Top tips to avoid the slippery slope this ski season

Are you and your family looking forward to an exhilarating adventure on the ski slopes this winter and the adrenaline rush that you get as you stand at the top of a mountain, blue skies above you with the sun glinting off the snowy pistes?  At the end of the day you stumble back to your cosy log cabin, light the wood burner, pour a glass of mulled wine and immerse your aching muscles into the warm Jacuzzi….  
Ski holidays can be fun, but we should not forget that skiing can be a dangerous sport, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the risks involved before you go.  Here’s a few tips from myID to help you stay safe on the slopes this season.
Get fit before you go
Skiing is a high impact form of physical exercise, so it’s important to be reasonably fit before you go. If you spend your life tied to an office chair, you are far more likely to injure yourself when you hit the slopes, so undertake a skiing exercise programme for at least a few weeks before you go.
Take out a good insurance policy
Skiing is classified as a dangerous sport, so you need to take out an insurance policy which explicitly covers it. Make sure it includes all the activities you will do on your holiday, such as skiing off-piste, tobogganing or snowmobiles.
Be well equipped
Wear protective clothing, including goggles, gloves, helmets and padded outer clothes to avoid frost bite. Underneath your outer layer, wear several layers of light, loose waterproof and wind-resistant clothing for extra warmth and to allow your body to regulate its own temperature.
It is also important to have the right equipment. Well-fitting boots will help you avoid cold feet, blisters and shin splints. Ensure your bindings are well adjusted to release when you lose control.
Beware of the sun
We all hope for good weather and lots of fluffy snow on our skiing holidays, and there’s no doubt that sunny weather makes for great skiing conditions, but the sun in Ski resorts can be very strong. We advise you use a sun block of at least SPF 30 to protect your skin.  Sunglasses or goggles are also advised to protect your eyes from the strong reflection of the sun.
Be aware of warnings
Mountains and glaciers are dangerous places and the weather can turn very quickly.  Be sure to keep well informed on a daily basis by checking local reports and keep a look-out for signs and flags.
Skiing off-piste can be dangerous, always ensure you have a trained guide with you.
Stay hydrated
Ensure you keep well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.  Remember that alcohol is dehydrating and can slow down your reactions and awareness.  

We hope you find this guide useful.  Happy skiing!
www.itsmyid.co.uk