Insurance Information Institute (I3) in New York offers these words on Ski and Snowboard Safety:

• Take a lesson— The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor

• Know your limits— No matter how tempted you are or how skilled you may think you are, start out each day on a less formidable slope.

• Pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings— As snow conditions turn firm, the skiing gets hard and faster. Slow Down.

• Obtain proper equipment— Make sure to have your equipment adjusted and tuned at a local ski shop.

• Be properly and comfortably dressed— Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature.

• Always wear eye protection— Sunglasses or goggles will allow you to see better and help prevent sun blinding.

• Wear sun protection— The sun reflects everywhere off the snow and at high altitudes it is stronger than you think.

• Do not impair your judgment with alcohol, drugs or medicine.

• Some common sense courtesies and advice we already know:

  • Stay away from overly challenging situations that may be beyond your skills or ability. 

  • Give the right of way to people ahead of you.

  • Stop in a safe place for you and others, i.e., make sure you are visible to those above and off to the side of the run.

  • When ever starting downhill or merging, look up hill and yield.

  • Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.

  • Know how to use the lifts safely.

  • Stop skiing or boarding when you feel fatigued.  

Since this advice comes from an Insurance entity, I3 recommends that you have insurance for your equipment but notes that if you have homeowners or renter’s insurance, you will probably be covered.