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Some people choose to take a winter break over the Christmas and New Year period but others prefer to get away after the New Year when the children are back at school and the crowds have gone back home.

So what is an ideal winter break? For many people, a winter break means escaping the British winter but for others such a break means the mountains and associated winter sports.

Fresh mountain air is known for its benefits. Due to the altitude the atmosphere is less polluted, easing the effects of allergies and other respiratory problems. Additionally the unspoilt views may just be the therapy you require to relax from the stresses and fatigue of everyday life or simply to improve your overall physical fitness.

Asthma sufferers will benefit from the mountain air but since air density is thinner at high altitudes they would be advised to remain at a maximum altitude of 1300 metres.

Opportunities for enjoyment are endless. You can choose to stay in a hotel or you can take the exclusive occupancy of a chalet. You can stroll along glorious landscapes or go on more difficult treks with fellow walkers and snow covered peaks for company.

If you are the more active type, you will enjoy winter sports. Winter sports are an excellent way of keeping fit and of enjoying a family holiday. Such holidays are available at all levels of ability and experience and are suitable for all age groups from toddlers to senior citizens.

Winter ski holidays have become increasingly appealing to those of us who want to enjoy an active break in breathtaking surroundings. Countries such as Finland for example, offer cross country or downhill skiing, not to forget the après-ski activities, which make for an ideal family holiday. Other wonderful destinations include Austria, Bulgaria, Iceland, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Canada and the USA, all offering a variety of winter sports for everyone.

In common with most other sports, skiing and snowboarding demand a great deal of physical activity and place a considerable stress on the body. Most of us only get involved in this activity for a few days a year, so it is very important that we prepare ourselves to ensure that we are as fit and healthy as possible when we arrive on the slopes. This will help to prevent injuries and maximize our enjoyment of the sport. Together with the winter sports offered at these destinations, one can also look forward to staying in log cabins if desired with logs burning away giving a warm, cozy fire.

Fortunately, most injuries associated with skiing and snowboarding are relatively minor such as sprains, general bruising, minor knocks, cuts and ligament damage. Injuries to knees are more common in skiers, and snowboarders are also affected by upper limb injuries. Although some limb fractures are also common, more serious injuries such as spinal or head injuries are rare and, in reality, the risk of injury while skiing or snowboarding is much lower than it is popularly believed.

Skiing and snowboarding injuries are most commonly the result of  excessive speed and resulting loss of control, collisions with others or with objects, fatigue, badly fitting or defective equipment and lack of experience.

The following tips may help to remain fit and healthy during a ski holiday:

•         Ideally, consider pre-ski season training at least three months in advance – key areas to concentrate on are strength, endurance and flexibility.
•         If at all possible, try to lose excess weight prior to your holiday – this will ease the strain on your joints, particularly your knees.
•          As with any sporting activity, always warm up before skiing/snowboarding sessions and cool down afterwards to avoid injury and achy muscles.  You might start with jogging on the spot for a few minutes, followed by stretching exercises.
•          Do not be tempted to skip the lessons if you are new to the sport – using the correct techniques will reduce the likelihood of injury.
•         Ensure that you have the right equipment – check that your ski settings and boot bindings are done correctly and seek professional help when hiring equipment.
•         Wear appropriate clothing – consider warm layering garments, or thermal or special ski clothes is recommended to keep warm.
•         Accessories such as protective helmets and goggles are advisable.
•         Do not forget sun protection in the form of good quality sun glasses and high factor sun block.
•         Do not ski/snowboard under the influence of alcohol or drugs – avoid the temptation to drink alcohol at lunchtime as it will slow your reactions.
•         Know your limits/ability level and keep within these.
•         Do not ignore tiredness – recognise when you need a rest as most accidents happen when people start to get tired.
•         Ensure that you have enough supplies of any medication you are taking and that you consult your doctor if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition – conditions such as asthma might be exacerbated by cold air.
•         Protect any existing injury – if necessary, consult a medical professional regarding pre-existing injuries.