1. Take a valid Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) with you

    If you have an accident or become ill in an EU country your Ghic may mean you can receive state-provided medical healthcare at reduced cost, or even free. Remember though, that a Ghic is not a substitute for travel insurance

  2. Don’t drink and ski

    High altitudes and cold temperatures don’t mix well with alcohol. So your judgment, co-ordination and reaction time will be affected more severely than you think. Know your limits.

  3. Wear a helmet

    It might be a legal requirement to wear a helmet. It might be an insurance requirement too. But if you value your head and your brain cells, wear a helmet anyway.

  4. Wear sun cream

    When there’s snow everywhere it might not seem that you need sun cream. But the sun’s rays are stronger at higher altitude. Ski goggles or sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection are also recommended to reduce glare and protect you from the sun's rays reflecting on the bright white slopes.

  5. Choose the right piste

    Don’t attempt slopes beyond your level of ability. Piste classifications can vary in different ski resorts and countries so check beforehand.

  6. Beware of avalanches

    Check snow reports, weather forecasts and avalanche risk levels online and in resort at the lift stations.

  7. Be prepared when you head off-piste

    Take specialist rescue equipment in case of an avalanche. You’ll need an avalanche transceiver - a device that sends out radio beacons to help locate people and equipment buried under snow. A probe pole is essential too, to help you pinpoint the exact location of an avalanche victim and burial depth. Plus you’ll need an avalanche shovel and of course your mobile phone.

  8. Know how your rescue equipment works

    Remember you have to know how to use this specialist equipment too. It’s not the time to first start practicing when a colleague is trapped under several feet of snow.