5 essential safety tips for skiers

Whether you're a seasoned pro on skis are new to the sport, you should never ignore your own safety. Staying safe not only protects you from possibly getting into harm's way, it also can help others around you from becoming injured. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the slopes and enjoy skiing to the fullest.

A big part of skiing and ski safety is having the right gear.

• The most important piece of safety equipment you can utilize is a ski helmet, which can save you from a severe head injury.

In addition, good ski equipment can help with the sometimes difficult weather conditions that creep up.

• Mountain weather can swiftly change from sunny to blizzard-like conditions, and having a warm jacket, ski pants, thermal underwear, a good pair of gloves, and plenty of layers can keep you insulated and snug.
• Also consider a pair of ski goggles to improve visibility and protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays, which can be stronger at higher elevations.

Chapstick, sunscreen and hand warmers are a few more things that can keep you warm and protected from the elements – things every skier should include in their kit.

It's also important to follow proper ski etiquette, which means being aware of your surroundings and not doing something rash – such as cutting in front of someone else on the slope.

• You should also always follow the rule of looking uphill before you begin skiing, as a skier or snowboarder could be coming down at a fast speed. It's similar to checking over your shoulder when you're driving a car if you want to merge onto the highway.
• Also, be aware that snowboarders follow a different downhill pattern, and may not be able to see others as they pull into a turn.

The primary reason people suffer injuries to their knees, legs and ankles is due to improperly adjusted ski bindings. The binding are where your ski boots connect to your skis.

• Binding adjustment isn't easy to accurately gauge and requires a complicated formula that takes into account ability, age, height and weight.
• When getting fitted for a pair of skis, it's important to be honest about each of these factors, as it will help you get a snug fit and help keep you from potentially becoming injured.
• If any of these factors change, especially weight, you should have your ski bindings re-adjusted before you use your skis again.

There are numerous hazards that skiers can run into, and it's important to know how to handle each of them.

• Ice can be a slippery obstacle that most skiers should simply ski around.
• Although some experienced skiers know how to handle ice, unless you understand what you're doing, it's simply best to avoid ice if you can.

If you hit a patch unknowingly then try to edge your skis, which means lowering your body and turning your skis into the ice to maintain a certain level of control.

• If you suspect there is ice on the hill, always reduce your speed. It helps you to spot – and potentially avoid – a patch of ice before you actually hit it on the slope.
• If the idea of hitting ice makes you uncomfortable, your best bet is to simply take the chairlift or gondola to the bottom of the hill instead of skiing down. Better safe than sorry.

Stones can also be a challenge and are mostly present early and late in the skiing season when there's less snow.

• Always ski on groomed and marked ski trails, both to avoid stones and also to avoid losing contact with others you're skiing with.

If you plan to go off the marked path, you should be an experienced skier and understand the danger of avalanches. For those reasons, it's recommended you carry a walkie-talkie and buy ski clothing with a microchip sewn inside that helps rescuers find your exact location.

• Remember, in remote locations your cell phone may not get a signal.
• If you're skiing in very remote locations, ask at the ski hill if any avalanche warnings have been issued for the area.

Ultimately, you should know your limits whenever you're skiing and train properly to tackle each slope. Following these tips should make for a much safer skiing experience and give you plenty to smile about after a long day on the slopes.