What every first-time skier and snowboarder should know

Half the fun of winter is playing in the snow! Before hitting the hills, here's what every first-time skier and snowboarder should know to stay safe and have fun on the slopes.

If it is your first time snowboarding or skiing, leave your jeans at home. That’s number one. Why?Unless you're truly gifted, odds are you will be falling throughout the day and if wearing denim, misery will ensue. They'll get soaked and freeze solid. Yuck!

• Thick ski pants are best for beginners. Also, get a good waterproof, zippered jacket so if you get too hot, you can open it to avoid sweating.
• If you sweat, and then get cold, it will be hard to warm up again because of the cooling effect of perspiration on your skin.

Boots are probably the most important thing you’ll be wearing. Make sure they fit well, which can be more difficult than you think.

• You should be able to wiggle your toes, but have your foot still held firmly. If you can turn your foot inside the boot, you won't be able to control your skis or your board. If they're too tight, you risk cutting off circulation.
• Be sure to try several pairs of boots your first time skiing or snowboarding. The extra effort may be time consuming, but worth it.

Properly fitting ski boots should keep your feet warm. However, wear more than one pair of socks and you'll likely lose circulation—like with boots that are too tight to begin with.

• Choose socks based on how the boots fit. Bring two pairs of socks your first time: a thin and a medium-thick pair. (You may even have to wear a thin sock on one foot and a thicker sock on the other.)

When skiing or snowboarding for the first time, it’s important to choose a ski resort with a good beginner's area. How can you be sure?

• Ask around: friends, local ski shops and ski enthusiasts are a good source.
• Check online reviews of different resorts.

As a beginner, avoid steep, narrow slopes and look for wider, open runs—some resorts only have one "bunny" or beginner hill.

• Look for spots with multiple bunny hills so you can work your way up, rather than going from one extreme to another.

Another important thing to do is to check the snow conditions.

• If conditions are icy, don't even think about it! Ice is hard-packed snow that has melted somewhat on top and then refrozen. It will make a beginner fall more often than not, increasing the risk of injury.
• Moderate temperatures a day or two after a snow storm creates ideal skiing conditions.
• Watch out! Moderate temperatures the day after a rain storm could leave you with bruises or worse.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the company you keep on your first ski or snowboard trip.

• Find someone who is patient and willing to sacrifice some of their own ski time to help you get accustomed to the slopes.

Having a friend or two ease you into intimidating things, like getting on the ski lift for the first time, can make the difference between a lousy or great first time out.

As always, don't push yourself too hard on the slopes the first time you ski or snowboard.

• A helmet is an excellent idea to reduce the risk of head injury.

Also, consider a half-hour lesson with a pro ski instructor before tackling a beginner hill. He or she will be able to correctly teach you techniques to keep you safe and under control during your descent.