Youngsters targeted by "Safe Snow" Campaign - October 2007
Safety on the Slopes
Go Travel Insurance and ABTA are working together to help you to stay safe in the snow this year.
Sam Wyer, the 18-year-old English Alpine Ski Team racer in the GB Development team, is backing our campaign to encourage young skiers and boarders to take care on the slopes and to make sure that they have adequate travel insurance.
Wyer commented: “Young people are more likely to give thought to the sort of goggles they’re going to buy or which bars they’re going to go to for post-piste beers than whether they’ve got adequate insurance.
However the harsh reality of the situation is that if you have an accident on the slopes it could cost thousands without insurance. Treatment for a broken leg in the USA for example costs around £10,000, and in Europe around £4,000.”
Mike Monk, ABTA's Head of Financial Services, said: "Ski slopes are in the top five locations abroad where British holidaymakers get injured. You need to make absolutely sure that your travel insurance covers winter sports.
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Follow the advice from the International Ski Federation to keep yourself and others safe on the slopes this winter
Rules and Regulations from the International Ski Federation
As well as considering the dangers of skiing off piste, all skiers and boarders must also consider their own and other people’s safety all the time when on the mountain. The FIS (International Ski Federation) has established ten rules for the conduct of skiers and snowboarders which should be followed at all times.
These are the ten FIS Rules of Conduct:
- Respect: Do not endanger others.
- Control: Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain.
- Choice of route: The skier/snowboarder in front has priority - leave enough space.
- Overtaking: Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/snowboarder.
- Entering and starting: Look up and down the mountain each time before starting or entering a marked run.
- Stopping: Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can easily be seen.
- Climbing: When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of the piste.
- Signs: Obey all signs and markings - they are there for your safety.
- Assistance: In case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service.
- Identification: All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses.
Important on piste guidelines for skiers and snowboarders
- You ski/board at your own risk.
- Pay attention to all signs and markers.
- Please ski/board on marked runs - these are protected from unexpected alpine dangers.
- The areas outside the marked runs are not patrolled or groomed.
- Watch out for piste preparation machines.
- Respect nature - take care not to ski in areas where young trees or wildlife will be disturbed and don't drop litter.
- Consider taking lessons on a dry slope, and fitness sessions before going on holiday.
Special Information for Snowboarders
- The front leg must be firmly tethered to the board by a safety strap.
- It is essential to look carefully to right and left when changing direction, especially when starting a turn heelside - glance behind.
- The ability to ski does not automatically mean you have the ability to snowboard.
- Do not attempt the sport without qualified instruction.
Skiing Or Snowboarding Off-Piste
Outside the marked pistes and itineraries are areas which are NOT protected from alpine dangers
- Signs around the ski area will warn you when avalanche danger is present (see Avalanches).
- Even when there is no warning of avalanches there could be local snow slides.
- Unless you know an area well, only ski/board off-piste with a guide (in the USA, skiing/boarding "out of bounds" without a guide can lead to confiscation of your liftpass).
IF IN DOUBT NEVER SKI /SNOWBOARD AWAY FROM THE MARKED SKI RUNS
Assisting In Case Of An Accident
- Secure the accident area.
- Protect with crossed skis or planted snowboard above the injure person. If necessary post someone to give warning.
- First Aid - asses the general condition of the casualty:
- Airway - check it is clear
- Breathing - check for breathing
- Circulation - check for pulse. Cover any wound and apply firm pressure
- Provide warmth - give nothing to eat or drink, especially alcohol - Alert the rescue service:
- Place of accident (piste name and nearest piste marker)
- Number of people injured
- Type of injury - Establish the facts of the accident:
- Names and addresses of people involved and of witnesses.
- Place, time and circumstances of accident.
- Terrain, snow conditions and visibility.
- Markings and signs.
- Report to the police as soon as possible