• I've been skiing and snowboarding for decades and taught my children how to do the winter sports.
• Make sure your layers are keeping you dry, and pay extra attention to your hands.
• Start on the bunny hill and work your way up — don't ski or board above your level.

I've been skiing and snowboarding my whole life and even taught my children how.

Every so often, while riding the chairlift, I look down upon some out-of-control skier in soaked-through jeans, a snow-flecked sweatshirt, and cotton gloves. A few moments later, they crash into some obstacle and tangle themselves among their skis and poles.

The sports are fun winter activities, but if you're not properly dressed or prepared, you're putting yourself and others at risk.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, here are a few tips for staying safe on the mountain.

Make sure you're packing the proper equipment

Slope safety begins at home. Before you leave, consider your outfit.

You'll definitely want waterproof snow pants and a jacket that will keep off the wind and rain, but your layers don't have to be anything fancy.

To start, you may be able to cobble together something warm from what you already own. Try wool sweaters, synthetic running shirts, and that random fleece vest that you own but never wear.

I think it's pointless for a new skier to drop hundreds of dollars on gear, but there are a few body parts worth investing in (hand, feet, head). If you're going to spend money on anything, invest in good gloves.

Beyond that, ski socks are priceless in keeping toes warm. A good neck gaiter and a basic pair of goggles can prevent nose and eyes, respectively, from dripping icicles, too.

Staying dry is of the utmost importance

Keeping your body warm and dry is necessary on the slopes.

Rule No. 1: Anything made of cotton has no place on the mountain.

When cotton gets wet — an inevitability for first-time skiers and snowboarders who spend a lot of time on the ground or anyone who's prone to sweating — the material absorbs the moisture, remains wet, and makes you cold.

Choose synthetic materials or natural fibers like wool that help to wick away water from the body and keep you warm.

The boots you pick can make or break your day on the slopes

Whether you're renting or investing in your first pair of ski or snowboard boots, know that they're supposed to be snug.

The boots are meant to react to your feet's movements, so they have to be a little tight. However, they shouldn't be cutting off your circulation.

If they're uncomfortable in the rental shop, they're going to feel terrible on the mountain.

Do yourself a favor and make sure they feel as close to perfect as possible before you hit the chairlift. The employees in ski shops should be experts who are able to help.

Take it slow — especially if you're a beginner

Once you arrive at the mountain, don't look to tackle anything above your level.

If you're a beginner, head straight for the bunny slopes. There's no shame in learning to turn, stop, and not kill yourself or someone else on the mountain's gentlest run.

The fastest way to get off the bunny hill is to take a one-hour lesson to help you acquire the basic skills to become a more competent rider.

After you gain the fundamentals, progress in order. Conquering the bunny hill doesn't mean you're ready for black diamonds. Head to green-circle beginner trails to practice your turns and technique. After getting comfortable with those skills on that terrain, try the blue-square intermediate trails.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that trail markings are not universal from mountain to mountain. A black diamond in the Poconos usually isn't as difficult as a black diamond in Colorado.

You're not too cool for a helmet

We're heading into 2025 and not the aughts — a time when people didn't seem to truly understand that speed, hard surfaces, and bare skulls made for dangerous combinations on the slopes.

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you'll want a helmet. You can usually rent these if needed.

Learn the 'basic food groups' for skiers

I think taking a lesson is the best way to really get the hang of skiing, but there are a few tips and stances to get you started.

First-time skiers need to remember two foods: pizza and french fries.

Keep a gentle bend in your knees and shape your skis like a piece of pie to give yourself a more controlled stance and proceed down the mountain at reduced speed. Thinner pizza slices make you go faster, and wider ones slow you down.

When you're ready to go faster, shaping your skis like french fries will send you straight down.

Keep your knees bent when you're on a board

Snowboarders have fewer food terms to remember, but you'll want to loosely bend your knees and carve back and forth across the mountain to limit your speed.

The trickiest part of snowboarding is shifting from your heel to toe to change directions.

My best advice is to start slow, commit to every turn, and look where you want to go (not backward).