This section is primarily intended for first time conference attendees. It includes information about what to bring to stay safe at comfortable at 9,000ft and for Sunday morning activities.

What is the weather like?

Summer weather in the Colorado mountains is generally beautiful and sunny, but it can be very unpredictable, with conditions changing in a matter of minutes. Nighttime temperatures can drop as low as the 40's, so be sure to pack a warm sweater or jacket for the evenings. Afternoon thunderstorms can move in rapidly, so it is important that you bring a water repellent jacket as well.

What about the high altitude?

The air is incredibly dry, and the UV index is very high in the mountains. Therefore, it is very important to drink more than a normal amount of water, and wear sunscreen outside at all times, even if there is some cloud cover. Please pack sunscreen, a water bottle, and anything else you might find necessary to live in an ultra-dry climate. The altitude will have a noticeable effect on your cardiovascular and respiratory function, so please be aware of your body. If you have asthma, it is important to bring your bronchodilator, even if you are not planning on participating in any strenuous activity. Finally, as many of our friends from the flatlands have discovered in the past, the effects of alcohol are exacerbated at altitude.

What can I do during the free time?

Numerous activities are available in the area surrounding Keystone, including organized activities on Sunday morning led by University of Colorado MSTP students. The mountain passport/activities link will take you to the organized opportunities provided by guest services at Keystone. Additionally, a number of students often organize less formal trips for hiking and mountain biking. If you think that you might be interested in taking advantage of these opportunities, it is important that you bring along the correct clothes and gear.

 

At the 2003 MD/PhD Student Conference in Snowmass, Colorado. If you are interested in hiking, it is important that you bring the following: a pair of rugged, supportive shoes or boots; sunscreen; water bottle; loose fitting clothes, preferably NOT made of cotton; a warm sweatshirt or fleece jacket; and finally a good nylon jacket capable of repelling rain and wind. It is a good idea to bring a small pack to carry these things with you on the hike. If you are interested in mountain biking, please bring the following: a pair of athletic shoes; a pair of shorts, preferably nylon; both short and long sleeve athletic shirts, again preferably NOT made of cotton; sunscreen; and a water bottle. You may want to have a nylon jacket as well, but most people try to cut down on the amount of gear they carry while mountain biking. If you have any further questions about what to expect, please email the organizing committee.