Altitude sickness.
Also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect of high altitude, caused by low
pressure of oxygen at high altitude. Most often this occurs above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet). It
shows as a collection of symptoms resembling a hangover in the early stages. Most of us will of
had a hangover at some bike rally in the past and know that the last thing you want to do is get
on a bike and go riding – so this can really screw up your plans to go playing in the mountain
passes.
It is impossible to know who will be affected by altitude sickness, as there is no set pattern to
who can get it, young, old, fat or thin seems to make little difference on who may or may not get
AMS. However, most people can ascend to 2,400 metres (8,000 ft) without difficulty. Stelvio Pass
sits at 2757m to give you an idea.