There’s something magical about the first breath of crisp mountain air when you arrive in Crested Butte. But for many visitors and new residents, the altitude—nestled above 8,800 feet—can present a challenge to body, mind, and breath. Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common symptoms of altitude adjustment. Fortunately, yoga offers a time-tested and holistic approach to support this transition!
At Thrive Yoga Crested Butte, we honor yoga as a path toward wellness and integration. We know firsthand how conscious movement, breath, and rest can gently guide your body into harmony with its mountain environment. If you’re finding it hard to acclimate, here are our top yoga-inspired tips:
1. Stay Hydrated!
High altitude is incredibly dehydrating, often more than we realize. Start drinking more water before you even arrive, and continue sipping all day long. There’s an amazing locally-created product called Acli-mate. Adding this to your routine before arrival and during the first few days of your visit can make all the difference!
In yoga, hydration supports joint mobility, circulation, and a clear mind—essential ingredients for a nourishing practice, especially when adjusting to altitude.
2. Practice Gentle Poses
Your body is working hard just to adapt—there’s no need to push it harder. Gentle, grounded movement promotes circulation without overexerting your system.
At Thrive Yoga Crested Butte, we offer classes specifically designed to meet your body where it is:
- Slow Flow & Yoga Nidra to harmonize movement with deep rest
- Reiki & Restore for subtle energy healing and relaxation
- Restorative Yoga to deeply unwind the nervous system
- Yin Yoga to support joint and connective tissue health
- Kaiut Yoga, a therapeutic system ideal for restoring range of motion and nervous system balance
These classes are invitations to pause, breathe, and integrate. When you’re acclimating, these moments of stillness can be the most powerful medicine.
3. Focus on Breath Control
At higher elevations, oxygen levels are lower. Consciously practicing breathwork—what we call pranayama—can greatly enhance your ability to adapt. Simple breath awareness practices, like dirgha swaasam (three-part breath) or nadi suddhi (alternate nostril breathing), help regulate oxygen intake, calm the nervous system, and increase lung capacity.
Many classes at Thrive are rooted in the breath. You’ll be gently guided to reconnect with your inhale and exhale, letting each breath soften and support your body’s natural adjustment process.
Whether you’re here for a few days or a lifetime, your time in the mountains can be more easeful and joyful with the right tools. At Thrive Yoga Crested Butte, we are here to support your journey—not just at altitude, but into deeper alignment with your whole self.
Come breathe with us. Come rest with us. Come Thrive!
