Brits take a chance on winter sports holidays
Nearly a third of British travellers do not check whether they have the correct insurance to cover winter sports when they go skiing or snowboarding.
New research from ABTA and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office found 31% of the 2003 Brits surveyed do not check their insurance policies to make sure winter activities are included.
And the most likely to travel without the right insurance are those in the over 65 age bracket. More than half (55%) of this age group fails to check if winter sports are covered.
The most safety-conscious are those aged 25-34, where the figure drops to 24%.
According to the FCO, there have been 45 reported British deaths from skiing and snowboarding holidays in the last three years and thousands more Brits have suffered injuries both on- and off-piste.
To raise awareness of the risks, ABTA and former British Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott have released the following travel tips, which agents are encouraged to share with clients.
Pre-departure
* Take out comprehensive travel insurance with winter sports cover and check what it covers
* If heading to Europe, travel with a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to get free necessary treatment at public hospitals
* Make sure your passport is valid before you travel
* Check the FCO’s travel advice for the country you are visiting
* Keep up to date with the local weather conditions before you go and while you’re in resort
In resort
* Stick with your mates when walking back to your hotel or chalet and follow the signed paths
* Only ski off-piste if you are a confident skier, aware of the risks and are with a qualified guide
* Wear a helmet
* Remember the effects of drinking alcohol increase at altitude – your judgment, coordination and reaction times may be affected
* Make sure you and your friends know that in an emergency, the number to call is 112 in Europe and 911 in USA
ABTA has advice for people heading on a winter sports holiday at http://abta.com/news-and-views/campaign-zone/winter-sports-tips
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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