Colorado Mistakes Skiers & Hikers Make (Don’t Ruin Your Trip!) ❄️⛰️

Transcript

00:00heading to Colorado for an epic adventure? Before you dream of carving down powdery slopes

00:06or trekking through endless alpine trails, it's crucial to know Colorado's breathtaking beauty

00:12comes with serious challenges. One wrong move and you might find your trip turning into a tough

00:18lesson in mountain mishaps. Let's make sure you don't become a cautionary tale. First and foremost,

00:24altitude sickness is real and it doesn't discriminate. Some travelers brush it off

00:29thinking, it's just higher than I'm used to, I'll be okay. But even Denver sits at over 5,000 feet

00:35and the mountains only get higher from there. Symptoms can range from headaches and nausea

00:41to full-blown altitude regret. The fix? Start your trip by taking it easy. Drink plenty of water,

00:49avoid alcohol and heavy exercise on your first day and give your body time to adjust before heading

00:55up to those high-altitude ski resorts or trailheads. Listen to your body and if you start feeling off,

01:01don't push yourself. Come down to a lower elevation and rest. Next up, let's talk mountain weather.

01:08Colorado is notorious for wild weather swings, which catch unprepared adventurers every year.

01:15You might see blue skies when you set out, but an hour later, clouds roll in and temperatures drop 20

01:21degrees. Too many visitors show up in jeans and a hoodie only to regret it halfway up a windy ridge

01:28or after a wet snowstorm rolls through. Dress in layers that wick away sweat, insulate against cold

01:35and block out wind and rain. Always keep a waterproof shell in your pack and bring a warm hat. Yes,

01:42even in the summer. Mountain conditions are unpredictable and it's so much better to peel off a layer

01:48than shiver through your adventure. Skiers, a word of warning. Colorado's slopes are legendary,

01:55but don't let that adrenaline push you onto runs you're not ready for. Many visitors overestimate

02:01their skills, jumping straight into intermediate or expert terrain. Green runs here may be steeper and

02:07longer than you're used to, and the high altitude only adds to the challenge. Especially at resorts like

02:13Breckenridge or Vail, start slow. Get your legs under you and don't be afraid to take a lesson or stick

02:19to gentler slopes while you acclimate. Hikers don't make the mistake of showing up blind to trail

02:25conditions. Many assume trails are open and snow-free whenever they visit, only to find deep snowfields or

02:32closures for mud or wildlife. Colorado's high country can hold snow well into June, and late spring

02:38hikes often require spikes or extra gear. Always check with reliable sources like All Trails,

02:45the Colorado Trail Explorer, or local ranger stations before heading out. Up-to-date info

02:51ensures you're prepared for whatever conditions you'll encounter. Parking at famous destinations

02:56is another headache waiting to happen if you're not careful. Don't roll up to Maroon Bells or Rocky

03:02Mountain National Park at 10 a.m. expecting an open spot. These places fill up fast, often before the

03:09sun rises. Many areas now require advanced reservations just to park or enter. Do your

03:16homework, secure a permit if needed, and plan to arrive early, ideally before sunrise, for a much

03:22smoother start to your day. Finally, remember Colorado's lands are precious and protected.

03:27Disregarding fire restrictions or leaving trash behind is a quick way to spoil the wilderness for

03:33everyone and can even start devastating wildfires. Follow all fire rules, pack out everything you bring

03:39in, and always practice leave no trace. It's not just about rules. It's about respecting a place that

03:46sustains endless beauty for generations to come. Colorado rewards those who come prepared. Avoid these

03:53common mistakes, and you'll experience the high country like a local, breathing easy, making memories,

03:59and soaking up the best this state has to offer. Stay safe, travel smart, and keep the adventure alive.