Direct Travel Insurance brings you the French Mountain Doctors' report on the 2007 ski season
Direct Travel Insurance brings you some useful information and top tips from the French Mountain Doctors, which hopefully will help you get better prepared for the season ahead.
The French mountain doctors have seen it all... 8.5 million people from around Europe frequent French ski resorts every year and 140,000 people were injured last year. Here are some facts, figures and recommendations.
Did you know...?
- 50 per cent of all knee sprains are cause by badly adjusted ski boots (too tight or too loose)
- You are 1.5 per cent more at risk of having an accident if you snowboard
- There were 9422 collisions (on the slopes) recorded in 2007
- Beginners (who have been skiing for less than seven days) have 50 per cent more chance of having an accident.
- Women over 25 years of age are 3.5 times more likely to have a serious knee sprain than other groups of skiers
- Even the most accomplished skiers and snowboarders aren't safe from accidents and injuries
- Cross country skiing is the least dangerous winter sport
Here are the French Mountain Doctors' top tips to stay safe on the slopes this winter:
- Ensure you have a reasonably good level of fitness - cycling or running regularly before the start of the season will help. Stretching before hitting the slopes will also reduce the risk of injury.
- Snowboarders: always wear a wrist protection
- Make sure your ski boots are adjusted by a professional
- Don't overestimate your ability – if you are tired, take a break
- Ensure your child wears a helmet and don't hesitate to wear one too
- Women and beginners: Beware of "specialised skis" (of radius less than 15 metres)
So...have you checked your travel insurance covers you for:
- Medical & Air ambulance costs including Search and Mountain Rescue
- Personal liability up to £2m if you are the cause of someone else being injured
- UK physiotherapy to help you recover from a winter sports injury
- "Ski pack" (the cost of ski school fees etc..) if you stay at the resort but can't ski or snowboard as a result of an injury
- Piste closure cover – due to high winds, lack of snow etc…– make sure you don't have to prove that 100 per cent of all local resorts are closed (80% per cent is more reasonable)
Direct Travel Insurance covers you for all the above. A ten day Single Trip Winter Sports cover to Europe with Direct Travel Insurance costs from £20 per person.
