Question: I am coming up for a trip in 2 weeks and I was wondering if you could tell me exactly what elevation the city sits at, particularly if it's above 7,000 feet because I am pregnant and supposed to be very cautious of any altitude over 7,000 feet.Thanks for your help.

Answer: The whole Ruidoso Valley, which takes in Ruidoso Downs, Ruidoso and Alto, runs uphill from approximately 6800 feet to 7400 feet. If you stay in the Valley where everything is located ... staying away from climbing Sierra Blanca our 12,000 peak! ... I'm not a doctor but I think you'll be fine. I've seen lots of mommas-to-be strolling Ruidoso ... just walk slowly .. drink plenty of water and let the beautiful surroundings relax you. Here's a list of doctors and such in town if you feel you need to line someone up before you arrive.

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Question: My friend and I have a bet. He says Ruidoso is about 5500 feet in elevation and I believe it can be no higher than 4500 feet high. So who's right.

Answer: Neither of you ... heck you must think we're flat landers up here. Ruidoso sits on average through the valley between 7000 to 7200 feet in elevation. In fact, I'm so high right now I think I can see where you live for gosh sakes. Guess the Altimeter in your Range Rover broke or you just have never been Mountain Cool up here in Ruidoso. We're a pine-topped way above the high desert below us. Sorry I was kind'a snotty ... come on up we'd love to have you!

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Question: My wife and I are in our early eighties and would like to come up to Ruidoso Downs for the horse races. We moved to Arizona from the Midwest and are concerned about the altitude. Do you think it's safe for us ... my doctor has some concerns.

Answer: I'm not a doctor ... I do play one with my girlfriend from time to time ... but that's another story. Anyway, we do have folks livin' up here in their eighties and it hasn't seem to bother them much. But seriously, altitude acclimatization can be a problem for some folks especially as you get older. Here's a list of local doctors if you'd like to further consult on this before coming up. I do know everybody's body is a bit different here in terms of how fast you can adjust to altitude. My advice, come on up, don't be in a hurry and drink lots of water. If you don't adjust well and start feelin' bad it's about a 45-minute drive to lower climes where you're probably start feelin' better. Heck give it a try ... what do you have to lose. Besides, bettin' the ponies keeps you young!

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