Angel Fire Altitude: Complete Guide
Nestled in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, Angel Fire is a high-altitude destination for both skiers and vacation travelers alike. As a company with over 10 years of elevation experience, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about Angel Fire altitude and tips to battle altitude sickness.
Angel Fire Altitude
Angel Fire sits at an elevation of 8,406 feet above sea level. The Angel Fire ski resort is slightly higher at a 8,600 foot base, with a summit elevation of 10,677 feet.
Angel Fire Altitude:
- Angel Fire altitude - 8,406 ft (2,562 m)
- Angel Fire resort base altitude - 8,600 ft (2,621 m)
- Angel Fire resort summit altitude - 10,677 ft (3,254 m)
Nearly as high as Taos Ski Valley, the highest resort in New Mexico, Angel Fire is among these biggest mountains.
Is Angel Fire Considered High Altitude?
Yes, Angel Fire is considered high altitude.
Mountain medicine indicates high altitude is over 4900 feet, so at 8406 feet Angel Fire is well above the threshold of concern.⁴
If coming from sea level, these high elevations could be problematic and proper preparation should be taken.
What Is The Highest Peak In Angel Fire?
The highest peak of Angel Fire resort mountain is 10,677 feet.
Not too far away though is Wheeler Peak, at 13,167 feet it’s the highest point in all of New Mexico.
What Mountain Range Is Angel Fire New Mexico?
A part of the southern Rocky Mountains, Angel Fire is in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Angel Fire?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Angel Fire.
Dr. Bull of UCHealth estimates up to 40% of people may experience altitude sickness over 8,000 feet, which Angel Fire well exceeds.⁵
This puts you at high risk in Angel Fire, read our tips below to help battle altitude sickness.
Angel Fire Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs from the body’s struggle to adjust to lower oxygen levels.
Angel Fire has approximately 26% less oxygen than sea level, easily leading to altitude sickness issues including headaches and trouble breaking.
Common signs of Angel Fire altitude sickness:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Discomfort
- Feeling ill
These signs can begin within 6-24 hours upon arrival in Angel Fire. Be observant of these Angel Fire altitude sickness signs when you visit and follow our tips below.
5 Tips To Avoid Angel Fire Altitude Sickness
The high elevations can put a damper on your adventure in Angel Fire.
As a Colorado company with over ten years of high-altitude experience, we know the best tips you can follow to lower your risk and better enjoy your mountain time.
5 Tips To Avoid Angel Fire Altitude Sickness:
1. Hydrate Often
Dehydration is a risk with the dry mountain air and increased respiration, shown to cause fluid loss by twice than normal.⁷
Make sure to drink plenty of water on your Angel Fire trip, aim to consume at least 2-3 liters (half a gallon) of water daily to maintain hydration levels.
2. Limit Alcohol
While it may be tempting to indulge in a cocktail or two while on vacation in Angel Fire, alcohol can exacerbate your symptoms tremendously. Issues including worsened sleep quality, headaches, and extreme fatigue.
Limit your alcohol intake, especially during the first few days of your trip until you feel fully acclimated.
3. Get Proper Sleep
Sleep is touted as the elixir for recovery due to so many bodily functions it supports, including even blood flow and oxygen.⁸ Getting proper rest is essential for adjustment and acclimatization.
Ensure you get plenty of quality sleep, at least 7-9 hours each night. To aid sleep quality, aim to get natural sunlight outside during the day which can promote melatonin production during the night.
4. Gradually Acclimate
Giving your body time to adjust is one of the best ways to acclimate. If possible, plan your itinerary to include a few days at intermediate altitudes before reaching Angel Fire to minimize risks.
For example, you can fly into Santa Fe at 6,998 feet in altitude. You can spend a night or two in Santa Fe to help adjust to higher altitude before ascending to Angel Fire next.
4. Take Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E can help protect your body against the oxidative stress caused by high altitudes.⁹ One study showed glutathione alone to deplete by 45% in high altitude conditions.¹⁰
To fortify your body against free radical damage, add an antioxidant supplement to your daily regime when in Angel Fire.¹¹
By following these five tips, you can make the most of your time in Angel Fire!
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SOURCES:
1. Angel Fire New Mexico Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_Fire,_New_Mexico
2. Angel Fire Resort Elevation
https://www.angelfireresort.com/mountain-stats/
3. Angel Fire Resort Altitude Sickness
https://www.angelfireresort.com/altitude-not-attitude/
4. Effects Of High Altitude On Humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
5. Know if you have altitude sickness and when to worry
https://www.uchealth.org/today/altitude-sickness/
6. Oxygen Levels at Altitude
https://wildsafe.org/resources/ask-the-experts/altitude-safety-101/oxygen-levels/
7. The Importance Of Drinking Water At High Altitude
https://summitoxygen.net/drinking-at-high-altitude/
8. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recover
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
9. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
10. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
11. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
12. Frequently Asked Questions Angel Fire
https://www.visitangelfirenm.com/faq/
