Fairfield-Echo.com

(HealthDayNews) -- A ski injury can easily sideline you for the season.

Aspen Valley Hospital advises the following precautions:

• Ski in accordance with your fitness level and muscle strength.
• Have all your equipment checked and tuned before making your first run.
• Less oxygen gets to your muscles at high altitudes, so go easy the first day or two.
• Take time to learn your way around unfamiliar mountains.
• Know the ski slope rating system.
• Stretch before you ski.
• Be alert to snow conditions. Even different slopes within the same area may have different conditions.
• Don't drink alcohol at lunch. Most ski accidents happen in the afternoon, and alcohol increases muscle fatigue.