It’s here, it’s here: the most wonderful time of the year.

That’s right, ski season has officially commenced. With trails open at quite a few eastern resorts, feet of snow falling out west and the extended forecast in the mountains actually holding on to the cold (go, snow guns, go!), ski lovers like me are in their element.

We’ve already done so much to be ready. Season passes are secured (and if not, now is truly the time), gear for the kids has been leased, and at least a few trips have been planned.

I’ve always loved the early season vibe, and not even for truly skiing. It’s more the build-up; the knowing that our days on the mountains are here or almost here.

With that in mind, let’s talk about how to make any season great. For me, it’s the one-two combo of both being prepared and being open to surprises for the season ahead. I like to be purposeful and yet chill.

With that, I present to you my own personal Ski Commandments. I find that holding these commandments as true lays the foundation for a great season no matter what nature or life tosses my way. Consider adopting a few – or all – and build your own solid season foundation now.

Thou shall get all gear checked before that first on-hill day. Be your gear a year old or many years old, it’s always smart to both look things over yourself and have a ski tuner take a swipe at it as well. Off-season, moisture can mess with your edges a bit, and newly sharp edges and freshly laid wax goes a long way to make the sport more fun. Take the time, too, to make sure your jackets fit well and feel good, that you have your gloves, socks, base layers, helmet, goggles and more not only in good shape but in one place before Day 1. Be prepared. It takes away stress and makes even a last-minute ski day easier.

Thou shall wear a helmet: Use your noggin, because there’s a reason you are one of the only ones out there without a helmet if you don’t wear one — and it’s not that your smarter, cooler or freer. Helmets equal more safety. And you know what? Today’s helmets are comfortable in both cold and warm weather. If you’re one of the few still fighting it; join the rest of us in the safe, fun practice of helmet usage.

Thou shall send newbie friends to ski school: Do not just load them on a lift with a pointer or two. You want them to join this world to share it with you, so get them off to a proper start. They might not be with you the first day or two, but soon enough they will join you with both technical turning knowledge and – and this is a gift to your friend and the entire industry – with a true understanding of how to navigate the trails.

Thou shall reread the Skier Responsibility Code: If you (or your children) have never studied it before, it’s time. And even if you are a life-longer out there it’s always good to refresh your understanding of the rules of the hill. (www.nsaa.org/NSAA/Safety/Your_Responsibility_Code.aspx) Skiing and riding is much like driving. Knowing when to wait, when to merge and who has the right of way makes an on-hill day not just safer but more fun for everyone.

Thou shall not ski weekends if you don’t need to. I’m lucky: With a flexible job and being an empty-nester, I am no longer tied to weekends for skiing and riding. And so, I make an effort not to be out there on those busier days, leaving my spot, instead, for the folks who can only ski weekends. Trust me: You’re going to love those Tuesday ski days.

Thou shall visit – at least once each season and possibly more often – a small, independent ski area. These small spots need our support and love, but there’s a selfish reason to adopt this commandment: It’s super fun. Smaller areas are as unique as we humans are, each with their own vibe, history and charm. I’ve had core memory days at smaller, independent hills. Find one or more and ski them this season. And then next season, purchase and Indy Ski Pass (www.indyskipass.com).

Thou shall not talk on your phone on the lift. Put it on vibrate and if you need to take or make an important call, do so off the lift and over where you can be alone. The sound of the trees swishing, skis and boards carving and lifts turning is true melody. Don’t ruin it with phone call.

Thou shall chat up your fellow lift rider. But a nice conversation on the lift is fun. For me, I often find out secret stashes or trails and even great places for apres. Or we just talk about how lucky we are to be out there soaking in the ski and ride life. Now that’s music to my ears.