Alpine Wellness
Wellness at Altitude
The same factors that make Keystone an experience like no other also have a flip side when it comes to your health and experience: our high altitude environment requires preparation, awareness, and acclimatization.
When you travel from a low altitude to a high one, your body needs time to adjust as it encounters less oxygen, colder temperatures, lower humidity, increased ultraviolet radiation, and decreased air pressure.
For most, altitude sickness symptoms will be mild and may include headaches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. These can be easily alleviated with proper hydration and nutrition, but If symptoms persist beyond 1-3 days, seek medical attention.
Want our shortlist to avoid altitude sickness? Read on for more!
Gear to Bring
Prepare for the elements of the mountain environment with the ultimate in clothing versatility: layers! When packing, be sure to consider how conditions that change throughout the day might affect your time on the slopes.
From warm spring days to blustery storm riding, you’ll always need the clothing items listed below:
Snow Gear
A weather-proof jacket and pants will keep you skiing or riding all day long. Look for materials that are waterproof or -resistant and windproof or -resistant. Breathability is important too, because as you work up a sweat on each glorious run, your clothing needs to allow moisture to escape.
Internal Clothing Layers
Your base and mid layers provide the insulation and wicking performance you need to maintain a comfortable body temperature while also avoiding getting soggy. Worn underneath your snow gear, these layers are crucial—especially on cold, windy days.
When selecting base layers, avoid cotton, opting for performance materials like merino wool, silk, or synthetic blends that wick away moisture. (Cotton is neither breathable nor moisture wicking.)
When dropping temperatures are a factor, adding a mid layer like a fleece sweater or light down vest can make a small difference that will keep you comfortable all day.
Accessories
You’re almost ready to ride, but don’t forget to outfit yourself with these last few key accessories:
- Helmet: protect your brain, keep your head warm, and keep those goggles on. Helmets can reduce the severity of potential traumatic head and brain injuries.
- Eye protection: Wear goggles for better all-around sun, wind, and snow protection. Sunglasses are best suited for slightly overcast days (but be aware that the glare off the snow will still affect you).
- Gloves/Mittens: Insulated and waterproof hand protection saves your hands from periodic contact with snow, cold metal chairlift bars, and other natural elements you might encounter.
- Socks: Cold feet will ruin your day, so be sure to wear one (and never more) pair of ski or snowboard socks. Follow the same no-cotton rule with socks that you follow for your base layers for increased tootsie happiness.
Both functionality and style matter, so whatever your goal for the day, we have you covered. Drop into any of our local shops when you arrive, and we’ll make sure you’re outfitted with the season’s latest tech (and style) innovations.
Changing Weather Conditions
Exposure to the elements might get you a great goggle tan, but it can just as easily give you a wind- or sunburn, or even something worse. Conditions can change rapidly as temperature, wind, precipitation, snow, and UV levels shift with the weather patterns that make Keystone special.
Stay updated on current snow and weather conditions, and plan for your day!
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