THALALO

Just back from spring break in Breckenridge which turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag.  Considering it was the beginning of April, the snow was still quite good, and we really loved the whole town.  The altitude, however, almost did us in…. but more on that later.

First off — the resort.  For kids, Breckenridge has a wonderful setup.  Both their ski school and childcare have been designed impeccably – separation quick and painless; enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and numerous teachers; and well-appointed facilities.  There is also a huge amount of terrain for beginners, so that my son was able to pretty much navigate around the entire base of Peak 9 and the Quicksilver lift without any worries (and it was only his third time skiing).  For us, we wish there was a bit more advanced terrain, as most of the mountains are beginner/intermediate except for the (very windy!) bowls at the top of the mountain.  But we were still quite happy exploring the semi-deserted runs of Peak 10.

The town of Breckenridge is fun with a bit of a hippy vibe, with plentiful shops and a wide array of restaurants, all within walking distance.  Also, everyone there is unusually friendly and helpful.

A few facts:  We stayed at the Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge, which was basic and efficient, but has a perfect location right at the base of the slopes (& ski school & daycare) and on the edge of town.  Our favorite breakfast spot was across the street at the Blue Moose Cafe – fast service and fluffy pancakes.  For equipment, there is only one place to go — Mountain Wave, by far the best expert service and selection.  And for a bit of decadence, try the Hearthstone Restaurant for dinner or cocktails (not great for small children).

The only caveat, and it was a big one, was the altitude.  Let’s say I learned a lot about altitude sickness, or as they call it, AMS (acute mountain sickness).  For my husband, it didn’t really have an effect, but my daughter and I suffered quite a bit.  Read more about that here.

Perhaps next year, we’ll try spring break in Vail — we were told that the resort is run by the same company, so they have the exact same setup for childcare and ski school — and my husband and I have always loved that mountain.

I learned quite a bit this spring break in Breckenridge.  First off, my husband and I never realized that the town of Breckenridge sits nicely at 9600 feet, which makes it one of the highest towns in the US.  Also, altitude sickness is officially called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and it is serious stuff.  Here’s our little cautionary tale…

My first morning on the mountain I woke with a bit of a headache and felt dehydrated, but shook it off and went off on my usual snowboard routine.  I have to admit that I didn’t follow the literature, which suggested lots of water, no caffeine/alcohol, and small carb-filled meals.  By day two I started feeling a bit dizzy and unusually winded.  FACT 1 – it usually takes about 48 hours for AMS to really take effect. So don’t believe (like me) that if you are feeling decent on the first day that you will be OK.

I stopped by the slope-side clinic and the nurse reported that my blood oxygen levels were a bit low (around 85 mmHg) and it might be wise to check myself in.  I figured that I would go back to the hotel and rest a bit instead.  FACT 2 – once your oxygen levels are depleted, they aren’t coming back, unless you return to a lower altitude or you get oxygen.

By the evening, I was really struggling, and feeling miserable.  Eventually my husband contacted a local doctor who hooked me up to an oxygen machine and gave me a quick shot of steroids.  He also opened all our windows to allow fresh air to circulate in the room.  FACT 3 – altitude sickness is worst when you are sleeping.  Also, according to our doctor, what is really important is the altitude where you sleep.  If you sleep at altitudes above 8000 feet, your chances of getting AMS are much greater.

After sleeping with the oxygen machine overnight, I felt much better and was able to snowboard the entire next day.  Needless to say, I cut the caffeine, and drank as much water as I possibly could.  The rest of the vacation was saved (with continued help from the oxygen machine); however I really didn’t feel 100% until I was back in New York.

If ever in the Breckenridge area, here are two essential numbers to have.  Our amazing doctor, who tended to me in the middle of the night in my hotel room — Dr. David Gray (970-389-7999) and for 24-hour oxygen delivery, 24 Hour Oxygen.