Skiers advised to build up before hitting slopes

The thousands of Irish who go on winter skiing holidays are being advised to exercise caution over their health.

Destinations such as Andorra, Italy, France, Austria or other European countries from January through to March are hugely popular with holiday-makers.

There are a range of health problems to be aware of from altitude sickness to nasty falls.

Dr Graham Fry of the Tropical Medical Bureau says first-time skiers should take extra care to exercise and build up muscles to avoid injuries on the slopes.