Many of us have enjoyed practising this incredible sport that got its name from the Old Norse word "skíð", which means a split piece of wood or firewood.

Although a competitive sport, it is also a recreational activity that can give you many hours of exhilarating fun.

So, let's discuss how to prevent spoiling the fun for others and ensure a positive experience at ski resorts, especially now that they're all opening and bustling with activity.

Ski resort etiquette is essential to make everyone's experience enjoyable.

When you're out skiing, showing respect for the mountain and its surroundings is critical.

The mountain was there before you; if you are careless or foolish, it will let you know who the boss is sooner or later.

Also, it's best to avoid mixing alcohol with skiing to ensure everyone's safety on the slopes.

Excessive drinking and skiing don't go well and will undoubtedly invalidate your insurance should you have an accident, and a sport that could be one of the great things in your life becomes a potential weapon that will put you and others at risk.

Many aspiring skiers have given up due to bad experiences, and one that we seem to forget is choosing the wrong equipment.

It's crucial to have properly fitting skis and boots suitable for your skill level, clothing that can be adjusted for changing weather conditions, and specialised sports products to stay hydrated.

This also applies to children.

An ill-fitted boot can stop you from skiing immediately, and subsequently, you will waste the money invested in renting the equipment, ski passes, lessons, etc.

When taking small children on a ski holiday, it's crucial to prioritise two things: firstly, select a location with easily accessible slopes to avoid stress and exhaustion for both parents and kids.

Secondly, I strongly recommend enrolling them in a ski school.

Professional instruction ensures that children learn correctly from the start and affords parents some much-needed time to enjoy the sport independently.

Remember that keeping your child entertained even when snowing is easy, as children love snow, sledge rides and snowball fights.

Safety is essential on a ski holiday.

Showing off by skiing out of control can land you in a lot of trouble these days.

In many American and European resorts, you will be fined for skiing out of control/dangerously on a slope.

Wearing a ski helmet is recommended for adults and mandatory for children in many countries.

I would invest in high-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage and prioritise comfort and warmth with quality gloves and thermal underwear for an enjoyable skiing experience.

Remember, the more comfortable you are with your equipment and what you wear, the better you will ski.

Two things about après-ski are great.

If you have kids, they will be exhausted after a whole day outdoors and exercising, so they will go to bed early and sleep well.

For adults, it's an opportunity to indulge in food, as you will be burning calories at a very high rate thanks to the low temperatures and the exercise.

The big question now is fitness.

Improving your fitness before skiing is essential to avoid aches and pains that might force you to miss skiing days.

You don't realise how many miles you cover without noticing when you ski.

I used to suggest to my friends that they go back to the resort during the summer and try to walk what they had skied so they would take the sport more seriously regarding fitness.

Having a professional introduce you to the sport is essential.

Learning properly from the beginning is better than correcting bad habits.

If possible, go to a dry slope to get the feeling before you start skiing.

Finally, given the threat of global warming, this adventure might not be available by 2050, so follow the above advice and have a memorable ski holiday.