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Winter sport warning: make sure you have the right insurance before jetting off

Paloma Kubiak
Written By:
Paloma Kubiak
Posted:
Updated:
01/12/2016

A third of travelers fail to check if they have the appropriate level of cover before hitting the slopes.

Thousands of Brits are expected to take a winter sports holiday this winter but research shows 33% never check whether they have the appropriate insurance for activities such as skiing or snowboarding.

And the research from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) showed that the over-55s are most likely to travel without the right cover.

The FCO warns there have been 58 British deaths and 118 hospitalisations from skiing and snowboarding holidays in European resorts in the last four years, with thousands more suffering injuries both on and off-piste.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: People heading off to the slopes this winter should make sure they are covered by the appropriate travel insurance. Winter sports holidays often include activities that may not be covered by the usual insurance policies, so we would advise holidaymakers to check that they are covered for everything they plan to do.

“Unfortunately, accidents can happen and can lead to costly medical bills, but having appropriate insurance means people can rest assured that they are adequately covered and can make the most of their time on the slopes.”

Top tips to stay safe this winter

Five-time Olympian Graham Bell shares his top 10 tips for a safe trip this winter:

  1. Make sure your insurance policy covers all of the winter sports activities you are planning to do.
  2. Remember to take your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) along with you, for necessary treatment at public hospitals in Europe.
  3. Get fit for the slopes by doing ski-specific exercises that work the quads, glutes, and core. Try to include balance and co-ordination into your work-out.
  4. If you’re a first-time skier, make sure you pick a resort that is suitable and will help you to progress. Look for lots of blue runs, and a beginners’ area close to town.
  5. Use the right equipment including a properly fitting helmet.
  6. When you’re on the slopes make sure you are using appropriate safety equipment, and familiarise yourself with the International Ski Federation guidelines so that you don’t put yourself at risk of a collision.
  7. Don’t forget the sunscreen. You can burn in the mountains even in the middle of winter because of the reflection from the snow.
  8. Make sure you’ve got appropriate footwear for use off the slopes, or get yourself a pair of rubber snow grips to put over your shoes.
  9. Keep in mind that alcohol and winter sports don’t mix. The effects of alcohol are multiplied at altitude, so save it for the après-ski.
  10. If you’re heading out in the evening, make sure to stick together with friends and family. Temperatures can drop dramatically at night, so you don’t want to end up getting lost.