When hitting the slopes, it’s important to have the right equipment. Staying safe while skiing is a top priority for the 35th Annual Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Amputee Ski Trip. In honor of this special event, we’ve put together some important safety tips for fun in the snow.

• Wear Sunscreen – Even if the day is overcast and freezing cold, you can still get sunburned on the slopes. The bright white snow reflects the sun’s rays and can cause major burns. To avoid getting sunburned, wear plenty of sunscreen and don’t forget to re-apply throughout the day.
• Stay Hydrated – Drinking lots and lots of water is the best protection against altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is caused when the body struggles to adjust to higher altitudes with thinner oxygen. Our ski trip participants are equipped to stay hydrated this year with personalized water bottles from our friends at Saint Bernard. Having water on hand as you transition to a higher altitude is the best way to avoid getting sick.
• Wear a Helmet – Wearing a helmet on the slopes is the best way to protect your head in the event of a fall. Helmets can help prevent concussions and other major head trauma. Thanks to our friends at Giro, the teens on this year’s trip will have helmets to protect them as they learn how to ski.
• Stay Warm – It’s important to stay warm while you ski. Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. This results in low body temperature, which can cause organs to function improperly. The teens on the ski trip will stay warm and safe thanks to our friends at Obermeyer while they ski.
• Warm Up and Cool Down – When participating in strenuous physical activity, especially when learning a new sport, it’s critical to stretch and cool down properly. Stretching before starting the day can help keep the body loose and flexible for exercise. Cooling down at the end of the day with more stretching or a soak in the hot tub can prevent fatigue for the day ahead.

We hope these tips help inspire safety on the mountain. We wish the teens on this year’s trip a fun time in Colorado.

Thanks again to our friends at Saint Bernard, Giro and Obermeyer for keeping our skiers safe and warm on the Annual Amputee Ski Trip.