With the Easter ski holidays approaching fast and conditions looking much better than they were in the Christmas and New Year holidays almost everywhere, the British government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has re-issued its top ten tips for a safe ski holiday this Easter.
“We want everyone to #SkiSafe this Easter and enjoy their holiday. This means following our top ten tips. Sadly accidents do happen and here at the Foreign Office we would prefer that people enjoy their holiday rather than spend it in hospital or worse. Prevention is definitely better than cure,” said Paul Rodwell at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The ten top tips from the FCO to #SkiSafe and take out comprehensive travel insurance with winter sports cover and check what it covers before departure; if heading to Europe get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to get free necessary treatment at public hospitals and make sure your passport is valid. You should also check the FCO’s travel advice for the country you are visiting and keep up to date with the local weather conditions – all before you travel.
Once in resort continue to keep track of weather conditions and stick with your family or friends when walking back to your hotel or chalet and follow the signed paths. You should only ski off-piste if you are a confident skier, aware of the risks and are with a qualified guide; you should wear a helmet and you should remember the effects of drinking alcohol increase at altitude – your judgment, coordination and reaction times may be affected. Finally make sure you and your friends know that in an emergency, the number to call is 112 in Europe and 911 in USA
“Although it started slowly in places, this season has produced some fantastic snow fall and great conditions for skiers of all abilities. However, no matter what the weather, accidents can happen. That’s why we encourage all winter sports enthusiasts to stay safe in the mountains and take out winter sports travel insurance for their holiday,” said Crystal’s Overseas Director Nikki Hooper, one of the FCO’s travel industry partners in its ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.
You can keep up-to-date with the latest FCO travel advice by signing up to the FCO’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.
(Images supplied by Crystal)
