Caveat Skier

Now the first guests have arrived and your ski companies have finally given you your ski pass it's only a matter of time before you wrap yourself around a tree/rock or another winter sports enthusiast.
Accompanied by the sound of your bones breaking and ligaments snapping. You might say that I sound pessimistic but over the years I've seen it all and actually I'm just being realistic.
I know at the moment when the snow is falling the temptation to go off piste is overwhelming. Unfortunately most of the off-piste has no stable base, so you will either find a rock with the edge of your skis or worse you will connect directly.
When the powder becomes more plentiful make sure carry a transceiver/ shovel/probe and make sure whoever is skiing with you is similarly equipped. Many of these powder fields might look great but are prone to sliding and it so easy to get trapped under even a small avalanche.
I know it sounds obvious but make sure that you not only have insurance but you carry the insurance card with you. For 49Ä you can get a Carte Neige from the Club des Sports on the top floor of the forum, this is very basic French insurance but most importantly it will get you blood wagoned off the mountain (which can cost upwards of 100's of euros is uninsured) should the worse happen, with the minimum of hassle.