How To Stay Safe on a Ski Holiday – top tips to avoid injury (and an insurance claim)
We’ve collated 8 top tips to make sure that you get the most out of your ski holiday by avoiding injury and an insurance claim!
Image by Daniel Frank CC0
1. Get fit before you go!
The fitter you are the more fun you will have on your ski holiday. Even if it is just a gentle exercise routine, your cardio capabilities will improve and your muscles will be stronger. The result is that you’ll be more resistant to injury compared to someone who didn’t get fit first.
Best exercises to get ski fit:
Press-ups for boosting core strength and stability
Squats for firming your glutes, as well as working your hamstrings, calves, and quads
Cycling for a cardiovascular boost and getting some strength in those legs
Lunges for core balance, core strength and legs that’ll last on holiday
2. Get lessons before you get on the snow
You’ll be taught more than just how to ski, you’ll also be taught how to fall. Often it’s knowing how to hit the ground that prevents injury on the slopes over trying to avoid it altogether.
3. Wear the right gear
You’ll need the right clothes for the activity and the best accessories to save your skin (and bones) should you take a tumble!
Essential ski gear:
Breathable high-tech ski gear – think technical fabrics that will wick sweat whilst still keeping you warm.
Helmet – did you know that compacted snow could be just as hard as a rock if you hit your head on it? Also, there might be rocks out there too, and watch out for trees!
Wrist guards – Don’t risk a broken wrist! We naturally put our arms out to break a fall, but on the slopes this is more likely to break a wrist – any protection is better than none.
4. Prepare for high altitude
If you are going to be above 2000 metres allow a couple of days to acclimatise. Beyond that stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat light meals packed with carbs and protein.
5. Check your equipment
Signs of unsafe skis and snowboards are rounded edges, split or cracked bases, rust or excess play on bindings. Any of these could lead to an accident while you are out – don’t be afraid to ask for better equipment!
6. Stick to the right run for you
Don’t let the allure of an off-piste adventure get you in a dangerous situation. Stick to runs you know you can do and only move on when you know you are truly ready.
7. Skip the jumps unless under supervision
It may just save you from a spinal injury! After falling, jumps are the second most common cause of a snowboarding injury, so don’t try tricks or jumps beyond your skill level unless under the watchful eye of an instructor!
8. Get special travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding!
Minor injuries on the slopes are common and major injuries can be financially and emotionally devastating.
Worldwideinsure.com offer winter sports & ski travel insurance with 24 hour emergency assistance and a multilingual helpline to ensure you can access urgent medical treatment from a GP or in hospital. The Assistance Service is on hand to liaise with overseas medical staff and your own doctor so you don’t have to. Plus the wintersports travel insurance policy covers treatment overseas and repatriation costs to return home after a medical emergency.
Get an instant wintersports travel insurance quote
Whether you’re skiing for just a few hours or for most of your trip, our wintersports travel insurance provides cover for ski equipment and reimbursement of Ski Pass costs if you cannot ski and compensation for Piste Closure. Just give us a call on 01892833338 or get a quote online.
