ABTA has today issued safety tips for half-term skiers after a higher number of deaths on the Alps this season.
Tens of thousands of Brits are expected to head to the slopes next week, with resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy among the most popular.
The travel association is warning winter sports holidaymakers to make sure they check safety information such as:
Wear a helmet
Skiers and snowboarders should wear a helmet on the slopes. There has been increased interest in ski safety – and much higher numbers wearing ski helmets but recent research has shown that worryingly a third of people are still skiing without helmets.
Get the right insurance
Almost a third of people (29%) are taking a ski or snowboarding holiday this year without the right travel insurance putting themselves at risk of high medical bills if they have an accident or get injured on the slopes.
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.
Check weather forecasts and avalanche warnings
There have been a higher than average number of fatalities in the Alps this season with the majority of these tragic accidents occurring off-piste due to avalanches. 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.
This information is readily available in resort or online and should be consulted regularly as it can change from day to day.
Be aware of off-piste risks
When you go off-piste you leave the controlled area of the mountain, conditions are unknown and help may not be as available. If you go off-piste, exercise extreme caution, always go with an experienced guide and make sure you have the right equipment such as an avalanche transmitter and a shovel. Don’t ski alone, tell others where you are planning to go and have a method of communication such as a mobile phone or tracking device with you and carry some cash.
ABTA boss Mark Tanzer said: “Recent heavy snowfalls have created some fantastic conditions and lots of Brits will be looking forward to a great week of skiing, however they should be aware of the potential risks of such activities.
“Along with following safety advice, purchasing the right level of travel insurance, and checking that annual policies are extended to cover action sports should be a top priority for skiers and snowboarders.”
ABTA has an advice section with winter sports tips, visit ABTA and has worked with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to produce a winter sports checklist for a summary of everything you need to know.
