SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-altitude-descend

Altitude sickness is getting worse. What is the best step?

Descend to a lower elevation.

Start playing free

  1. Go down to a lower elevation ✔
  2. Climb higher to adjust faster
  3. Have a drink to help sleep

Why: Going down is the fix. AMS improves rapidly with a descent of 300 m (1,000 ft) or more, and worsening symptoms despite rest mean descend.

Huh, didn't know that: Alcohol is a respiratory depressant, and CDC says it should not be used to help you sleep at high altitude.

The dad joke
How do snowmen get information? They search on the winter-net.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Go down to a lower elevation. Going down is the fix. AMS improves rapidly with a descent of 300 m (1,000 ft) or more, and worsening symptoms despite rest mean descend.

  1. CDC Yellow Book: High-altitude travel and altitude illness www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/high-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness.html
    Descend if the symptoms become worse despite rest or treatment at the same elevation.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. CDC Yellow Book: High-altitude travel and altitude illness www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/high-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness.html
    AMS improves rapidly with a descent of 300 m (1,000 ft) or more
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingIf fluid in the lungs (HAPE) is suspected at altitude, what is most important?Outdoors & CampingA friend's cheek looks frostbitten. Should you rub it with snow?Outdoors & CampingTo rewarm frostbitten fingers in water, how warm should it be?

That's stuff everyone should know.