Altitude can sometimes be the biggest battle while out in the snow. At high altitude the air is decidedly “thinner”. This is due to the decreased density of oxygen and lower air pressure. At altitude it becomes harder to ensure your body is getting all the oxygen it needs in ratio to the amount of oxygen you are using (which obviously increases when you do cardiovascular exercises like snowboarding). That is why your regular breathing is affected when you do any cardio out on the slopes, from hiking, riding to running. Your breathing intensifies, your lungs and chest burn, and breathing becomes more frequent, shallower and raspy. This is simply because your body is reacting to the decreased intake of oxygen, and is sending messages to your brain to do something about it. That is why when you have to hike a 20 yard section, run to a bus or walk through deep snow, it often feels as though you’ve just run a marathon.

The effects of altitude on the body can be felt instantly. Apart from the obvious lack of air when doing anything physical, it can make you more sleepy, lethargic and in some cases, a little loopy. I definitely notice the affects immediately after a long drive inland and up to the mountains. I tend to have a racing heart, my breathing is much shallower, and I virtually have no stamina. While there isn’t much that can be done to prevent the effects of altitudes (I mean what are you going to do, ride with an oxygen tank on your back?), there are a couple of things you can do to reduce some of the major side effects.

1. Drink TONS of water. I always knew that it was pretty easy to get dehydrated up on the hill, although, I must admit I generally thought it was because I didn’t take enough water with me. I have since learned however, that apparently the body doesn’t conserve as much water when you’re at higher altitudes due to a decrease in the hormone that regulates the body’s water retention. So what does this mean? Drink up! Drink as much as you can physically handle. When you get to a place that has water - start pounding the agua! Try your best to drink at least two+ bottles over the course of your day on the hill. Stay hydrated! If you don’t stay hydrated you can black out or hallucinate. Being dehydrated will affect your performance both physically and mentally.

2. Don’t exert yourself unnecessarily. As I mentioned several times above, the result of the higher altitude and “thinner” air makes you breathe a lot harder and your heart beat much faster. So take it easy. Replace running up stairs or for the bus with leisurely strolls, well for the first night at least. Let your body acclimatize a bit before doing anything crazy.

3. Pack snacks. Load up with simple treats – protein bars, fruit (though be careful of round ones because if you fall the wrong way, you could get hurt) and a personal favorite, peanut butter and jelly. They’re only about 3-400 calories a pop, and the peanut butter is a fantastic source of energy. In fact, all nuts are. So walnuts, pecans, almonds, whatever you can get your hands on would be a good idea to bring along.

Hopefully, by the end of the 2nd day you should start to feel a tiny bit better - with less of racing heart and more regular breathing. If you genuinely don’t start feeling better, then you might be suffering from Altitude sickness, which is caused from a rapid change in altitude. You do get altitude sickness medication, which is worth looking into. Keep a close eye on FactiveGRL to learn more about altitude sickness and how to avoid it.

Tags: Health, Snowboarding