Altitude sickness, which can have serious consequences and can be fatal, can be caused by rapid ascent to altitudes over 9,000 ft. It's important to discuss altitude sickness and its prevention with your travel health care professional, who may prescribe prophylactic medications.

any elevation above 8,000 feet, you are at risk for high altitude sickness (also known as acute mountain sickness). As your body adjusts to reduced oxygen levels, altitude sickness affects your heart, lungs, muscles and nervous system. To make your adjustment to this common condition easier, increase your altitude slowly. You may want to limit your altitude to 8,000 or 9,000 feet on the first day.

Although Chamonix is not an especially high resort (~1000-1200m) the skiing reaches up to 3842m (Aiguille du Midi). In fact, the rapid ascent to this height by cable-car (taking less than 30 minutes) means that yoo might feel giddy when you get to the top and move around - and not just because of the sheer drops on either side!

No. I have the type of physiology that does well at high altitude. I seem to actually get stronger at altitude. Sure. There are always times on a climb that get a little scary. However, I never thought I was going to die. In order to move upwards in climbing, I have to recognize that I am afraid, and really pay attention. I have to ask myself: "Am I afraid because I'm in a dangerous situation or is it psychological?" If I'm in a dangerous situation, then I should be afraid.

Although Chamonix is not an especially high resort (~1000-1200m) the skiing reaches up to 3842m (Aiguille du Midi). In fact, the rapid ascent to this height by cable-car (taking less than 30 minutes) means that you might feel giddy when you get to the top and move around - and not just because of the sheer drops on either side! Breathlessness whilst exercising and slight tiredness are not uncommon symptoms.

Since many of the mountain in the Pikes Peak region rise to 14,000 feet and most attractions on average are located at 7,000 feet above sea level, the altitude can produce some unusual sensations. The symptoms for altitude illness include a headache, touch of nausea, feeling unusually tired, or experiencing shortness of breath.

High altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a problem that occurs when people travel from lower elevations to about 8,000 feet or more above sea level. Serious types of altitude sickness include high-altitude pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and high-altitude cerebral edema (swelling of the brain).

The altitude in Bhutan is higher than many people are used to. Though most visitors will have no problem adjusting, altitude sickness may be a problem for certain people. Signs of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and fatique. If you are in higher altitude than you are used to, descend immediately until you begin to feel better. Our cultural tours do not reach altitudes higher than 3,500 meters.

Everyone feels the effects of less oxygen at 10,000 when they are physically active. Some folks develop a headache, and a few people feel nauseous. Symptoms may persist from a few hours to a couple of days. By drinking lots of water and taking it easy the first day to acclimate, almost everyone can tolerate the altitude. If you are prone to altitude sickness, your family doctor may be able to prescribe medication to ward off the more unpleasant symptoms of altitude sickness.

Consider that many Peruvian tourist attractions are situated in extremely high altitudes (Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Cordillera Blanca etc.). You should definitely obey a couple of guidelines in order to avoid altitude sickness, so-called "soroche". Try to relax and not to overstrain on your first days and avoid physical efforts. Drink Coca tea ("mate de coco") and avoid heavy food, alcohol and cigarettes.