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Four out of 10 Brits have had an accident skiing or snowboarding

January 28, 2010

Four out of 10 Brits have had an accident skiing or snowboarding

Fresh air, fresh powder snow and après-ski are the obvious attractions of a winter sports holiday, but broken bones are often the reality, according to the latest poll results from HolidayExtras.com.

As thousands of British thrill-seekers head to the slopes, the UK's market-leading travel add-ons company asked how many had ever had an accident skiing or snowboarding.

Forty-one per cent of HolidayExtras.com customers said they had experienced a snow sports injury, from bumps, cuts and bruises (31%) to broken bones (6%) or something more serious (4%).

A lucky 26% had managed to avoid injury so far, and 33% of HolidayExtras.com customers said that they do not ski.

HolidayExtras.com's winter sports expert, Antonia Lee-Bapty, offers her top tips for staying safe on the slopes:

  • Prepare for your holiday before you go by making sure you are ski fit.
  • Prepare for the mountains by making sure that you have the correct equipment and that you know how to use it.
  • Prepare for your day on the slopes by ensuring you have a piste map and that you know and adhere to The Skiers Code.
  • Prepare for the worst - make sure that you have stored the phone number of the local piste patrol in your phone so you or a member of your party can contact them quickly.

Michael Imperato, legal expert for Holiday Extras and specialist in ski and holiday claims, said:

“A recent high court case emphasised the need for skiers to take responsibility for their own safety. Do not attempt to go down a slope which is beyond your ability even if encouraged by friends or an instructor.

“If an accident does occur and you feel someone else is to blame, it is important to take a picture of the scene and any equipment involved as well as the contact details of all parties involved and copies of any relevant accident/medical reports. You should then seek legal advice on your return to the UK.”

Andrea Clayton, head of insurance for HolidayExtras.com, said: "Winter sports are a great adventure, but obviously there is an increased risk of injury on this type of holiday. Even if you are a safe, experienced skier or snowboarder, you never know what might happen. Our average winter sports insurance claim is around £800, so taking out holiday insurance with us is well worth the savings you'll make, and the peace of mind."

For more information on our range of holiday insurance policies available, from just £26* per adult for winter sports cover or £45 per adult for an annual policy including winter sports, check out www.holidayextras.co.uk/holiday-insurance.

-Ends-

Notes to editors
*Based on seven days’ European cover on a Saver policy. Under 18’s go free.
Poll results based on the responses of 259 HolidayExtras.com customers during January 2010.