Winter Sports Safety Tips from Colorado Native

Skiing and snowboarding, snow-shoeing and ice hockey, snowmobiling and ice skating. Regardless of your winter pleasure, keep it safe by following these important health and safety tips for winter sports:

Wear Sunglasses: Sun reflecting off of snow can sunburn the whites of one's eyes. It's painful and unattractive, in addition to being bad for eye health, so be sure to wear sunglasses--even on partly cloudy days-if you're spending time around snow.

Wear Sunscreen: The sun reflecting off of the snow can cause a wicked sunburn. When I was 12, I forgot to reapply my sunscreen when out skiing one day, and ended up in the emergency room with second degree burns all over my face and sun poisoning that renders that day just the foggiest of a memory. Be smarter than a 12-year-old and put on your sunscreen so you don't end up spending the rest of your winter vacation left behind indoors, or worse-increase your chances of skin cancer down the road.

Drink Water: Winter sports can be dehydrating, but the lack of heat often causes people to forget to drink enough, which can lead to nausea and faintness. Sufficient water can also help to adjust to higher altitudes. So, drink up!

Wear Recommended Safety Gear: Research your activity and follow the recommended guidelines for safety gear. Helmets, pads, eye gear, and more are all worth it.

Maintain Communication: Groups can be easily separated at ski resorts and in the mountains, so be sure to carry cell phones and walkie-talkies to stay in touch. Remember that cell coverage can be sporty to non-existent in the places skiers, snowboards, snow-shoers, and snow-mobilers love, so bring a back up form of communication to keep from getting separated from your group.

Adjust to the Altitude: If you're coming from a lower altitude to a higher one, be careful to listen to your body. Don't overdo it, and be sure to get plenty of water and rest. If you don't have time to gently adjust for a day or two after arriving in high altitude, then take plenty of breaks and listen carefully to your body.

Know Your Limits: If you're a beginner skier, avoid the black diamonds, and if you've never been snow-shoeing, don't get cocky and join an expert hike on day 2. Be smart and have fun!