Colorado Springs, at an elevation of 6,035 ft., is a city in Colorado at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. It lies near glacier-carved Pikes Peak, a landmark in Pike National Forest with hiking trails and a cog railway leading to its 14,114-ft. summit. The city's Garden of the Gods park features iconic red-sandstone formations and mountain views.

Typically, people from sea level start to feel symptoms of altitude sickness around 8,000 feet. This is why most people will feel fine in Denver or Colorado Springs, but some begin to feel poorly once they travel into the mountains.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue and trouble sleeping due to a lack of available oxygen. Typically ibuprofen, Tylenol or aspirin can help with headaches. Honigman said it takes about 24 to 36 hours to acclimate.

People with persistent headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting and continued lack of sleep by the second night should seek medical attention.

Being short of breath while sitting during the second or third day may be a sign of high altitude pulmonary edema, where water is in the lungs. This is rare, though, affecting only 1 or 2 percent of people going to the mountains. Honigman said it’s highly preventable if someone seeks help immediately.

Who gets altitude sickness

Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, physical fitness or previous experience with altitude. Even someone who lives in Denver can get sick when traveling to the mountains. Physically fit people are more likely to exert themselves, though, leading to increased chances of altitude sickness.

Ways to curb altitude sickness

The Altitude Research Center at CU’s Anschutz Medical Campus recommends avoiding alcohol and salty foods. Instead, Honigman advised people to drink moderately more water than usual. This also helps visitors adjust to Colorado’s dry climate. He recommended taking a day to acclimate at a lower elevation and rest before hitting the slopes.

Medicines or herbs that can help

Worried visitors can visit a doctor before travel for a prescription for Diamox, which can reduce a person’s chances for altitude sickness by about 80 to 90 percent, Honigman said. Some studies also suggest that Gingko Biloba can help decrease symptoms, according to the center.

Colorado Springs has its own commercial airport which is 21.2 miles (30-minute drive) from the wedding venue. Colorado Springs Airport is a smaller airport that is serviced by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. 

Another option is to fly into the much larger Denver International Airport (DIA). DIA is about 72 miles away (1-hour 15-minute drive) from the wedding venue. DIA is serviced by almost all major national and international airlines.