Your winter slopes adventure starts with staying safe.
Heading to the slopes this season? Make sure you've done everything you need to before you go, covering travel advice, insurance and everything in between.
Check GOV.UK Travel Advice
Before you hit the slopes
A little preparation goes a long way. Here's your winter travel checklist.
Check the travel advice for your destination
The FCDO publishes up-to-date travel advice for every country. Conditions can change quickly, so sign up to receive email alerts and stay in the know before and during your trip.
Get the right travel insurance
Make sure your policy covers winter sports, off-piste skiing (if applicable), ski equipment rental, mountain rescue and medical repatriation. Read the small print and buy it as soon as you book. Read the FCDO insurance guide.
Check your GHIC / EHIC
Travelling within the EU or Switzerland? Your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers state-provided emergency healthcare, but it is not a replacement for travel insurance. Check it's in date before you leave.
Make sure you're fit to ski
Winter sports are physically demanding. If you haven't been on the slopes for a while, consider your fitness levels and think about booking a refresher lesson. Injuries are more common when you're underprepared.
Think about a helmet
Many resorts legally require helmets, and most insurance policies require you to wear one on the slopes regardless. Check the rules at your resort and the requirements of your policy before you pack.
Share your details
Always take your insurance policy details with you, including your insurer's 24-hour emergency number. Share them with your travel companions and someone at home, just in case.
Don't risk it.
Get insured.
Travelling without the right insurance could cost you far more than the policy itself. Medical treatment abroad, especially in ski resorts, can run into tens of thousands of pounds without cover.
Buy your travel insurance as soon as you book, and make sure it covers all the activities you plan to do. Read the exclusions carefully, as many standard policies won't cover off-piste skiing, damage to hire equipment, or emergency mountain rescue.
Read the full FCDO insurance guideStaying safe on the slopes
Once you're there, keep these tips in mind every day on the mountain.
Know your piste map
Understand the colour-coded difficulty ratings before you set off. Stick to runs that match your ability and don't overstretch yourself.
Follow the skiing code of conduct
The International Ski Federation (FIS) rules of conduct exist to keep everyone safe. Familiarise yourself and know what to do in the event of an accident.
Understand off-piste risks
If you plan to ski off-piste, make sure you have the right equipment, a qualified guide and insurance that covers it. Many policies exclude this by default.
Check avalanche & weather warnings
Snow reports, weather forecasts and avalanche risk levels are displayed at lift stations in resort. Check them every morning before heading out.
Be drink aware on the slopes
Alcohol impairs judgement, coordination and reaction time, and at altitude it affects you even faster. Skiing under the influence can also invalidate your insurance cover.
Ask the locals
Resort staff, local ski instructors and tourist offices are a brilliant source of up-to-date information about conditions, regulations and hidden hazards.
Health cards: what you need to know
Your GHIC or EHIC can help in the EU, but it doesn't replace travel insurance.
What it covers
Your Global Health Insurance Card or European Health Insurance Card gives you access to state-provided, medically necessary healthcare within EU countries and Switzerland. The healthcare provider in the country you visit decides what is medically necessary.
What it doesn't cover
The GHIC/EHIC will not cover private medical care, mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, repatriation to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Always have full travel insurance alongside your health card.
Check it's in date
Before you leave, check that your GHIC or EHIC hasn't expired. Renewing is free and done through the NHS. Don't rely on an expired card and remember, it's still not a substitute for travel insurance.
Ready for your winter adventure?
A few minutes of preparation now could save you a world of hassle later. Check the FCDO's travel advice for your destination, get the right insurance and travel with confidence. Less hassle. More holiday.
All your holiday extras under one virtual roof
Save more with these great services from Holiday Extras
100% Guarantee.png?auto=compress&auto=format&width=400)
Free drinks/snacks
Trusted Providers
Holiday Extras is proud to support the FCDO Travel Aware campaign
Information on this page is sourced from the FCDO. Always check GOV.UK for the most up-to-date travel advice for your destination.