Navigating Risk

Following on from the comparisons in altitude of my last post, a major risk associated with travel to Aspen is the high altitude and the subsequent impacts this can have on the human body as they ascend. 

Aspen is located over 2,400 meters above sea level which, for travellers from Melbourne who live at or near sea level, provides many associated risks that must be considered and prevented/managed before making the trek. Altitude sickness is the key example of this which causes symptoms like headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, pulmonary or cerebral edema (swelling caused by fluid in the body). 

The likelihood of one experiencing these symptoms is moderately high, especially for individuals who are not acclimatised to elevations such as those present at Aspen. However, the minimization of this risk is thankfully simple, especially with proper research and preparation. Some key tips are ensuring you are well hydrated, avoiding alcohol and taking it easy for the first few days to allow for the body to adjust. In addition, making the trip in increasing elevation steps is also useful to allow your body to acclimatise over a longer period rather than all at once. For a traveller coming from Melbourne such as myself, these tips are essential in ensuring acclimatisation and risks preventable in navigating to Aspen are managed to ensure the experience can be as positive as possible for the greatest possible enjoyment!

In the unfortunate event that sickness does occur, typical strategies involve rest or descending to a lower elevation. Oxygen in a more condensed form is also useful and is typically present at high elevation locations however if symptoms become severe, seeking medical attention is critical to avoid further complications. 

Planning activities with flexibility such as allowing for acclimatization time ensures that travel is not only safe but enjoyable too!


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