Most people associate winter with cold weather, hot cocoa, and cosy fireside nights. But for some, the winter months mean one thing: hitting the slopes. Whether braving the alpine snow for the first time or as a seasoned pro, a winter break is a perfect time to get your ski or snowboard on.
However, before you pack your bags and head for the slopes, it is essential to be prepared for any potential risks and hazards on your much-anticipated winter sports vacation.
What happens if your ski and snowboarding equipment is lost, stolen or damaged?
It is not uncommon for people to have their skis or snowboards stolen or accidentally taken while on their ski holiday - which is an expensive situation as you will need to pay for replacement equipment. Make sure you keep your ski equipment in a safe place and don't leave it unattended in public areas.
There are also situations where someone may take it by mistake. This can happen easily if you're not careful - after all, there are a lot of skis and snowboards out on the slopes, and it can be easy for someone to grab the wrong one. If you are worried about this happening to you, you can do a few things to prevent it.
- Tag your gear with a tracking device like the AirTag or other alternatives. If you ever misplace your equipment, you can easily track it down using your phone.
- Mark your ski equipment with your name or initials. That way, if it ever gets lost, there's a greater chance that it will be returned to you.
- Invest in a lock for your ski locker, which will deter thieves and make it more difficult for someone to take your gear accidentally.
Also, be aware of the possibility of losing or damaging your winter sports equipment. Be sure to inspect your equipment before each use, and be careful on the slopes. When travelling with your boards and boots, take extra care to avoid any potential damage. For example, get a snowboard bag to keep your gear safe and secure.
Protect yourself from costly accidents
When planning a trip abroad, the last thing on your mind is getting injured. But accidents can happen, and if you are not prepared, they can ruin your vacation. If you are injured while on your skiing or snowboarding holiday, it can lead to costly medical expenses, especially if you require hospital treatment, a longer stay in a medical facility, emergency evacuation to a larger medical facility, or even to travel back home.
Skiing carries a certain amount of risk, and ski injuries often require expensive medical treatment. Therefore, if you are planning a ski trip, it is important to ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate coverage for medical expenses. Otherwise, you could be faced with a hefty bill if you suffer an accident on the slopes. By being prepared and ensuring that you have the right coverage, you can help to protect yourself financially if you suffer a ski-related injury.
What to look out for when heading off-piste
If you are an experienced skier, you may want to venture off the beaten path. Off-piste skiing is much more challenging than skiing on groomed trails, so you must be confident in your abilities. You also need to be prepared for the unexpected and aware of the potential dangers on these more advanced terrains, from avalanches to trees and hidden rocks.
Before skiing off-piste, you should:
- Review the potential dangers and be aware of what to do if you encounter them.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Wear the correct safety equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe.
- Check the weather conditions and be aware of recent terrain changes.
What if you need to change your travel plans?
Have you ever had your vacation plans ruined due to unforeseen circumstances? It is so frustrating and disappointing. One of the current reasons for cancelling or postponing your ski trip could be due to you or your travel companion testing positive for COVID-19.
Not every airline, tour operator or accommodation provider has cancellation policies for this situation or any other possible circumstances, so checking the fine print before travelling is essential.
Having to shorten your trip
You may have managed to get to your winter destination but then face an issue that forces you to leave your trip early. In some circumstances, you may be able to get a refund, but this is not always the case, so check with your travel provider for their trip curtailment policy.
No one wants to think about what could go wrong on their next winter holiday in the snow, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Chubb Travel Insurance offers a range of different plans tailored to your travelling needs, whether you are looking for basic cover or something more comprehensive. You can also add on optional extras to cover your specific requirements, including winter sports and more.
Check out Chubb Travel Insurance or get a quote that provides assurance should something unexpected happen, knowing you will be covered - no matter what happens on the slopes!
Disclaimer - The content of the above article is not intended to constitute professional advice. Although all content is believed to be accurate, Chubb Insurance Singapore Limited (Chubb) makes no warranty or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the content of this article. Users relying on any content do so at their own risk. Published 10/2022.
Insights
We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks