Top British skier Chemmy Alcott is backing a campaign for skiers to “get fit before they hit the slopes”. Travel association ABTA says a third of people new to winter sports are risking serious injury by doing no physical preparation. And they reveal that four in 10 regular enthusiasts say they have injured themselves at least once.
To help educate consumers on getting ready for a ski holiday, ABTA has joined forces with The Foreign and Commonwealth Office to produce a Winter Sports Checklist containing guidance and advice. ABTA has also produced a leaflet on “How to have a safe and healthy holiday in the snow”. Both are available for travellers and ABTA Members on www.abta.com/getfitforski
Chemmy (above) the No1 British woman skier and now Monarch’s brand ambassador for its new ski routes this winter, is supporting the Get Fit for Ski campaign. She said: “There is no beating around the bush – skiing is a dangerous sport. But there is lots that can be done to prevent injury as much as possible – first and foremost you can get in shape before you hit the slopes. This will result in a double whammy positive – your body will be better prepared to handle the physical excursions of skiing and you will be able to ski longer for harder thus getting more value for money!”
Victoria Bacon, ABTA Head of Communications said: “Winter sports are becoming increasingly popular with an ever more diverse fan base. But like any activity that involves rigorous exercise you need to prepare yourself properly. By being physically prepared you can help ensure you remain injury and strain free and make the most of your time on the slopes.”
ABTA research also found that a third of those going on skiing and snowboarding holidays do not take out travel insurance that includes specific winter sports cover. This, combined with people not physically preparing, suggests that a significant number of holidaymakers are putting themselves at risk of sky high medical bills should they have an accident or injury on the slopes.
Lynda St Cooke from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: “We strongly advise anyone going on a winter sports holiday to ensure their travel insurance policy covers them for all winter sports activities. We see many cases where British nationals have ended up with massive debts at the end of their holiday because their policy didn’t cover them for what they were doing. It’s important to have an up to date EHIC card as well as comprehensive travel insurance and to read the small print, as most insurance policies will not cover you if, for example, you ski off-piste or have an accident under the influence of alcohol. Visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel for more information on travel insurance and preparing for a holiday abroad.”
Six out of 10 hurt suffered a significant injury such as a leg break or muscle tear, with 73 per cent of injuries caused by a fall and a fifth by colliding with someone else on the slopes. Over a third of people are also risking serious head injuries by not wearing a helmet. The older you are, the more likely you are to get hurt with seven out of 10, aged between 65 and 74, suffering an injury.
For more information visit: www.abta.com/getfitforski
