FCO urges winter sports holidaymakers to know their limits before hitting the slopes
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is urging British nationals heading off on a ski or snowboarding holiday with friends and family this winter to know their limits and not put themselves at risk by trying to keep up with more experienced members of their party. The advice comes on the back of figures released by Posts in France that show the number of reported accidents on the slopes in 2012 continued to be high including seven deaths out of 12 serious incidents*.
FCO staff based in Marseille, who cover all resorts in France, are launching a campaign aimed at Britons visiting winter sports resorts across Europe this winter to encourage them to understand the dangers of attempting slopes beyond their level of ability or going off piste without the correct safety equipment.
Simon Taylor, Consul, based in Marseille, said:
"Last year we saw a high number of British nationals end up in hospital with serious injuries. Sadly this included a number of deaths. Many of these accidents can be prevented by taking simple precautionary steps. Don't make the mistake of assuming you'll be fine if you're with more experienced skiers or snowboarders. It is significant that a large number of cases we have dealt with have involved off piste skiing. Those lucky enough to survive an accident and end up in hospital can face months of recovery, so it is important to think carefully beforehand about the very real risks out there. "
According to new research from the FCO**, of those British nationals that go on winter sports holidays the majority class themselves as beginner or intermediate. Only 1% of respondents classed themselves as expert.
Nearly two thirds (65%) of winter sports travellers admitted they would ski or snowboard on slopes above their experience in order to stay with a group. More than half (53%) also said they would follow a group of mates off piste.
70% admitted they do not always wear a helmet when skiing or snowboarding and one in five (21%) said they wouldn't wear a helmet if others in their group weren't.
Simon Taylor continued:
"Many people will be unaware that failing to wear a helmet or skiing off piste can invalidate some insurance policies so if something does go wrong you could end up with hefty medical bills. In many cases family members then have to help with funds which can put a huge strain on families. The FCO cannot pay for hospital treatment or for medical repatriation back to the UK which is why it is so important to check your insurance covers you for everything you want to do."
Of those that do go on winter sports holidays, over a third (38%) admitted that they don't always take out travel insurance. One in three (31%) also said they don't always check their policy to ensure they are covered for winter sports activities.
The FCO has developed the following tips to ensure winter sports travellers stay safe on the slopes this winter:
TOP TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE SLOPES:
· Take out insurance – and check what it covers. It might not cover off piste skiing unless you are with a qualified guide.
· Have a check-up before you ski - one of the major causes of hospitalisation and death on the slopes is heart attacks.
· Don't drink and ski. Alcohol can affect you more quickly at high altitudes and dangerously limits your awareness of risk and cold.
· Most skiing injuries are caused by collisions with other skiers – watch your speed and distance.
· Don't attempt slopes you're not experienced or fit enough to tackle.
· If you want to go off piste, go with a qualified guide.
· If going off piste carry a shovel, a probe and a transceiver in case of an avalanche. Also remember that you need proper training on how to use a transceiver.
· If you are going out on a glacier, you must wear a harness. If you fall into a crevasse, this will help the rescue team get you out.
· Make sure someone knows where you're going and tell them of any changes to your plans.
· Only go off piste skiing or climbing with someone you have met previously and can trust. You need to know his/her capabilities, what you'll be doing and where.
For further tips and advice on preparing for travel abroad, visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
*Figures taken from FCO 2011/12 consular assistance data
**Survey conducted by ICM. Total sample size was 2,023 GB adults aged 18 and over. Fieldwork was undertaken in November 2012. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults aged 18 and over.
CASE STUDY
Name: Mr Steven Giles
Age: 32
Location: Eastbourne
Accident location: Pra Loup, France
Background
Steven, an intermediate snowboarder had an accident whilst boarding in a snowboarding park on holiday in France in March 2012. He decided to be the first of his group to try a more advanced jump but underestimated its size and unfortunately fell off. The medical team attended to him immediately and he was taken to hospital by helicopter. He had dislocated his right hip, had seven broken ribs a broken collar bone and a collapsed lung. Luckily he had an EHIC card and he had taken out fully comprehensive winter sports insurance. Without this he would have incurred £30k worth of medical expenses. He says "I always make sure I take out fully comprehensive winter sports insurance and since my accident I always tell my mates to do it as well."
"I would class myself as an intermediate snowboarder but on this occasion, with my mates watching me, I decided to give an advanced jump a go. I instantly regretted it. I fell off and was severely injured with a collapsed lung, a broken collar bone, a dislocated hip and seven broken ribs. The medical team attended to me immediately and I was airlifted to hospital. If it hadn't had the right insurance I would have had to pay over £30k worth of medical expenses."