At the time of this writing, Winter is just coming on. You, dear reader, may be dreaming and fantasizing about skiing or snowboarding. As exciting and fun as these activities are, it's important to have a serious attitude about safety while snowboarding or skiing. These exciting sports are inherently fraught with danger. We don't like to think about that fact, and it's true that we should not be focused on it when we're engaged in them. Talk about a killjoy! So, this is why we need to be prepared with safety precautions in advance. Let's look at the most important snowboarding and skiing safety measures that we should take.

*Keep fit. Skiing and snowboarding are demanding tasks, even if they are tons of fun. If you are not in good shape, you are asking for serious injury out there on the snowbanks. If you plan to ski or snowboard this Winter, but you don't feel that you're in pretty good shape already, start preparing now. The best things to do: skip rope (15 minutes); play some racquetball (40 minute or longer sessions or games); go running for at least three miles at a time; go cycling for at least 10 miles at a time or trail biking for five miles at a time; do plyometrics workouts. Do one of these workouts every day, five days a week. Drink a protein smoothie within half an hour after each workout. Start your workout regimen at least three weeks before your first adventurous outing in the snow. If you haven't exercised strenuosly in some time, consider starting out with some brisk walking everyday first.

*Be certain that you have quality equipment. Don't borrow anything. Go to a professional store or rent from a highly qualified service. Don't use old or outdated equipment.

*Dress properly. Wear a knit hat or a helmet liner. Wear layers of clothing that you can peel off if it gets too warm but put back on if it gets colder. Check into "Polar Fleece" jackets and runners' tights.

*Wear goggles. This is exceedingly important. Don't take it for granted. Wearing snowboarding or skiing goggles protects your eyes against snow, wind, and harm to your vision done by sun and snow glare. If you wear glasses, be sure that you get goggles that fit over your glasses.

*Don't ski or snowboard alone. It's all too easy to get injured, lose your footing, get lost in the woods, and so on and so forth out there on the slopes. Always go to ski or snowboard with at least one other person. Besides, it's more fun that way.

*Know and accept your limits. Trails and areas are marked with regards to their required level of expertise and skills. Don't push it. If you belong in the Green Circle or the bunny slopes, don't be ashamed of it! You'll have more fun if you stay on trails and runs that cater to your skill and experience level.

Follow the above tips for snowboarding and skiing safety. It's always better to be safe instead of sorry.