Colorado has the highest average altitude in the United States, and the average elevation in Vail is 8,150 feet. At this altitude, you're much more susceptible to sunburn and dehydration. You'll find that you'll breathe more quickly (and become winded more easily), that you'll be hungrier, that alcohol will have a greater effect, and that you may need more sleep than you generally do. Most people will have no significant trouble at Vail's altitude, especially if you make sure to drink extra water or sports drink and use lots of lip balm and lotion. The bigger concern is making rapid ascents at and above 8,000 feet; airplane cabins are often pressurized between 5,000-8,000 feet, for example, because the range is considered a safe and healthy pressurization for most people.

That said, please do pay attention to the altitude. Please take things a bit more slowly than you otherwise would, perhaps go to bed a bit early, and take care of yourself. A significant reason for headaches and tiredness at altitude is actually dehydration—and Colorado is very dry—so increase your water intake and consider adding some sports drink to your diet for the weekend to help with lost electrolytes. Additionally, the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa includes humidifiers in all rooms; please use yours! You may also consider coming into Vail, or even Denver, a day or two early to help you adjust prior to the conference; some attendees, particularly those who reside at an altitude of less than 3,000 feet, have had success staying a night near Denver International Airport before heading to Vail.

In Vail, altitude sickness may be a concern for a small percentage of attendees. Symptoms of altitude sickness include a headache that does not respond to painkillers and other symptoms such as nausea, extreme fatigue, inability to sleep, swelling, continued rapid heartbeat, and so on. Altitude sickness usually clears up in a day or two at most, but can be very uncomfortable in the meantime. Treatment options include going to a lower elevation, oxygen treatment, hyperbaric therapy, and prescription medications; if you've experienced altitude sickness in the past, you might consider obtaining medication from your doctor, as well as travel insurance specifically for this trip if your regular insurance policies don't cover trip interruption or medical care. (The Vail Cascade Resort and Spa offers one option, and your travel providers or an independent agency may offer others.) Additionally, the Vail Cascade Marketplace offers altitude adjustment pills comprised of vitamins and other natural ingredients that attendees report help with acclimatization.

Though there's no way to predict who will suffer from altitude sickness, there are a few preventative measures you can take.

• Consider arriving early and spending a night or two in Denver, especially if you normally live at sea level or outside of the higher-elevation region that includes Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and parts of Montana, and Nevada. This helps your body acclimate. While the Eagle Airport is closer to Vail, it doesn't allow you to transition through different altitudes.
• Keep hydrated with plenty of water or sports drink. Also, avoid tobacco and sleeping pills, which slow your rate of respiration.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity, but do consider light exercise.
• Speak to your doctor about preventative medicines, which are very effective, and be sure to involve your doctor in your travel plans if you have heart or lung conditions.
• Should you experience symptoms of altitude sickness while in Vail, please consult the staff of the Vail Cascade for assistance and treatment options.