PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER, both before your trip to Colorado, and while you are here. Staying hydrated is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to our higher altitude. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home. It is also recommended that you go easy on the alcohol and smoking in the mountains, as its effects will feel stronger here. The effects of exercise are more intense here as well. If you normally run 10 miles a day at home, you might try six miles at altitude.

EAT FOODS HIGH IN POTASSIUM, such as; broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, tomatoes. Experts also recommend a diet high in carbohydrates.

WHAT TO BRING: Colorado has bright, sunny days year-round. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm ... even in winter.

WHAT TO WEAR: Two days before your trip, check into www.weather.com for the latest on weather and temperature. Please use this information to pack appropriately. Colorado can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then become very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer your clothing.

• SPRING: Springtime visitors to Denver and Colorado will find balmy, sunny days with cool evenings. With the Denver weather being so comfortable, medium weight clothing such as a comfortable pantsuit for women or a lightweight jacket for men will be most appropriate.
• SUMMER: Cool, casual clothing is ideal for our warm, sunny, summer days in Denver. Sunglasses are a must with more than 300 days of sunny Denver weather. When the sun goes down, the Denver weather may change. Evenings can be cool and summer storms can arise suddenly so an umbrella or light jacket might be needed.
• FALL: Denver weather in the fall is pleasantly similar to Spring with warm days and cool evenings. Medium weight clothing with a jacket and/or topcoat for evenings should prove a comfortable combination in this Denver weather. A visit to the mountains will generally require warmer clothing.
• WINTER: Winter days are generally a combination of warm sun and crisp air. Daytime temperatures can vary from below freezing to above 60 degrees, so layers of medium weight clothing together with a warm jacket or overcoat are desirable. Snow falls infrequently in Denver and usually disappears quickly; however, a pair of boots should be included in the wardrobe.

ALTITUDE: Don’t let anything you hear about the altitude scare you. The air is just thinner and dryer. In fact, many people with respiratory problems move to Denver for the benefits of the dry air.