There's a reason why ski injuries most often occur late in the day or at the end of a vacation.

That's when skiers are more fatigued.

To avoid spending your ski vacation in a cast watching everyone else go down the slopes, follow these tips from Robert Dimeff, professor of orthopedic surgery, pediatrics and family medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center:

If you're new to skiing, take lessons before tackling the slopes.

Don't risk injury trying to teach yourself.

Make sure ski bindings are working properly before your vacation, then perform a self-release test at the start of each day.

Wear a helmet to protect against head injuries, the most common cause of death in ski-related accidents.

Drop ski poles when you fall to avoid thumb and hand injuries.

This is a common problem among beginner skiers.

Avoid alcohol and stimulants that can interfere with performance, slow your response times and make you jittery or nervous.