With the ski season now upon us, snow enthusiasts are being offered a friendly reminder to stay safe on the slopes and avoid ending up like the 13,500 people last year who injured themselves.

In 2014, ACC paid out $20.5 million for skiing- and snowboarding-related injuries, ranging from sprains to dislocations.

ACC is urging people to be safe on the slopes this winter.

ACC's sport injury prevention portfolio manager Isaac Carlson says Kiwis are lucky to have such easy access to ski-fields, but that means there is a greater chance of someone being injured.

'Most of these injuries last season were minor, such as strain, sprains and bruising, but there were also more serious injuries like fractures, dislocations and concussions.

'Skiing and snowboarding are a great way to keep active during the winter months, but it's important to keep in mind that these activities are physically demanding and can involve ever-changing terrain.”

Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields opened as planned late June. Whakapapa currently has a base of 45cm with 30cm of new snow expected in the next 24 hours.

Turoa has a base of 35cm and a further 15cm in the coming day as the wintry blast hits the country.

Isaac says urges people to follow the safety guidelines and not push themselves too hard too fast is a must.

Start building up your fitness before the season starts, especially if you're not physically active on a regular basis.

Warm up before you start skiing or snowboarding, as you would before any physical activity.

Ideally, get lessons from a qualified instructor - they can teach you important techniques such as how to fall safely.

Make sure you're familiar with, and you follow, the ‘Snow responsibility Code', endorsed by the Ski Areas Association of New Zealand.

The ‘Snow responsibility Code':

Know your ability, start easy, be able to stop and avoid other people.

The skier or boarder downhill of you has the right of way, also look above before entering a trail.

Signs are there for your safety, keep out of closed areas.

Scope jumps first, ensure the area is clear of others, use a spotter on blind jumps.

When stopping, try to move to the side of the trail and where you can be seen from above.

Equipment must be secured while walking or stashing.

If you are involved in, or witness, an accident, remain at the scene and identify yourself to Ski Patrol.

From the lift line, to the slopes and through the park.