Skiing and snowboarding are wonderful ways to stay fit and enjoy the crisp winter air.

Taking precaution to avoid injury should be a part of your preparation.

Head injuries are the most dangerous injury on the slopes, with the potential to cause concussion, fractured skull or a brain hemorrhage.

By staying within your ability and paying attention to the conditions and surroundings, including the skiers around you, you are better prepared to avoid violent falls or collisions affecting the head and neck.Helmets help too.

Most common are knee injuries, ranging from sprains to major ligament tears that can leave you sidelined for several months.

Keep your knees bent for safety and control. Sometimes falling is safer than trying not to – if you know how to fall properly. Using your arms to brace a fall can fracture your arm or wrist.

Make sure your bindings are properly set to release when they should. And make sure your boots fit properly, which means snug to better control your turns.

Accidents tend to occur when you ski out of control or when you hit a point of fatigue. Know your limits.

Listen to your body, and slow down toward the end of the day when shadows fall and icy patches from a day of ski traffic create more of a challenge for your already tired muscles.

National Ski & Snowboard Safety week is January 16-22, 2010. Click here for safety details