Skiing accidents are the most common claim on Winter Sports insurance.
Even experienced skiers and snowboarders can be involved in collisions or accidents.
Our top tips for staying safe on the slopes
1.Take out the right winter sports travel insurance. Make sure your travel insurance suits your needs before you buy it and keep your travel insurance medical emergency helpline number and your policy number to hand.
2.Wear protective headgear or a helmet – we would advise to make wearing a helmet mandatory.
3.Make sure your skiing or boarding equipment, whether your own or hired, is in good order. It should fit your height, weight and skill level.
4.Take lessons if you’ve never skied before. If you haven’t been on the Piste for a while, a lesson or two will polish up your skills.
5.Never go off-piste unless you are authorised to do so by the resort. On many insurance policies, you will not be covered for off-piste skiing unless you’re accompanied by a qualified guide.
6.Know your limits – ski or snowboard to your skill level on the nursery slopes, the green (beginner), blue (intermediate), red (intermediate/advanced) or black (advanced) runs.
7.Respect the mountain and make sure you obey all warning signs – especially during avalanche season.
8.Remember that skiers or boarders in front or below you on the Piste have right of way.
9.Carry a fully charged mobile phone with you.
10.Don’t drink and ski. Excess alcohol will slow your reactions and affect your observation and balance!
11.Remember to take an EHIC card. It still offers state-provided emergency medical treatment in EEA countries.
Many private client insurance policies will cover winter sports but it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance broker what you’re covered for, such as age limits and impaired medical circumstances.
If you own a ski chalet specialist insurance for this can be arranged. Horner Blakey are specialist high net worth insurance brokers in the UK.
