The disappointment of last season’s poor snow record is forgottenand with it the hope that this season will be one to remember. But willit be for the right reasons? Each year thousands take to the slopes forthe first time but some unfortunately will return with an injury. Andit’s not just first timers as the more experienced take on newchallenges, on and off piste, the wipe out’s just tend to be morespectacular! That is why it is essential to have the proper ski andsnowboard
travel insurance to provide the necessary cover on and off the slopes. So what should people be looking for?
Most travel insuranceproviders offer good cover for intermediate and beginners. This is thevast bulk of the market. Yes, accidents do happen but they are morelikely to be in a controlled fashion, by that we mean on well groomedpistes and with assistance and help on hand.
The problem area is whenthe skier or snowboarder gains in confidence and skill and wants toseek greater challenges and with it more thrills. This generally meanstackling ever more severe slopes but also to venture into what isloosely termed ‘off piste’. This is where the unwary can very quicklybecome unstuck and we are not talking about the snow conditions. Most travel insurancepolicies will have restrictions on ‘off piste’ such as ‘only with aguide’ or ‘only within a specified resort area’ so when seeking that‘adrenaline rush’ it is important to know what you are getting yourselfinto first. What’s more, the increasing popularity of ‘half pipes’ and‘free style’ means that the potential risk of injury has increased asmore and more people are attracted to this immensely enjoyable leisureactivity. To make sure you are properly covered for these more extremesports activities, it is essential that winter sports insurance isobtained that offers protection to this level of activity. The moreexpert you are, the more likely you will need more specialist coverthan provided by the usual high street provider. Mountain rescue andmedical costs are expensive and if this requires repatriation then thecosts mount up rapidly. It’s probably too late, as you are beingstrapped to the rescue sledge
, to wonder whether the travel insurance you bought before the holiday is going to cover you. Know before you go.
