If you are visiting the White Mountains from the Valley of the Sun or other, lower elevation places in Arizona or out of the state, you need to be aware of how our higher altitude will affect your body. Before you get outfitted at Krissie’s for a fun day of snow skiing or snowboarding, consider how you can prepare for and deal with a day on the slopes at the 11,000+ feet above sea level Sunrise Ski Park runs.

Humidity – or Lack Thereof

One thing you’re bound to notice as soon as you begin climbing up the Mountain is that the humidity levels drop. The closer you are to sea level, the more moisture the air holds. Consequently, when you arrive in the White Mountains of Arizona, you may feel side effects such as your contact lenses drying out or an insatiable thirst. And because your body senses that it is getting less moisture, many people experience swelling in their extremities (also known as edema).

In order to counteract the drying effects of a higher altitude, it’s important to rehydrate. Drink lots of water – more than you think you need. If you get thirsty in between glasses of water then you’re not drinking enough (and alcohol and caffeinated beverages don’t count). Moisturize your skin by slathering on a good quality sunscreen (your skin is more likely to burn at a higher elevation, too) and bring along rewetting solution for your eyes.

Every Breath You Take

Although the air high in the mountains contains the same amount of oxygen as air at sea level (21 percent), each breath you take at a higher altitude delivers less oxygen to your body. This is because the air molecules at high elevations are dispersed more widely. In fact, at the height of most runs at Sunrise Ski Park, you are likely to be breathing in about 40 percent less oxygen. The results is often shortness of breath.

For most of us there’s no danger in skiing or snowboarding at high elevations. Our bodies were made to accommodate the atmospheric changes. Be aware, however, that you may experience an uncharacteristic shortness of breath. As your body adjusts, it will create additional red blood cells so more oxygen can reach your bloodstream and be delivered to your body tissue. In addition, your heartbeat will increase, which is why snow skiing is such a good, heart healthy exercise.

One thing you can do to minimize adverse effects of high elevation is to eat a high carbohydrate, low fat diet that goes easy on the salt. This will make it easier for your body to get the oxygen it craves.

One note of caution: if you experience a headache, nausea and loss of coordination, immediately descend and check with a doctor to make sure you are not experiencing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Don’t ignore the symptoms! If you are susceptible to altitude sickness, try extending your stay in the mountains by arriving a few days early so that your body has time to adjust before you hit the slopes.

Enjoy your snow skiing trip in the White Mountains of Arizona. Be aware of the ways your body might respond to the higher altitude so that you don’t experience any adverse effects. Know what to watch out for and be prepared!