KEY SUMMARY
Be mindful of changing conditions, pace yourself when you first arrive, and plan on booking family-friendly activities that will give you a chance to spend time together in a unique, memorable way. Booking an indoor escape game is a great way to get started!
Got a Free Day in Breckenridge? Let us Help!
Vacations are unpredictable, especially in the beautiful mountains of Summit County, Colorado. Weather can change on a dime, the kids can have an outburst, traffic can jam up I-70, and the elevation can really take a toll of tourists visiting the high Rockies. Sounds intimidating, right? Fear not! This article will help you navigate the twists and turns of a family Colorado vacation with ease.
Let’s get started!
Storms, Wind, Rain, Thunder– Oh My!
Anyone who’s spent more than a few hours in Summit County, CO can tell you: even though the summers (and winters) are beautiful and a great time to visit with your family, the weather can change on a dime.
Like the old saying goes: “Don’t like the weather in Breckenridge? Wait 5 minutes!”
So what’s the best way to adapt to a sudden change in the weather that’s got your travel plans all messed up?
Indoor Escape Rooms
Escape room adventures like the ones we offer at Mountain Time Escape Rooms are a great way to spend your day if the weather starts to shift. Our rooms are climate controlled, and give the whole family a chance to spend time together, have fun, and solve mysteries in the comfort of any one of our 5 rooms.
Our indoor escape room adventures are a huge hit with families, and super easy to book.
Altitude Sickness
In Breckenridge, Colorado, the elevation is over 9,600 feet above sea level– almost two miles!
Folks often talk about Denver being the “Mile High City”, almost double that, now you’re really living on “Mountain Time”!
While we love living in Summit County, and meeting people from all over the world, and giving them the family fun experience of a lifetime in our escape rooms, it’s definitely a consideration that for most people, this is probably the highest elevation they’ve experienced in their entire lives!
Vacationing at high elevation can lead to altitude sickness. The symptoms of which include: fatigue, dizziness, faster dehydration, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and just generally not feeling well all-around– not something that anyone wants to experience while they’re trying to make memories with their family. If the elevation has got you down (figuratively, not literally!) here’s some things you can try.
How to Handle Altitude Sickness During Your Family Vacation in Breckenridge, CO
- Take it Easy!
One of the most common causes of altitude sickness is exhaustion. You’ve probably got a lot of fun & active things on your to-do list while traveling, but pace yourself! A day spent relaxing, especially in the front half of your trip can go a long way in reducing the strain the altitude puts on your family. - Limit Outdoor Exposure
Annually, millions of people vacation to Breckenridge, CO with their families to experience world-class outdoor activities. The mountains, lakes and rivers are beautiful, and there’s an abundance of trails and things to do outside. However, especially when the sun is out, and the air is dry (which is almost always!) that time outside will dehydrate you faster. This can really catch you off guard, especially if you’re used to living somewhere closer to sea level, or with more moisture in the air. Booking some time at one of our escape rooms is a great way to have a blast with your family, and get some much-needed shade! Make memories in the comfort of our climate-controlled, memorable and kid-friendly escape rooms. - Water is Your Best Friend
Dehydration isn’t just a symptom of altitude sickness, it’s a contributor! Whether your out on a nature walk, browsing the store fronts of Breckenridge, or taking a scenic chairlift or gondola ride with your family, the lack of moisture in the air can quickly dry you out. Dehydration leads to fatigue, light-headedness, headaches, and lots of other nasty side effects. Make sure to keep water on hand and drink little sips often to constantly replenish the water your body is using, as well as the water that you’ll lose to the dry air.
Follow these tips and you’ll have a great time exploring and making memories with your family in Breckenridge. We bet that before you know it, the high altitude of the Rockies will be refreshing and exhilarating, rather than exhausting and annoying.
Acclimatization
Acclima-what? Acclimatization is the process by which your body adapts to changes, specifically, we’re talking about the altitude. Many of the locals in Breckenridge, CO that you and your famly will meet on your adventures are avid outdoors enthusiasts, running, biking, hiking and climbing almost every day! Summit County, CO is full of people that spend their whole lives practicing these outdoor activities, but it’s not just a natural talent that lets them do all of this, meanwhile you might feel winded just from tying your shoes!
The human body is incredible: after just a few days at a new elevation, your body will pick up on the fact that you’re in a thinner atmosphere, with less available oxygen at elevaiton. Your body increases red blood cell production, and your blood becomes even more efficient at carrying oxygen-rich red blood cells to compensate. This is called “acclimatization”. Some groups of people in the Himalayas have lived at altitude for so many generations, their bodies have become oxygen-processing machines, able to cope with altitudes that most people would require oxygen tanks for.
So, how can you and your family best acclimatize to the altitude? Once you’re here in Breckenridge, Colorado, and you’ve gotten plenty of water and sleep, gradually start to work up your activity level. Don’t overdo it, you’ll have to start slow, as the high elevation will tax your body much more than you’re used to, especially if your family is visiting from sea level!
A great idea is to check out a family-friendly outdoor activity. Here’s a few for you to try out:
- Check out our Outdoor Escape Games! They bring all of the fun, mystery and excitement of our indoor escape rooms to the great outdoors. You’ll be making memories with your family, spending intentional time together, and bonding while getting some light activity in to help you adjust to the elevation.
- Go for a walk in the park! People often think of Breckenridge first and foremost for our skiing, mountain biking, and hiking trails, but even an afternoon spent at Carter Park can be a great, low-stress way to get outdoors with the people you love and get used to the altitude.
- Picnic at Swan Mountain. Just a few miles up the road, Sapphire Point Overlook is an easy drive, and provides a breathtaking view of Dillon Reservoir, and it makes for a great place to connect with nature. We recommend you grab some lunch from Soupz On, a local favorite, and munch on some delicious sandwiches, fresh-baked bread, and delectable soups while you take in the view.
In Summary
Vacationing with your family in Breckenridge, Colorado is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To make the most of your time in the mountains, be sure to pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and find ways to spend time with your family that are low-impact. Overdoing the adventure and excitement early on in your trip is a surefire way to end up cranky, tired, and just plain not having fun.
Consider activities like a walk in the park, or book one of our kid-friendly indoor escape games to get the family working together on puzzles, solving mysteries, and making memories! It’s a great way to spend quality time together when you’re looking for ways to have fun in Breckenridge with your family when plans suddenly change.
Whether it’s a last-minute addition to your family travel plans, or a carefully planned event to celebrate something special, we’re confident that booking an indoor escape room is the perfect way to level up your family’s Colorado adventure.
