Bad manners leave skiers 'piste off' on the slopes

As one million Brits prepare to go skiing this season, research by Lloyds TSB Insurance highlights the dangers of the slopes and warns that one in five snow lovers will face 'ski rage' this season. Those who ignore piste etiquette are sure to melt the tolerance of even the coolest of skiers and risk putting other mountain-users in danger.

'Being cut up' by another skier topped the list of bad manners certain to cause ski rage (60 per cent), while queue jumping, second on the list, is also likely to create a frosty atmosphere (40 per cent). Almost a third (28 per cent) said that the final straw was having someone bump into them, while a short tempered one in ten (10 per cent) were enraged by people sitting on the slopes or blocking their path.

Phil Loney, managing director, Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "Snow lovers will be itching to hit the slopes this season but rather than carving fresh powder they could find themselves skating on thin ice if they forget piste etiquette and endanger other skiers."

A third (29 per cent) said ski rage destroyed their concentration, while a fifth (21 per cent) admitted that encountering bad manners affected their mood for an entire day. Worryingly, a fifth (22 per cent) also said they had exchanged obscenities, while three per cent had resorted to physical violence.

Thousands of skiers could also be left counting the cost of skiing carelessly as one in 10 will take to the slopes without winter sports insurance. Claims for injuries, medical expenses and lost property are the most common submitted by Lloyds TSB Insurance customers and a fifth (20 per cent) of skiers said they have had an accident while skiing.

The most common causes of accidents and injuries while skiing are:

Awkward landings: 49 per cent
Collisions with other skiers: 22 per cent
Failing to stop: 21 per cent
Skiing on a difficult run: 20 per cent
Falling off the ski lift: 17 per cent
Hitting a tree or building: 10 per cent
Skis falling off: 10 per cent

Phil Loney added: "Before you venture out in the snow, check that you are covered for accidents and lost property on the slopes. While most people will have travel insurance, many don't realise that winter sports may not be automatically included."