Taos Air: Altitude Lies Cracking Winter Lips?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe crisp mountain air, the thrill of carving down a perfectly groomed slope, the après-ski relaxation – a ski trip to Taos, New Mexico, promises an unforgettable experience. But the high altitude and arid climate can quickly turn your dream vacation into a battle against altitude sickness and painfully dry skin. Don’t let these common ailments sideline you. With a little preparation and the right strategies, you can conquer the mountain and enjoy every moment of your Taos adventure.
Taos sits at a breathtaking 6,969 feet, with the ski resort reaching a summit of 12,481 feet. This elevation change can wreak havoc on your body, especially if you’re arriving from lower altitudes like Dallas or Houston, Texas. Altitude sickness, characterized by headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath, is a real threat. Dehydration, exacerbated by the dry mountain air, only compounds the problem. And the lack of humidity will leave your skin feeling like sandpaper.
The key to combating altitude sickness is prevention. Start hydrating before you even leave Texas. Increase your water intake a few days before your flight. Aim for at least a gallon of water a day. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to help your body absorb and retain fluids. Nuun tablets, readily available at most sporting goods stores in Texas, are a great option. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and come in a variety of flavors.
Once you arrive in Taos via Taos Air (a fantastic option for direct flights!), resist the urge to immediately hit the slopes. Give your body time to acclimatize. The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, for example, is a great place to spend your first afternoon. Take it easy, explore the village, and continue hydrating.
Hydration is not just about water. It’s about electrolytes. The higher you go, the more electrolytes you lose through increased respiration and exertion. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade can help, but be mindful of their high sugar content. A better option is to pack electrolyte powder packets, like LMNT, which you can find at Whole Foods Markets in Texas before your trip. These allow you to control the sugar content and customize the flavor.
Don’t underestimate the power of salty snacks. Potato chips, pretzels, or even a small bag of salted nuts can help replenish sodium levels. You can find these at Cid’s Food Market in Taos, a local grocery store with a surprisingly good selection of healthy and not-so-healthy options.
Another often-overlooked remedy is ginger. Ginger has been shown to alleviate nausea, a common symptom of altitude sickness. Ginger chews or ginger tea are excellent choices. You can find ginger chews at most pharmacies in Taos, like the Taos Pharmacy on Paseo del Pueblo Norte.
Now, let’s talk about your skin. The dry air in Taos will strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, itching, and even cracking. Prevention is key here as well. Start moisturizing before you arrive.
Pack a rich, hydrating moisturizer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a solid choice and readily available at any drugstore, including Walgreens in Taos. Apply it liberally to your face and body several times a day.
Don’t forget about your lips! The thin skin on your lips is particularly vulnerable to the dry air. Carry a lip balm with SPF and reapply it frequently. Aquaphor Lip Repair is a classic for a reason. You can find it at any pharmacy in Taos.
At night, consider using a humidifier in your hotel room. While not always readily available, you can often request one from the front desk. If that’s not an option, try placing a wet towel over a chair in your room. This will help increase the humidity levels and prevent your skin from drying out overnight.
One common mistake skiers make is neglecting sunscreen. The sun’s rays are much stronger at high altitude, and the snow reflects sunlight, increasing your exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a great option, though you might need to order it online before your trip. You can find other sunscreens at the Taos Pharmacy.
Don’t forget your hands! They are constantly exposed to the elements. Wear gloves or mittens whenever you’re outside, and apply a hand cream frequently. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands is a lifesaver for dry, cracked hands.
Finally, listen to your body. If you’re experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, don’t push yourself. Rest, hydrate, and descend to a lower altitude if necessary. Taos Ski Valley has a medical clinic on-site that can provide treatment for altitude sickness and other medical issues.
By following these tips, you can minimize the effects of altitude sickness and dry skin and maximize your enjoyment of your Taos ski trip. Remember, preparation is key. Start hydrating and moisturizing before you arrive, and be sure to pack the right supplies. With a little planning, you can conquer the mountain and create memories that will last a lifetime. Now go shred some powder!