ABTA issues warning to winter sports lovers
ABTA is urging skiers and snowboarders to stay safe on the slopes this half-term, one of the busiest weeks of the season, and reminding them of the importance of wearing a helmet.
It said research revealed that a third of people still ski without helmets, despite recent increased interest in ski safety.
Almost a third of those doing winter sports don’t bother taking out the right travel insurance either, said ABTA, exposing themselves to the risk of high medical bills if they get injured.
"If you are planning to go off-piste or to undertake activities such as heli-skiing remember that many insurance policies won’t cover you for risk activities, skiing at certain altitudes, for damage to rental equipment or skiing off-piste without a guide," it said.
It also urged skiers and snowboards to check weather forecasts and avalanche warnings as there has been a higher than average number of fatalities in the Alps this season, mainly due to off-piste avalanches, it said.
"Recent heavy snowfalls in European resorts have created fantastic conditions, however they have built an unstable snow base and the perfect environment for the creation of an avalanche. Many European resorts are displaying high avalanche warnings," it said.
ABTA has an advice section with winter sports tips on its website and has worked with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to produce a winter sports checklist.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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