laws are in effect from September to May, requiring that all vehicles have snow tires, tires with a mud-snow designation, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In addition, all tires must have three-sixteenths of an inch of tread. Violations of traction laws can cost a driver more than $130. This fine increases to $650 or more if the driver blocks the road, a common occurrence during wintertime due to accidents."
Dining Reservations: If you are planning to dine out (especially during high season), we recommend making reservations ahead of time. During the Christmas/New Years Weeks, it is recommended to make reservations weeks/months prior to arriving. Basically, call as soon as you know when you want to go out!
Oxygen Bar: If you are feeling like the altitude is getting to you or you just want to check it out, the O2 Lounge in Breckenridge provides air with around 90% Oxygen. While sufferers of acute symptoms should seek medical attention, many Breck visitors find relief inhaling the hydrated, 90% oxygen air, which is on tap daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 970-453-6262. 500 S. Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424. http://www.theo2lounge.com/
Elite IV Lounge: They provide vitamin infusions/hydration therapy. With treatments ranging from Altitude Sickness to Chronic Illness, Elite IV Lounge provides hydration therapy. If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to visit these guys! 970-423-6555. 100 N. Main Street, Unit 104, Breckenridge, CO 80424. https://eliteivloungebreckenridge.com/