Any skier would tell you that their favourite annual holiday is  skiing. It’s an enjoyable and exhilarating sport that takes place in the stunning mountains.

As the ski season approaches, skiers and snowboarders are eager to get out on the slopes and leave their first tracks of the year. Remember that a day on the slopes may be dangerous. Here are the 10 tips to keep in mind before your ski trip to avoid a trip to the emergency room.

1) Preparation is essential

Skiing or snowboarding is a demanding activity, so don’t underestimate how exhausting it may be. Regardless of your level of skill, choose your runs carefully and gradually  progress to more difficult trails. Many injuries occur when you are more exhausted, but they can be avoided by resting, when you are tired. To be ready for the slopes, you might want to take some preparatory or refresher training.

2) The best way to dress for skiing is in layers

You’ll be safe and comfortable in practically any weather if you dress appropriately. Make sure you carry appropriate clothing for your first ski experience. The three-layer technique is usually the most effective. The base layer that is designed to drain sweat away from your body which keeps you dry. The mid layer is used to keep you warm by controlling your body temperature

(typically a fleece or wool jumper). To break the wind and keep moisture off your second layer, the outer layer should either be a waterproof or a windproof jacket.

3) Being aware on how to avoid collisions

It is vital to always be aware of your surroundings. The better a skier or snowboarder is, the more time he or she has to look. Skiing out of control is the most common cause of the collision. The second reason is that skiers fail to follow a simple rule: always look uphill before starting out. Remember that snowboarders take a different path down the mountain than skiers and may be unaware of your presence on the turn.

4) Be aware of the symptoms of acute mountain sickness

You’ll probably get altitude sickness if you travel from a flat state to a hilly location. The symptoms include confusion, shortness of breath, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, weariness or poor sleep, as well as loss of balance, energy, or loss of appetite, it often feels like a hangover. The first one, in particular, has the potential to make skiing deadly.

Rest, returning to a lower altitude, limiting your activity level, and taking ibuprofen for the headache are some of the strategies to manage altitude sickness. It’s also a good idea to take your first day off the slopes to allow your body to adjust.

5) Off-piste skiing should be done with caution

Despite all of the cautions, many skiers often venture off the groomed routes without the assistance of a guide. It may not be dangerous to do in unstable snow conditions, however early snow should be avoided due to tree stumps and rocks. Skiing in crevassed glacial terrain without a guide, on the other hand, is a recipe for disaster.

6) Keep yourself hydrated

It may seem illogical to believe that you may become dehydrated when skiing,  but multiple factors, including thin air at high altitudes, sunlight, and continuous exercise, all contribute to dehydration. Even slight dehydration can impair your physical capability, increasing your risk of injury. Before, during, and after skiing, drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and keep yourself hydrated.

7) Wear Supports and Braces for Protection

Skiing is a fantastic winter sport that provides the ideal combination of physical activity and beautiful surroundings. However, like with any extreme sport, there are measures to take if you want to enjoy the slopes for many years to come – and this is where the advantages of skiing braces come in.

Each hop and twist in the snow exerts strain on your joints, which can then lead to long-term injury or discomfort. Braces & Supports for skiing can help you relax and enjoy your time on the slopes by giving additional control and support to the major ligaments.

8) Prepare for the Ski Season by getting in shape

While skiing can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels, the fitter you are, the faster you will learn and the more you will enjoy yourself. You give yourself the best chance of enjoyment in  the mountains if you arrive fit and healthy.

Regular cardiovascular exercise in the weeks leading up to your trip will be extremely beneficial to you. It’s also crucial to remember your stretches, and to include yoga in your workout routine as it will be very beneficial.

9) Carry the required equipment for going off-piste.

Whether you’re skiing off-piste with a guide or not, you’ll need an avalanche transceiver, a foldable three-metre probe, and a shovel, as well as a good understanding of how to use them. Every year, Schniewind recommends a two- or three-hour practical training session with safety equipment, as well as a refresher course. A backpack with an integrated avalanche airbag system is another option. A huge balloon, or balloons that inflate when a string is pulled, is designed to make the person wearing it larger, allowing them to naturally rise to the snow’s surface.

10) Never give up

Whatever you do, don’t give up skiing before you’ve given it your all. Everyone fails while learning, and you may wonder if all of your efforts are worthwhile.  Dealing with everything might make even the most seasoned skiers wish they were lying on a beach in the sun. However, after you’ve mastered the learning curve, you’ll be rewarded with amazing experiences for the rest of your life and will be able to enjoy the best sport on the planet.