I have compiled this list to help you have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable snowsport season.

• Make sure you do some regular strengthening and conditioning prior to hitting the slopes. See my Ski Conditioning tips for ideas.

• Eat a good dinner the night before and a hearty breakfast the day you go skiing or riding. These sports take a lot of energy. If your muscles have not been properly fueled, you are more likely to get fatigued and injure yourself.

• Drink lots of water before and during your day on the slopes. This will help combat the effects of altitude as well as prevent fatigue-related inuries. In addition it will improve stamina and performance.

• Do not drink alcohol prior to skiing or riding. It slows your reaction time as well as impairs your control and judgement. These factors increase your risk of injury as well as your risk of injuring those around you. Also, even though it may temporarily make you feel warmer, alcohol actually causes you to lose body heat which can be dangerous on those cold days.

• Do a pre-lift equipment safety check. Skiers should check that the bindings release appropriately. Snowboarders should check that their bindings are firmly attached to the board, no loose screws.

• Perform some gentle stretching after you have done a few easy warm-up runs. Do not head immediately for the most challenging runs.

• Know your own ability and limitations. Test your ability on new runs gradually as your skills improve. Don't feel pushed to ski or ride on a run that is beyond your ability just because your friends are.

• Be aware of the conditions. The ability to handle a particular run is not only based on your ability, but the condition of the trail. Ice, powder, and slush each present different challenges.

• Consider wearing a helmet, especially if you are a snowboarder or spend time on slopes with trees. While knee and shoulder injuries can be painful, head injuries can be fatal or permanently disabling.

• Consider wearing wrist guards if you snowboard, especially if you are a beginner or spend time in the terrain park. Wrist fractures are common in snowboarders, and they are often severe enough to require manipulation by a doctor to be put back into place.

• Never ski or ride alone off marked trails or in deep powder. Always ski/ride with a buddy.

• Take rest breaks. If at the end of the day you cannot decide whether or not to do one last run, DON'T DO IT! A large percentage of injuries happen to people on their last run of the day. If you are feeling fatigued, it's wise to stop. "Just one more run" may be the run you regret.

• Finally, drive safely when heading up to the slopes. Do not tailgate or speed, especially if the roads are slick. People often underestimate the time and distance it takes to stop on icy or snowy roads. This can result in disasterous consequences for you as well as those with whom you share your car and the road. Check road conditions before heading up to the slopes. Enter the highway number you are going to take, and plan accordingly.