In this episode of Skiing with Kids, your host Jessica Averett talks all about altitude sickness and how it can cause problems on your family ski trip. As a ski instructor and mom of five, she explains how altitude sickness can derail a ski day for kids and adults, sharing some personal stories and expert advice.

Altitude sickness happens when you ascend too high too fast and reviews symptoms from mild (headache, fatigue, lightheadedness, loss of appetite) to moderate (nausea, vomiting) to severe (shortness of breath, confusion, unconsciousness), stressing that any symptoms mean you should slow down and get to lower elevation. She notes fitness doesn’t prevent it and highlights higher risk for young kids and older adults, with kids often showing irritability, poor appetite, sleep trouble, or vomiting. Prevention includes an acclimation day, aggressive hydration and electrolytes, limiting alcohol early, eating small frequent meals, and checking medications with a doctor; treatment is descending, hydrating, resting, and calling ski patrol for severe signs.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:24 Altitude Sickness Story

02:37 What It Is and Symptoms

03:54 Who Is Most at Risk

05:28 Kids and Nervous System

06:35 Prevention Steps

10:38 What to Do If It Hits

12:37 Common Mistakes and Planning

14:06 Key Takeaways and Wrap

Skiing with Kids is hosted by Jessica Averett, a ski instructor and mom of five who has spent more than 20 years helping kids learn to ski. This podcast helps parents create calmer, happier ski days by focusing on confidence, connection, and simple strategies that actually work with kids on the mountain. She's the founder of First Tracks: A Parent's Guide to Teaching Kids to Ski, a course that walks parents through everything they need to know to skip overpriced ski school and confidently teach their own kids to ski.

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