Local Information

Adjusting to the Higher Altitude in Utah 

Adjusting from a low-altitude locale to the higher altitude of Salt Lake, or Park City (7,000+ feet/2000+ meters) may cause some visitors to exhibit some mildly uncomfortable symptoms like these: 

• headaches
• dehydration 
• body aches (“flu”-like symptoms in the muscles and joints) 

How can you adjust comfortably to the higher altitude and avoid or diminish  these kinds of symptoms? 

First and foremost: Drink plenty of water! Utah’s water—right from the faucet—is clean, pure, healthy, and delightful. You’ll enjoy drinking LOTS of Utah water! Keeping your body hydrated is very important because high altitudes can dehydrate your system. This can be further complicated in arid regions like Utah. AND “jet-lag” can make matters worse! Water assists your body in flushing toxins, which is critical because altitude affects the body’s ability to dispose of carbon dioxide through breathing. Keep drinking water. Remember that if you feel thirsty, you have waited too long to drink. 

If possible, on the first day you arrive, REST—and avoid strenuous exercise—to give your body time to adjust. Small and frequent meals of protein and complex carbohydrates can help keep symptoms to a minimum. Drink water BEFORE you feel thirsty!