Winter sports holidays are increasingly popular getaways for us Brits. Nothing beats a week away on the sunny winter slopes for a relaxing yet invigorating break. But as with any activity holiday, comes the increased risk of injury. So it’s important to take steps to insure your safety on the slopes. As you prepare for your next winter holiday, take a look at the following steps to check that you have everything you need for a safe winter sports break.
Equipment
Your equipment needs to be suited to your size and skiing/snowboarding abilities. Ill-fitting gear can result in poor control on the slopes and an increased risk of injury. Your skis, ski poles and board need to be the correct length for your body type, the type of activity you want to take part in, and your level of ability. It’s also incredibly important that your bindings are set correctly too.
If you’re a first-time skier, its likely that you’ll be renting your equipment when you get there. In this case, the rental shop will kit you out with suitable equipment and make sure that everything fits you correctly. This is a good chance to get to know what’s required of your equipment, so learn from the rental professionals, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the equipment and fitting requirements.
Clothing
You won’t get far on the snow and ice without suitable clothing. It goes without saying that you need to be kept warm and completely dry. For warmth, this means dressing in layers, preferably in clothing that has been specifically designed for the slopes. Clothes that keep sweat away from your body will help to prevent chills. Good, lined and waterproof gloves are essential, and make sure these fit correctly so that you can easily hold and manoeuvre your ski poles. And remember your goggles or sunglasses – you’ll need these to protect your eyes from the snow and ice, cold temperatures, and blinding sunlight that can reflect off the bright white snow.
Fitness
It helps to have your body in good winter sports shape before your holiday. A body that is out of shape can be more susceptible to injury, aches and pains that can dampen your holiday spirit. About 6 weeks before your holiday, hit the gym to raise your fitness levels, and concentrate on ski-specific exercises that will help limber up the muscles you will be using most on your trip.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is an important part of any holiday, especially a holiday that involves high-speed activities on mountainsides! You want to make sure that you have comprehensive cover for medical treatment that you may need, as well as covering you for repatriation costs and the loss of or damage to your luggage. The best place to find suitable insurance is definitely online. Here you’ll find a range of quotes and policies that you can compare. Look for insurers like Go Travel Insurance who offer winter sports holiday insurance, and read the small print of any policies that you consider so that you know exactly what you’ll be covered for.
