A travel insurance company is claiming that their research has revealed that just over half (51%) of experienced skiers have been injured whilst trying to film or photograph themselves on black slopes or off piste, with 28% of them requiring medical treatment as a result. Injuries related to filming were lower (27) on red slopes and at 16% on blue slopes.
The research, by insurer Columbus Direct, revealed that nearly three quarters (72%) of skiers and snowboarders admit to filming or photographing themselves in action.
“The urge to obtain the best selfie or GoPro footage of themselves in action means experienced skiers and snowboarders, those who ski on black runs or go off piste, are risking serious injury,” a statement from Columbus states.
“Experienced skiers and snowboarders know that the mountains can be unpredictable and you need to focus on your activity to avoid injury,” commented four-time British Winter Olympian Chemmy Alcott, who adeed, “The range of technological equipment you can take to the slopes now is incredible and it’s fantastic to be able to record your experience, but it’s important to remember to take care and put your safety ahead of the selfie!”
The research for Columbus was carried out by an organisation called Opinium, “amongst a representative sample of 2,000 adults completed between 24-28 November,” the company states.
(Image credit: Dolomiti Superski)