This is very much a first-world problem, but can I ask for thoughts and experience on how I might cope with my breathing and lungs in the French Alps in Chamonix in the winter skiing season in February?
I’ve got a chance as a non-skiing granny to accompany my son’s family to be the second-fiddle carer helping the other (healthy) granny with our grand daughter whilst the other adults ski.
I’m concerned I might end up being a hindrance rather than help, and I hate holding others up with my restrictions. I really don’t mind staying home, but equally I’d love to go as skiing was something I loved to do back in the ‘good old days’, and to join in with the fun and little granddaughter’s first snow experiences. Thanks for your thoughts.
Written by
beech
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
hopefully others will post their experiences but in cold weather, say below 12degrees, I find myself more or less unable to move. My tubes simply restrict. That being said I understand that in America copders will move states to somewhere either colder or warmer.
I’m not very good here in the UK in our wintry cold snaps, and moving from warm indoor air to the icy cold never goes well. Even trying to wear a layer to breathe through, and breathing through my nose rather than my mouth doesn’t help it much.
My son was chivvying me along with my husband, urging me to join in, but they don’t really understand my limitations.
I suspect I may stick with my original gut feeling to stay home, and not upset my fragile equilibrium! I usually find I pay a heavy price for moving out of my comfort zone 🤷♀️
Hi Beech I have copd asthma and bronchietasis and I also suffer in winter but we did a norway trip up to the loen mountains where the air was crisp and cold with snow Albeit a sunny day,I was wrapped up and wore a tube around my neck and over mouth and nose when outside and removed once back in the warm but it wasn't for days just 1 day so it's a different situation to you.
For last ten years the first three months of every year are spent abroad. Inside 3 weeks I can walk 2 mile every day.Today max 14 degrees here in Southport and it will be door to door by car if I venture out.such a massive difference!!
Before I was diagnosed with the COPD bit, I knew there was another problem element to my breathing that was not asthma. When touring through Europe, we quite often drove over the mountain passes to Italy. I would not like to do it again, as the altitude was a problem. I felt sick and that I could not breathe very well. We have not been out since COVID but when we do another tour, one option would be for my husband to drive over the top and I could get a train. I thought that possibly a portable oxygen bottle may help if going over the top again.
What altitude is the place you will be staying at?
I was diagnosed with moderate COPD after going to the top of Mount Teide in Tenerife (3713 metres). When we got out of the cable car at 3500 metres I felt really unwell. We caught the next cable car down 500 metres and immediately felt better. Went to my GP after and the investigations eventually identified my lung problems after ruling out heart problems
Like both Lol1944 and BOxermad - the cold really stops me in my tracks. You should also take into account the altitude of the resort. Chamonix isn't one of the highest I know but the altitude will still affect your breathing. How are you getting there? Flight or car?
It's really tough.
I've written two or three replies to you both for and against the trip and ended up deleting them.
Only you know whether you will be able to work within your limitations and still enjoy the experience. Your family will take their cue from you.
I can understand your dilemma, being there and having fun with the little one is quite a pull but it's worry with your lungs. Perhaps you could wear a wool scarf over your nose and mouth when out and not stay outside for too long. Only you knows what to decide, trust your instincts x
ooooo lucky you! I can only speak for myself, I always felt so much better in the Alps or Dolomites. The cold, sunny days were particularly brilliant. I could never quite believe the difference between Alpine and London winters made for me. In London I'd be covering my nose and mouth at first sign of autumnal weather - in UK changes in temperature cold & damp are my asthma triggers, being a nose breather helps I'm sure, I also use my wonderful Buffs.
If I were you I'd wear a mask when mingling at airport & on flight, use Nose Guard for both, I'd take plenty of vitamin C, zinc, antiseptic throat spray, rescue meds (if I was allowed any) and my GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card, very easy to apply for if you haven't got one & lasts 5 years). Oh and a good down coat!
Having said all that most of my infections/ exacerbations come from contact with small grandchildren so like you I'd be thinking twice now.
My wife and I did a season in the Alps nine years ago when she was stage 2 COPD. We were in Chatel, a similar altitude to Chamonix. The thin air at the top of the resort was a struggle, but it was the cold that was really hard for her. February can be freezing. Our chalet was nice and toasty but going outside it was a case of breathing through a scarf to stop the freezing air going into her lungs.
I'm sorry can't help on that one I can't cope that good in this country with copd so I wouldn't stand a chance anywere else I hope someone can give you some guidance
Thank you so much everyone for your replies and thoughts - pretty much as I’d been thinking.
I did get my final answer through personal experience last night! We were going out with friends to a show, we travelled in the car for about an hour; unfortunately no parking close to the venue as it was busy. We were then getting a bit tight for time. Can you see where this is going?
Out of the warm car into the cool night air, climb a flight of steps then up a fairly steep incline then a drop and another slight hill. The actual distance wasn’t that far, but what with rushing, going uphill plus the men setting a brisk pace and my friend chatting I had to stop (handy wall to sit on) have puff of my inhaler and get my breath back.
In that moment I knew that the trip wasn’t going to work for me. Too many opportunities for a downward spiral - abroad!
The show was very funny, late to bed then, this morning my chest is a bit creaky.
I’m going to stick to what I know I can manage - happily!
hi! I’ve not got COPD. I’ve got asthma. What I can say is. I went to Tenerife and we went up the Volcano Mount Teide. I was ok till the last bit which you went up in a cable car. I just felt I couldn’t get enough air in. My Hubby went round the top and I was glad when he came back. We got in the lift and there was a notice on the window telling you not to go up if you had breathing problems. I didn’t realise I had until then. I know what you mean about playing second fiddle. I’ve refused to go out with mine because I know I would hold them back. If they really want you to go and you feel ok about it then you go and enjoy it. Maybe you can watch the others from inside a cafe with a nice hot drink in front of you.
When I went up in 2014, the cable car only warned about heart problems. I had the same experience as you, and it is how I was diagnosed with COPD, before I'd realised I had a problem. So I'm extremely grateful for that visit to the top of Mount Teide as it led to my COPD being treated at the moderate stage, which I was able to improve.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Mild COPD, Mild Asthma - should I be in next round of vaccinations?
Does anyone have asthma and COPD overlap syndrome? how common is this syndrome or is it often misdiagnosed?
Smoking, Copd, and much more, there is a light at the end of that tunnel.
Tiny Crisp Apples and Midnight Feasts...And Seriously Awful Wine.
