Travel insurance - Tips & Advice - Winter sports and activity holidays

Going on holiday to the slopes – whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or taking part in one of the more unusual winter sports – is now possible all year round. Here’s where to go, what to do before you go and how Direct Line Travel Insurance can ensure you’re fully covered when you get there…

Where to go

In the past, winter sports holidays have usually fallen in line with winter in the UK and the most popular snowbound destinations have been those closest to home, such as France, Austria and Switzerland. Today, you can take a winter sports holiday almost all year round – whether it’s December, March or July – with an even greater variety of European ‘winter’ destinations to explore and also more unusual places further afield.

New resorts have been developed in countries such as Slovenia, Bulgaria and Hungary, with budget airlines making it easier to get there. The rate of exchange in the US and Canada, plus direct flights close to certain resorts, have also made ski holidays more affordable there. More exotic ski and snowboard locations are also becoming popular in places as diverse as Japan and Morocco.

Winter sports holidays have also taken on a different angle with increasing appreciation of the surrounding countryside and culture. You can now combine a ski holiday with a gourmet experience or spend half your time on the slopes and the rest bird watching in the mountains. You could also try a less well-known winter activity such as, cross-country trekking, snow carting, ice-skating, tobogganing, or take a sleigh ride. Essentially, whether you opt for the classic ski resort or go more bespoke, is up to you. For ideas and inspiration, plus helpful features, advice and booking tips, the best place to visit is www.ifyouski.com.

Before you depart

Preparation for any holiday tends to revolve around the weather, the activities you want to do and the destination you will be visiting – and this is especially true for a winter sports holiday. So before you go, make a checklist like the one below. You can find a more comprehensive checklist for alpine sports travellers at www.fco.gov.uk. Look under ‘Travel advice’ and go to ‘Travel checklists’ then ‘Sports Travellers’.

• Have the right equipment
  Ensure your own is safe and trustworthy or arrange to hire some when you get there. And don’t forget things like warm clothing for afterwards and sunblock to protect your face.
• Check transport details
  There may be restrictions or extra costs on ski or snowboard equipment, especially if you are flying. Find out before you hit the airport.
• Observe the rules
  While winter sports are fun, there are rules and regulations that apply to protect your safety and that of others. Find out what the rules are from your booking agent or resort and make sure everyone in your party understands them.
• Stick to your level
  A learner won’t have much fun on the steepest slopes – and it can also be very dangerous. So check that there is provision for your level before you book.
• Don’t rely on your EHIC
  Your European Health Insurance Card may cover some health emergencies in Europe, but remember, many resorts only have private clinics and repatriation is not included under the EHIC.

Essential insurance

Winter sports holidays automatically increase the risk of an accident due to the nature of the activity you will be participating in. The equipment you need to take with you can also be expensive and can be prone to theft. If you’re not covered and an emergency happens to you, it could be an extremely costly affair. However, your usual Travel Insurance may not cover you. Before you embark on a winter sports holiday you need to make sure that insurance for the ‘winter sport’ you want to do is included on your policy. This includes customers of Direct Line Travel Insurance.

Whether you hold or purchase our Single Trip Insurance, or an Annual travel policy, there is an option to add on ‘Winter sports cover’. This can include cover for a range of activities including skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, bobsleighing and tobogganing for a limited number of days. It pays up to £500 if winter sports equipment (skis, bindings, poles, snowboards etc) are damaged lost or stolen on your journey, plus £25 a day if you need to hire items because of loss or theft. There are also provisions for lost passes and fees, cover if the piste closes, or if your departure if delayed because of bad weather. You are also covered for emergency medical and travel expenses up to £5 million per person if you are injured or fall ill while taking part in winter sports. You can find more details on all our Travel Insurance Policy Documents online.

Don’t add unnecessary risks to your winter sports holiday. Apply for a quote for Direct Line Travel Insurance with Winter Sports Cover today.