Yes, it's true that alcohol has a greater affect at altitude. Here's what I found on a website about flying:

"The presence of alcohol in the blood interferes with the normal use of oxygen by the tissues (histotoxic hypoxia). Because of reduced pressure at high altitudes and the reduced ability of the hemoglobin to absorb oxygen, the effect of alcohol in the blood, during flight at high altitudes, is much more pronounced than at sea level. The effects of one drink are magnified 2 to 3 times over the effects the same drink would have at sea level."

Now, I think they're referring to the effects at about 10,000 feet worth of altitude which is what I believe airline cabins are pressurized at while flying. Denver is about half that at 5,280 feet, so the effects won't be quite as pronounced, but still an issue. There sure are some partying skiers come to Colorado with the express purpose of taking advantage of this effect, which they usually find to have great disadvantages the next morning!

What can be done to offset these effects? Simply not drinking as much booze! You also touched on the other factor, which is drinking water and staying hydrated. If you drink here, you've got the double whammy of very low humidity with the diuretic effect of alcohol. You are going to get dehydrated like you wouldn't believe and you'll get a worse headache than normal. Hardly the way you want to spend a vacation, I hope. It is just common sense to drink water like crazy while you're here (even beforehand) to avoid dehydration and fatigue before you even set foot in the bar!

I guess this is why Coors Light is such a popular beverage (it hardly qualifies as "beer" in my book!)

So take it easy on the brews and have fun!

Best things for this (in order of easiest):

1) Drink lots of water

2) if possible, don't drink your first night. Getting one nights sleep at altitude seems to help me when going from front range up to mountains.

3) Drink less. Basically, it's going to take less to have the same effect. So you don't really need to have as many as you would at lower altitude.

I travel a lot and I find that in Colorado the effects of alcohol are accelerated, but they disappear quicker. Where at a sea level, I drink less and feel drunk for longer time.

But you are right – drinking plenty of water is very important. Because it’s dry, most people don’t feel that they are losing water, but it’s dangerous. I don’t feel thirsty in Colorado, but I make myself drink as much water as I can.

Thanks for the notes.... water, beer, water, beer, beer, beer, beer.. I have a feeling that's how my weekend is going to go. Start out with good intentions, end up with a hangover... Then start up again...