AS the snow season descends upon us, excitement builds for skiers and snowboarders ready to hit the slopes.

However, before you rush to the snow, it’s always a good idea to refresh your knowledge on mountain safety.

Before anything, choosing the right mountain experience is crucial.

Falls Creek offers some of Australia's best beginner-friendly terrain, while Hotham features the new Bunderool Carpet, a dedicated beginner lift and learning area for skiers and snowboarders new to the sport.

When it comes to lessons, first-timers should always book in to learn the fundamentals, even seasoned pros can benefit from expert instruction to refine their techniques and safely tackle more challenging terrain.

Preparing your car is the next essential step.

Ensure you're carrying, and know how to fit, tyre chains.

They are specially designed to help your vehicle navigate slippery or icy gradients.

For Hotham and Falls Creek, you’re legally obligated to carry chains for the entirety of the snow season, no matter what the weather.

It’s also important to exercise extreme caution on alpine roads, as conditions can be variable.

It’s best to make a habit of consulting the Falls Creek or Hotham apps, which provide crucial daily updates on snow conditions, weather, road reports, and lift and terrain statuses.

Dressing appropriately for the slopes is vital for safety and comfort.

Layering is key so opt for multiple thin layers that trap air and provide insulation, such as thermal underwear and baselayers made from wool or synthetic fibres like polypropylene.

Avoid materials like cotton, denim, nylon, or vinyl, which do not retain warmth when wet.

Your outermost layer should be both waterproof and windproof and don’t forget a warm hat or helmet, as a significant amount of body heat escapes from the head. Woollen or synthetic socks, along with gloves or mittens, are essential, as are sunscreen and eye protection to guard against the sun's harsh glare off the snow.

Mountain etiquette is another important aspect of safety.

Personal awareness and courtesy go a long way in preventing accidents.

Always stay in control, be mindful of other skiers and snowboarders, and respect the Alpine Responsibility Code.

This includes staying in control, wearing appropriate protective equipment, using lifts safely, obeying signs and warnings, giving way to others, avoiding stopping in non-visible areas, looking uphill before merging onto a trail, preventing runaway snowboards, and avoiding impairment from drugs or alcohol.

Additionally, if you witness or are involved in an accident, alert and identify yourself to resort staff immediately.

Failure to observe the Alpine Responsibility Code can result in the cancellation of your lift ticket or pass, so make sure you are familiar with these guidelines.

For more detailed safety tips, visit skifalls.com.au or hotham.com.au.

The Alpine Responsibility Code:

1. Stay in control and avoid other people and hazards.

2. Use appropriate protective equipment, especially helmets, to minimise the risk of injury.

3. You must have the ability to use each lift safely. If in doubt, ask the lift attendant.

4. Obey all signs and warnings and keep off closed trails and areas.

5. It is your responsibility to avoid and give way to people below and beside you.

6. Do not stop where you are not visible from above or where you obstruct a trail.

7. Before starting downhill, or merging into a trail, look uphill and give way to others.

8. Use care to prevent runaway snowboards.

9. If you are involved in or see an accident, alert and identify yourself to Resort Staff.

10. Be aware that it is dangerous to ski, board or ride lifts if your ability is impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Failure to observe the code may result in cancellation of your ticket or pass by resort staff.