If you like to ski, or you are planning to learn, it is very important that you learn the rules of safety so that you can avoid injury to yourself and others while you are on the slopes. It doesn’t matter if you are heading out on a downhill course or if you prefer to cross-country ski, the basic rules are the same, and your experience will be much more enjoyable.

1. If you haven’t already, it is important that you take ski lessons. Not only will this give you more confidence on the slopes and trails, it will protect you from making so many mistakes and it will give you a good foundation. Choose someone who is a qualified instructor to teach you. You can take group or private lessons.

2. Go on ski trails and slopes that are matched to your ability. If you are a beginner, do not be ashamed to use the “bunny slopes” for a little while until you get some experience and confidence. This will not only protect you from injury, but others as well.

3. Don’t forget to wear safety gear and a ski helmet. Goggles and a helmet are probably two of the most important pieces of equipment you will use for protection. They will protect you from the most serious injuries you might encounter on the slopes.

4. Don’t ski alone. If you have someone with you, you will be better able to get help in case of an emergency or if you get lost. A good suggestion is to take walkie-talkies with you in case you happen to get separated.

5. Use only marked trails and slopes. This is not the time to go out adventuring. The danger of an avalanche or other problems is much greater when you ski “off the beaten path.” The staff at the area has worked hard to make sure the marked trails and slopes are as safe as possible.

6. Follow rules. One of the biggest rules is to stay out of the way of any person who is in front of you-either to the side or directly in front of you. They can’t see you as well as you can see them.

7. Wear the proper clothing. Layering clothing will help you to maintain a good body temperature. Take extra socks and gloves in case they get wet.

8. Make sure you are not tired and that you are in good physical condition.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Sports and Recreation. For more information about ski related items visit forski.com

Ski lessons is a big business, and every ski resort in the world has one or more ski schools which offer a variety of lessons at varying levels. However, ski race training is a totally different kettle of fish. It is very rare to find a ski school which truly offers race training: this is a very specialist skill which most of the ski school’s staff will not have. Race training is typically offered by specialist clubs or divisions of the ski school which are not usually available to visitors.

The Whistler Mountain Ski Club is a good example of how a ski racing club operates. It is a private members club in the top ski resort of Whistler-Blackcomb. It is open to anyone with a child who is already a highly proficient skier. Membership is on an annual basis. The Club employs more than a dozen ex-racers as coaches, and offers specialised race training throughout school holidays and at weekends during term time

So if you do not live in or near a ski resort, how can you get your children into a race training programme. Here’s the secret: these private racing clubs also sometimes accept casual visitors, as long as they are proficient skiers. In the case of Whistler, all you have to do is call up the club ahead of time, convince them that your son or daughter will not hold up the group, pay them around $100 a day for the privilege and your progeny can participate in one of the world’s leading race training programmes. You will never find this option on the website of Whistler-Blackcomb, which runs the resort; you just have to know that it exists. Even on Whistler Mountain Ski Club’s own website you won’t find this option available: it is an informal arrangement which is not publicised.

So, if you are looking for a holiday in which your child can get some serious race training, think about Whistler. You can find great accommodation deals at a number of suppliers, notably Holiday Whistler, where the owner is also a member of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club (his son is a K1 racer) and will give you all the contact information you need.

Henry Schlee is a member of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club and also the owner of the leading provider of Whistler accommodation in Whistler, generally rated as the best ski resort in North America.