Is it dangerous to ski?

Skiing can be dangerous if you don't follow the rules, watch the weather, listen to professionals or wear the right equipment and clothing. However, if you do everything asked of you and stick to safe routes, your skiing experience will be much safer and enjoyable for everyone. Before you jet off to the mountains, remember to take out a travel insurance policy and add on winter sports cover to protect you and your sporting equipment while you're away.

Top safety tips for skiing

First things first: wear a helmet. Having protective headgear while you're skiing is mandatory if you want to keep safe. For parents, ensuring that your children's helmets are on at all times is also very important. On top of this wearing skiing goggles that fit comfortably is essential for protecting your eyes both from the elements and the sunshine. Prescription goggles are also available if you wear glasses.

Preparing yourself for the cold elements by wearing layers of clothing as well as a helmet liner, hat or cosy headband helps to make sure you don't lose any body heat. On top of wearing gloves or mittens, bring a second pair in case your initial pair gets wet from the snow.

The final safety tip is to sign up for ski lessons for when you arrive. Even if you're the experienced skier in your family, it won't hurt to brush up on your skills to set an example to the rest of the family. If you're still worried about accidents, Ski holiday insurance can ensure you're covered in the event of an accident.

Is it more dangerous to ski or snowboard?

Jasper Shealy, a professor emeritus at the Rochester Institute of Technology found that snowboarders were found to be 50% to 70% more likely to suffer from injuries. However, the injury count is skiing is considerably low due to advances in safety releasing equipment. He concluded that injuries nowadays are "almost non-existent". Therefore, it's best to pick which one you want to try based on your interest, not the injury count.