One of the biggest problems some skiers have is carrying their gear. The safest easiest way to carry skis is to fasten them together (it makes sense carrying one long, thin object, as opposed to two). Carrying skis together also causes less wear and tear on them. In skis' edges get nicked and dented, their performance suffers. Most binding systems have some method of keeping skis' running surfaces together for carrying. They can be carried on one shoulder with the poles either free for balance, or over the other shoulder and under the skis for support. For long-distance carrying, put the pole straps over the skis on each end and slip the baskets under the opposite strap. This makes the poles a sort of handle for the skis.

There are many types of ski lifts designed to get you up a hill, including surface lifts (rope tows, T-bars, and platter lifts) as well as aerial chair-lifts, gondolas, and trams. Each lift has its own special set of instructors for safe riding. The instructions are available either on signs in the loading area or from lift operators nearby. Always be familiar with these instructions before you board any lift.

The international trail-marking system has been designed to help skiers identify trails and hazards within a ski area. The signs are there for your safety and should always be followed. Each ski area determines whether a trail is a green-circle (beginner), blue- square (intermediate), or black-diamond (advanced) slope. And remember that their ratings are relative to the trails at that particular place. Each ski area's slopes will be slightly different. Ask an area ski patroller if you have any questions about which slope is right for you. Remember that areas or slopes designated "closed" are marked that way for a reason. Obviously, never ski in these areas.

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