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Skiing Safety: How to Stay Safe on the Slopes
Posted: Jun 17, 2015
Skiing is one of the most enjoyable activities on the planet, loved by many. The opportunity to stay in a delightful catered chalet and enjoy long days on the slopes holds a lot of appeal. When it comes to skiing, accidents can and do happen to the inexperienced or foolhardy, however, and safety procedures always bear repeating – even if you've heard them all before, pay attention and ensure your mind is always "on the job".
Although the potential for accidents on the slopes should not put off any skiers from enjoying the exhilarating experience, it does act as a reminder that the sport can come with its risks. It is therefore worth familiarising yourself with specific ski safety advice once you've booked your catered chalet for an upcoming winter holiday. Here are just a few of the basic precautions you can take to ensure your safety.
Always Wear a Helmet
This almost goes without saying – but we'll say it anyhow! You should always pack the correct safety gear for your skiing holiday - and when it comes to safety gear, the most important item is your ski helmet. A helmet should be considered essential because it can help to prevent a serious injury if you have an accident. Get one with good safety certification from a known brand, and you'll be able to enjoy your skiing with greater peace of mind.
Prepare Properly If You Go Off-Piste
If you want to ski off-piste, make sure you take even further precautions. Pack a bag that includes essential items including a shovel, GPS, map, first-aid kit and transceiver. Avalanches can be a real risk, so don't go anywhere if there are any warnings in place, and always go with a local expert guide. You should always go off piste in a group, then if one of you gets hurt the others can get help. Make sure you ski individually on the slopes, though, so that if there is an avalanche, not all of you will be affected and someone can go call for help.
Take Out Ski Travel Insurance
Because accidents can happen, it is always a good idea to take out winter sports insurance to provide you with protection you need for a catered chalet ski holiday.A good insurance policy can cover all your medical costs, which could be significant if you are involved in a serious accident, as well as search-and-rescue costs and even medical repatriation.
Stay Safe on Your Ski Holiday
The vast majority of skiers have a fantastic time on their holidays and do not experience any problems. However, when you're planning a ski holiday in a catered chalet, remember to take all the basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of accidents and have an even better time.
Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays staying in a catered or self catered chalet in La Tania and other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.
Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.