The following article is Courtesy of the National Ski Area Association

 Being truly ready to ski no accident

Heads Up! Here we are gearing up for the ski and snowboard season. The anticipation and excitement for the sport—for the fresh mountain air, fluffy snow, and the sense of freedom one gets from gliding down the mountain—lasts all winter long.

There are many precautions slope enthusiasts can take to maximize their experience. Serious ski accidents or fatalities can and do happen in this sport. And, though unfortunate, many are avoidable.  Make it your New Year’s resolution to be aware while on the slopes. Here are some tips for you to take in consideration while you’re recreating at your favorite ski area this winter.

Be aware of the snow conditions. When it has been four or five days since the last snowfall, the temperatures drop to sub-zero, the winds increase, and the snow solidifies and turns too hard-pack. As the conditions turn firm the skiing gets hard and fast. It's easy to begin a run slowly only to find you are out of control by your fourth or fifth turn. And once you're out of control, it can be difficult to avoid other people or obstacles.

In this day and age of multi passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts your time on the snow is maximized. You can increase your ski time on the slopes as compared to the days when you were limited to skiing fixed grip chairlifts. With high-speed chairs whisking you to the top of the mountain in a matter of minutes you can ski yourself right into exhaustion and need to recognize when it’s time for a rest.

The key to successful skiing is control. To have it, you must be aware of your technique, the terrain you are skiing and the other skiers around you. A conscious state of awareness is mandatory. Get distracted, go too fast, lose your confidence, forget about where you are or what you're doing and you're a recipe for disaster.

Skiing requires a mental and physical presence. A mistake in judgment, control, speed or your choice of terrain can have serious consequences. Skiing demands that your body and mind work together.

So you must be mentally engaged, which means you know where you are and what you are doing. It means you know what you need to do to turn, control your speed, slow down or stop. And you must be physically present, which means you have the confidence to execute this technique in terrain appropriate for your ability.

Control begins when you first put on your skis. Ideally you should start your ski day with two or three warm up runs, though they, too, often fall by the wayside. It's far too easy to head directly toward your favorite runs. It's an easy trap to fall into when you are with friends and the excitement and enthusiasm of being on the hill cloud your judgment. Common sense, caution and even your sense of control can go out the window in favor of keeping up with your friends. You can find yourself going too fast or on a run that is beyond your ability. This is not only unwise, but potentially dangerous.

Without the proper time to warm up, your body is thrown into duress as you try to make your skis come around on each turn. You spend the first hour beating yourself up until you get into the flow and rhythm of the hill. That is, if you ever find that rhythm at all.

The all-important warm up run or runs prepares you mentally and physically for the ski day that lies ahead. As with any sport or exercise, the warm-up is an essential component of good performance and setting the stage for a good day on the hill. Physically it gives your muscles a chance to engage your heart to beat faster, your blood to flow smoothly and your breathing to synchronize with your turns. It also gives you an opportunity to make the connection between your feet, the skis and the snow. You get a chance to feel your ski edges under your feet as they bite the snow on each turn.

Once you’ve committed to a warm up run, look for trails that were groomed from the previous night and on which you feel comfortable.

Once you’ve warmed up, you will find that not only is your technique sharper but your confidence level will grow as well. Then you will be prepared for the challenges you’ll find on the hill.

KNOW THE CODE - Click here to view the CODE and other skiing/snowboarding safety tips.