If you’ve got a vacation already planned with us here at Vista Verde Ranch, or if you’re thinking about paying us a visit, but are a little nervous about the altitude change, consider a couple nights up at Steamboat Lake Outpost to acclimate before you join us for a week. The ranch sits at approximately 7,800 feet, so if you’re coming from sea level that sure is a big adjustment for your body!
Steamboat Lake Outpost is our sister property just up the street from us, situated right across from Steamboat Lake. The Outpost has a selection of rustic cabins on property as well as a restaurant and bar. During the day, and depending on the season, the Outpost offers a la carte activities including snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, horseback trail rides, UTV adventures, and pontoon boat fishing excursions. Plus, with such close proximity to a host of trail networks, it’s the perfect launching pad for hikers and bikers! We recommend the hike to the top of Hahn’s Peak for some of the best views in Routt county! It’s only a little over 3 miles round trip, but it is a steep climb toward the top. Be careful of loose shale, ice and snow at certain times of the year, as well as high winds. If you’re looking for a mellow walk, the trail around Pearl Lake is quite serene, flat, and has gorgeous views of the lake.
During a week at Vista Verde Ranch, you’ll want to experience all we have to offer, and you’ll want to feel in your best shape for it. Here are some tips on how to acclimate and stay feeling your best if you’re not used to the high elevation:
- Drink plenty of water! At high altitudes, your body works harder to inhale oxygen, which increases your respiration rate and causes you to lose water. It is recommended to drink an additional 1-1.5 liters of water and if you’re active, you should drink just under a liter every two hours for the duration of the activity. Additionally, higher elevations are often drier and more exposed to wind and sun, which also increases evaporation.
- Which leads me to my next point: Don’t skimp on the SPF! For every 1,000 feet above sea level, UV exposure increases by 6% to 10%! Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outside for the day and reapply frequently, especially if you get wet or sweat a lot. Avoid the sun during the middle of the day and make sure to pack those sun glasses and a good hat. SPF long-sleeved shirts with hoods are also really popular up here for activities like fishing and hiking. Button-down western shirts that are light and breathable are also a great idea for riding, plus your straw cowboy hat will really complete the look!
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! The air is so dry up here that dry skin, nosebleeds, and chapped lips are common. Personally, I’m a big fan of beef tallow for its noncomedogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, plus its viscosity goes on thick but absorbs deep into your skin to protect from the wind, sun, and snow. But, if you’re not a fan of rubbing beef fat on your face I get it. Lather on your favorite moisturizer and don’t forget to reapply liberally. Additionally, it’s always smart to carry a chap stick or lip balm in your pocket (preferably one with SPF). If you forget yours in your cabin, don’t worry we stock them pretty much everywhere. And a little trick to avoid nose bleeds…use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of Vaseline or Aquaphor into the inside of your nose before bed. Trust me on this one.
- Take it easy on the caffeine and alcohol. I know it can be easy to overindulge, especially while on vacation, but at altitude you might find that your typical glass of red wine at dinner is making you a tad bit buzzier than usual, and that’s not your mind playing tricks on you! At high altitudes alcohol absorbs faster because of the lower air pressure and decreased oxygen levels, so be cognizant of your consumption. Alcohol may also stunt the body’s natural response to high altitude, which is to increase the breathing rate, leading to elevated heart rates and decreased blood oxygen levels. Besides potentially leading to dehydration, caffeine may also disrupt your sleep, which you’ll need while at the ranch, as well as impeding acclimatization.
To book a stay at the Steamboat Lake Outpost call: 970-879-4404 or email reservations@steamboatlakeoutpost. Steamboatlakeoutpost.com.