Skiers urged to get fit before getting on the slopes
With the European ski season upon us, ABTA, The Travel Association is urging skiers to get in shape before hitting the slopes.
A recent ABTA survey reveals that up to a third of winter sports novices take to the slopes without any physical preparation, leaving them at risk of serious injury. Perhaps even more surprising is the news that 39% of regular winter sports enthusiasts say they’ve injured themselves at least once, further highlighting the need for proper body conditioning before embarking on a holiday in the snow.
According to the research, a leg break or muscle tear are amongst the most common injuries incurred, with 73% of injuries caused by a fall and 20% by colliding with a fellow skier or snowboarder while on the slope. The risk of injury also increases with age, with those over the age of 65 the most vulnerable group.
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.”
However, those keen to get on the slopes shouldn’t be deterred by the findings - the good news is that a winter sports holiday is a great way to get in shape and whether you're a beginner or an advanced skier, you will be giving your cardiovascular system a great workout on the piste.
To help educate consumers on what they should do to properly prepare for a ski holiday, ABTA has joined forces with The Foreign and Commonwealth Office to produce a Winter Sports Checklist, which contains guidance and advice for skiers. ABTA has also produced a leaflet on “How to have a safe and healthy holiday in the snow". Both are available for travellers here: abta.com/getfitforski
But physical preparations aren’t the only factor being overlooked by winter sports enthusiasts – ABTA’s research shows that 31% of holidaymakers going on skiing and snowboarding breaks do not take out adequate travel insurance, putting themselves at risk of spiralling 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.”
Having adequate travel insurance for your winter sports holiday is essential. As the over 50s expert, Staysure provides a wide range of travel insurance policies from leading providers, specifically tailored to meet your holiday needs. For more information, visit: www.staysure.co.uk
