Warning for laid-back skiers
One in eight people have had their ski or snowboard equipment stolen on holiday, according to the Ski Club of Great Britain.
Its research also revealed that 70% of all UK winter holidaymakers own their own ski or snowboard kit, with an average value for 42% of £500 to £800.
However, 61% make no attempt to mark or identify their kit and over a quarter take no security precautions when they leave their skis or boards unattended at lunch time or during après ski.
It also revealed that only one in 20 use secure lockers to store their equipment.
The Ski Club recommends a number of actions to help prevent theft:
- Mark your equipment with your details – initials, driver’s license number or other identifier to help police confirm you as the owner – consider a UV or infrared pen, which will keep markings invisible to thieves.
- Keep a record of any serial number on skis and snowboards so that items can easily be reported to the police returned if they are found.
- Where possible, use secure equipment storage closets in hotels and other accommodation.
- Take a note of where you left your equipment and place any ski poles over your skis to prevent any accidental mix-up with other skiers and to make it harder for poles to be stolen.
- If you rent your equipment, note the serial number on skis or the number off the hire shop bar code sticker.
- When you mix up skis with a partner, make sure the pairs are separated and not placed not next to each other.
- In case they are accidentally taken, having a phone number on them will help return tto you,
- Good quality ski and snowboard locks can also help deter thieves.
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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