Aspen, Colorado, is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world, known not only for its topnotch resorts, but also for the jet set who frequents its slopes, designer shops, and award-winning restaurants. But, at 8,000 feet above sea level, arriving in town can trigger one of the more unglamorous aspects of a ski holiday: altitude sickness, the result of quickly moving from a lower to a higher altitude and subsequently receiving less oxygen.
Enter Stephanie Madrid an Aspen native of 16 years and the Altitude Concierge at the St. Regis Aspen, whose role is to make the transition as smooth as possible for guests. "Altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate," says Madrid. "You can be as fit as a fiddle and still suffer from it. It affects everyone differently, but most people with altitude sickness complain of a mild headache, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping."
To help guests begin to acclimatize as soon as they arrive, "we have humidifiers already turned on in the rooms, which add moisture to the air and helps with altitude sickness," she says. "One cure for altitude sickness is the use of oxygen canisters. Our spa has an oxygen bar, where guests can relax in chaise lounges by the fireplace, or we have canisters for rent that guests can take back to their rooms with them in the evening."
To help avoid altitude sickness all together, Madrid recommends visitors don't overexert themselves on the first day. "Don’t go and try to hike up Aspen Mountain or take the gondola to an even higher elevation. Take a stroll through town or, if you’re eager to get outdoors, try one of the walking trails.
We also suggest people avoid alcohol on their
first day here, as well as rich, heavy foods that might be difficult to
digest like meats and sauces. Instead, opt for a light, starchy meal
like a healthy pasta dish."
Once guests are acclimated, Madrid has a few favorite spots around town she recommends people visit.
"For a light, delicious lunch or dinner there's White House Tavern, which serves yummy sandwiches, salads, and small plates. I also like the Mediterranean restaurant Wild Fig which has a lovely patio in the summertime, and Steakhouse 316 for steak and a cozy atmosphere in the winter." And for shopping, "Head to Pitkin County Dry Goods. They have really unique men's and women's clothes from less mainstream designers."
EmoticonEmoticon