Equipment and Gear Checklist

* Ski/Snowboard Boots (see boot travel suggestions below)
* Goggles
* Helmet
* Skis/Snowboard
* Ski Poles
* Ski/Board Bag (see ski travel suggestions below)
* Sunglasses
* Gloves or Mittens
* Base Layer (shirt and bottoms preferably moisture wicking material such as Capilene)
* Fleece
* Ski Socks (thin padded ski socks are best - never wear two socks)
* Ski Pants
* Ski Jacket
* Neck Gaiter (for the rare cold day)
* Hat, Headband or Helmet Liner

Traveling with Ski Gear

Skis
If you decide to bring all of your own equipment, there are a few tips to make your gear gets here as you had intended.  Most people prefer a padded soft ski bag, most of which will accomodate at least two pair of skis and poles.  For additional protection for your gear and to free up space in the rest of your luggage, wrap your skis and poles with your ski pants, jackets and other clothing. Recently airlines have changed their policies on traveling with oversized luggage.  Be sure to check your carriers policies ahead of time to avoid unexpected charges.

Boots
Your boots are your most essential piece of equipment - if possible, always carry your ski boots on to the plane with you.  A soft sided boot bag can accomodate a pair of boots and other travel essentials.  Airlines inevitably lose luggage from time to time and you will not want to miss your boots.  Skis can easily be rented with no loss of comfort, but nothing can ruin a ski trip like a pair of unfamiliar boots.

Your Own Gear vs Renting

If your skis or board are more than a few years old, you may want to consider renting.  The multitude of equipment retailers in the area offer a wide range of the most cutting edge ski and snowboard technology on the market for use as demos.  If you happen to fall in love with your adopted gear, many retailers will even credit the cost of the demo towards a purchase of your new boards.  Experience the best the industry has to offer while avoiding the hassle of traveling with skis...just remember to bring your own boots if you have them.

Children

Make sure your child is ready to go skiing.  If this is your child's first time skiing, plan on purchasing a lesson for your child. Even if you think you could teach your child to ski, letting the pros handle things is the best bet.  You can enjoy yourself skiing and your child will make plenty of new friends.

Dress your child appropiately. Cold toes or fingers can ruin a good ski day and may have your child running for the nearest fire place. Invest in quality ski jackets and ski pants, and don't forget the ski socks and ski gloves.  Be sure to dress your child in layers that can easily be shed.  If your child is cold, he or she may not ever be able to truly experience the joy of skiing.

A helmet is highly recommended for your child. Accidents happen, but wearing a helmet is the best way to stay safe. Goggles or sunglasses are also a must.  The sun is very bright up here.

Equipment rentals can be arranged through the children's ski school.  If your kids already have equipment, make sure the gear fits well. We also know how fast they grow, so be sure your child's bindings are adjusted to their current weight and height.

Sun Exposure

Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to avoid sun exposure.

Did you know?

• Fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of the sun's dangerous UV Rays.
• When working or playing at higher elevations you are exposed to 50% more UV radiation
• Up to 80% of UV radiation from the sun can pass through the clouds

Always wear plenty of sunscreen and continually apply it throughout the day.

High Altitude Tips

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Telluride is perched in the mountains at a higher altitude than you are likely accustomed to. Combat the potential affects of altitude sickness by drinking an abundance of water (twice the amount you normally consume). It is also wise to limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine the first couple of days at altitude as they can cause dehydration.  Before traveling to altitude, ask your doctor about any current illnesses or conditions affecting you now that could be exacerbated by altitude, such as high blood pressure, angina, or pregnancy. Make sure these conditions are under control before you come up here.

• Avoid over exertion upon arrival. Take it easy on the slopes the first day.
• At first sign of a headache, take ibuprofen; 400-600 milligrams may be very helpful

Headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness are the symptoms of altitude sickness. Seek treatment if symptoms continue longer than 24-48 hours or the symptoms are severe, such as vomiting, severe headache or difficulty breathing. It is quite common to have minor symptoms or difficulty breathing the first few hours at altitude.  Medical care may include the use of oxygen or medication. Although traveling to lower altitudes treats altitude sickness, very rarely do sufferers need to resort to these measures. Altitude sickness is often compared to sea sickness.

Altitude Myths

Myth # 1 - Don't drink caffeine at altitude.

We don't know where this false assumption came from, but likely from the fact that caffeine is a mild diuretic (makes you pee). The concern is that it could dehydrate you and contribute to altitude sickness. This concern is unfounded unless you drink pots of black sludge coffee a day and little else. In reality, caffeine stimulates your brain, kidneys and breathing, all of which are helpful at altitude. And for those people who drink several caffeinated beverages a day, stopping abruptly can cause a profound headache.

Myth #2 - Diamox masks symptoms of altitude sickness.

Taking Diamox to prevent AMS will not mask symptoms. It works on the same pathway that your own body uses to help you acclimatize. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which makes you urinate a base chemical called bicarbonate. This makes your blood more acidic and therefore stimulates breathing thereby taking in more oxygen. It speeds up your natural process of acclimatization and if you stop taking it you will not have rebound symptoms. It is one of the main medicines doctors use to prevent and treat acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Myth #3 - Physical fitness protects against altitude sickness.

Physical fitness offers no protection from altitude illness. In fact, many young fit athletes drive themselves too hard at altitude prior to acclimatizing thinking they can 'push through' the discomfort. They ignore signs of altitude illness thinking it can affect them because they are fit and healthy. Everyone, regardless of fitness, is susceptible to AMS.

Myth #4 - Drinking extra water will protect you from altitude illness.

Staying hydrated is important at altitude. Symptoms of dehydration are similar to AMS. In reality you only need an additional liter to a liter and a half of water at altitude. Too much water is harmful and can dilute your body's sodium levels (hyponatremia) causing weakness, confusion, seizures, and coma. A good rule of thumb to assess for hydration is to check your urine. Clear urine indicates adequate hydration, dark urine suggest dehydration and the need to drink more water.

Myth # 5 - Children are more susceptible to altitude illness.

Several studies have shown that children have similar rates of altitude illness as adults. No evidence exist that children are more susceptible to the altitude. If your child is otherwise healthy and the basic rules of acclimatization are followed they will likely do well at altitude. Children do get altitude illness and the main challenge in those very young is that they can't communicate their headache and other symptoms. Excessive crying in a baby the first 1-2 days at altitude could be altitude illness. Children with AMS bounce back quickly with treatment as do most adults.

For more High Altitude information, click here