Skating, bobsledding, skiing and snowboarding—these are just some fun activities to do during the winter holiday.

But before you book a flight or take a trip to the French Alps or snow-capped mountains of Switzerland or Canada, or anywhere else for that matter, you need to consider the potential risks that come hand in hand when taking the slopes.

Hence, for a safe, smooth and fun-filled winter sports holiday, follow these essential travel tips.

Plan and prepare for the trip.

Going to a ski or snowboarding trip requires careful planning and preparation. Make sure to condition your body by joining a regular fitness program such as jogging, cycling, climbing or walking weeks before your planned vacation. Also, make sure to eat the right kind of food that is fitted to the strenuous physical activities that you’ll be engaging. To avoid getting dehydrated, drink enough liquids regularly while on your holiday. Additionally, avoid taking alcoholic drinks as these may lessen your alertness and weaken your reflexes.

Keep warm, invest in a proper wardrobe.

Be sure to dress in warm clothing. As much as possible, wear several layers of clothes to keep your body heat at a constant temperature. Invest in good quality clothes, such as gloves, coats, neck gaiters, beanies and thermal underwear to trap the heat and help keep you warm. Also, opt for clothes made of fibre since these will not soak up moisture, but will trap your body heat.

Get a good pair of goggles.

When you go skiing or snowboarding, wear a good pair of sunglasses. This is essential to give your eyes proper protection against strong sunlight. Using high-standard goggles can help filter the rays and reduce the intensity of the light, especially if you are skiing on high altitude. It can also protect you from stray branches and stones, as well as strong wind that can irritate the eyes.

Prevent the burn, pack some sunscreen.

Although it may sound absurd, but you need to put on some sunscreen lotion even when you’re on a winter sports holiday. Using an SPF or sun protection lotion helps shield your skin against the intensity of the sun and the coldness of the weather.

Know your limitations

If you’re planning on skiing off-piste, make sure that you go with a friend or buddy, or take a guide or a mentor. If you’re a first-timer, stick to the beginner’s slopes if you feel that you’re not skilled enough or up to the task to tackle difficult obstacle courses.

Get covered with the best travel insurance policy

As part of your preparation for the trip, make sure to purchase the best travel insurance that covers winter sports policy. Getting a comprehensive winter sports traveler’s insurance will help you in case you suffer an injury while on vacation, or in the unlikely situation where your snowboarding or ski equipment is lost or stolen. To make sure you get the right but cheap travel insurance policy, read travel insurance reviews and then shortlist to two or three prospective policies. Afterwards, you can then decide on which policy you feel is the best fit.