You’ve heard the saying before: “She’s not your girlfriend. It’s just your turn.” Welcome to mountain town dating politics. While the post après string-free flings and bed-hopping can be fun—there is an obvious downside. No, we’re not talking about the fact that you and your best friend have crossed swords more times that can care to count. We’re talking about STDs. And since April was STD-awareness month, everyone has the taboo topic on the brain.

Did you know that in 2006, Alaska had the highest rate of Chlamydia in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention? Fernie, British Columbia’s online Survival Guide sites B.C. as having one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases in Canada.

Don’t fret. There is a solution. And no, it’s not the Ski Condom, a neoprene sleeve that slides over your ski tip. In the midst of spring off-season trips to Nicaragua, breaking your bike out of hibernation, and warming up the BBQ, get tested. Because in our little mountain towns, the saying “It’s such a small world” really takes on a whole new meaning.

Megan is a former editor at Outside Magazine, and now an associate editor at Skiing and was crowned Telemark Freeskiing Champion in Alyeska in March. She lives in Boulder.