Staying safe in the snow

On the slopes

The sun's rays can be just as dangerous when they bounce off snow and ice as on a beach. Always use a suncream of SPF15 or above and wear sunglasses or goggles, even in cloudy weather.

Altitude sickness

At high-altitude resorts, you'll probably notice the effects of thinner air - you may feel very tired, very quickly. To help lessen the effects, start your pre-ski fitness regime at least six weeks before you go on holiday. Start on the lower slopes and work your way up to higher altitudes.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS, or altitude sickness) typically occurs above 8,000 feet or 2,400 meters, which means that it is quite possible in most ski resorts. It causes dizziness, nausea, raging headaches and radical changes in personality and behaviour. It's a life-threatening condition. If symptoms arise in any of your group, alert the ski patrol or mountain medical team, and descend the mountain immediately.

Hypothermia and frostbite

Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when your body temperature falls beneath 35°C (95°F).

The main causes are cold weather and exposure to wind. It's prevented by wearing appropriate clothes, with sufficient insulation and wind- and waterproof outer layers. A hat is also important.

The main factors involved are cold weather and exposure to wind. You can prevent hypothermia by wearing appropriate clothes, with sufficient insulation and wind- and waterproof outer layers. A hat is also important. It also helps to plan your day carefully, with regular breaks especially if the weather is particularly bad.

Frostbite occurs when the extremities (fingers, cheeks, ears, nose and toes) get so cold their temperature drops below freezing. If noticed quickly, it's fully reversible. If not, it can result in loss of body tissues such as fingers or toes. Symptoms include an uncomfortable coldness that becomes painful, then numb.

Symptoms include an uncomfortable coldness that becomes painful, then numb.

If you suspect someone in your group has hypothermia or frostbite, stop immediately. Make sure they're wrapped up warm, in a safe place. If you can't find shelter, huddling together should warm them up but this will take time. Continuing to ski, drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes will do nothing to help the victim and may make things worse.

If frostbite or hypothermia is advanced, alert first aiders on the slopes. The local hospital is the best place for emergency medical treatment - it's better to be safe than sorry.