A very topical topic - winter sports advice. Yes we are the middle of that season and although the half term holiday period is over, the "over 50's" will be busy on the slopes.
Staysure is naturally encouraging holiday makers to keep safe on the slopes and have a winter sports checklist.
"If you’ve booked a break away to chillier climes you’ll be pleased to know that our Comprehensive travel insurance includes 17 days of Winter Sports cover as standard, up to the age of 65, we also cover up to the age of 70 for a small additional charge. Before you hit the slopes you may find our Winter Sports Checklist an interesting read, as it’s full of essential tips to keeping you safe on the slopes."
Here are the main points:
Know your skill level
It is critical that you have the relevant training before you hit the slopes, don't be tempted to skip professional instruction. Learning the basics, such as controlling your speed, turning and coming to a stop safely, is essential for your own safety as well as others. With the UK offering nearly 80 indoor ski centres you can get a head start before you even set off on your journey. Having the correct equipment
Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned professional it is crucial to have the right equipment before you head out onto the slopes. Whilst wearing a helmet is a personal choice, they have become more popular amongst both skiers and snowboarders as they realise the importance of protecting themselves against serious head injuries.
Ski goggles will protect your eyes from the glare of snow that reflects off the slopes. Choose goggles or sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to help reduce any potential damage to your eyes as the sun is much stronger at altitude
Choosing the right pistes
Before you choose your resort it is important to be aware of how pistes are classified, this will help you to understand their difficulty. Choose a piste that is most suitable to your skill level and don't attempt slopes beyond your ability. It is a good idea to check out a map of the local area as this will provide a list of piste and trial maps.
Keep an eye out for the weather conditions too, and take note of the times of day that you choose to go skiing as piste conditions change during the day as the sun moves and warms up the snow.
Insurance cover
It is vital that you secure the correct insurance cover for the activities that you wish to do whilst you are away. Medical costs can be very expensive if you get injured, popular European destinations such as Austria, Switzerland and France have seen significant rises in the last two years with Bulgaria seeing a 97.5% rise in 2011-2012 compared to 2009-2010.
Staysure's winter sports upgrade for comprehensive policy holders includes additional cover for skiing, mono-skiing and snowboarding, plus delayed or lost ski equipment, piste closure, off-piste skiing (in authorised areas) ski pass cover and much more." (Source Staysure Insurance)
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