Wintersports Holidays

WINTERSPORTS HOLIDAYS Do you love the feeling of crisp snow under your feet, fresh air against your face and adrenaline running through your veins? We asked our snow-loving customers about their winter holidaying habits, check them out below! Destinations TOP 10 10 DESTINATIONS 3 Scotland French Alps Canada Switzerland America Spain 6 2 Italy Austria 6. Canary Islands Tenerife 2 4 SKIING SNOWBOARDING WALKING GOLFING SWIMMING SLEDGING TOP 10 SPORTS 8. 10 ICE SKATING TOBOGGANING 6. CYCLING HIKING 12.70% 3.14% 9.69% 74.47% Would take a Would take a Would take a wintersports holiday in the Would take a wintersports holiday in the wintersports holiday in the wintersports holiday in the SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER Travel Insurance 4% of our customers have travelled without travel insurance 85% always buy travel insurance 11% of customers believe that the price is the most Surprisingly, important element of insurance compared to 16% who purchase based on the cover offered. A generous 73% think that both price and cover levels are important. TOP TIP: Choosing a winter policy based on just price alone could leave you without adequate cover (and out of pocket!) so make sure you check what's on offer before you buy! Wintersports travel insurance tips. If you are partaking in sports and activities, ensure you have the correct cover before you take part in them! Contact your insurer and they will add the activities to your policy for you. Make sure you declare any medical conditions to your insurer so that they are aware of your medical history. Choose a specialist wintersports policy that provides adequate cover for your trip. Don't skimp out on cover just because of the price as it could cost you later on. Choose a policy that covers important items such as own and hire equipment, ski packs and lift passes. Look for a policy which has no excess, which means that you will have nothing to pay if you need to make a claim. Often these are slightly more expensive, but could potentially save you a lot of money in the long run. Check that your insurer has a 24 hour emergency medical team and keep important contact numbers with you at all times. Skill Level Following the high profile incidents such as Michael Schumacher and Natasha Richardson, 82% of customers are now more likely to wear a helmet, whereas 18% will not. 53% 33% 14% 'Pros' are most likely to not wear a helmet on the slopes, with 15% of all customers choosing not to wear all safety gear. 53% wear all gear. BEGIN NER NOVICE PRO 53% of customers would say they are a beginner at wintersports 33% are novice 14% are pros Accidents The most common BONES BROKEN Nose Accidents on the slopes are the most frequent cause to make a claim. Collarbone Rib Arm while on a winter holiday: Wrist Thumb Other accidents included sprains, skull injuries, torn ligaments, whiplash, dislocations and concussion. Therefore it is always recommended that you wear all the appropriate safety gear including a helmet. Common accidents and how to avoid them: Avalanches Collisions Loose & incorrectly fitted bindings If you're heading off-piste, make sure you carry an'avalanche kit' that includes a transmitter, probe and shovel (and also know how to use them!) Be aware of others around you and what they are doing. Always expect the unexpected. Check that your boots are fastened tightly and are not likely to come loose mid-slope. Sources: All data directly sourced from the customer base of www.alphatravelinsurance.co.uk alpha 0845 2 307 439 www.alphatravelinsurance.co.uk • Travel Insurance.co.uk facebook.com/alphatravelinsurance @alphatravelins