It seems as if even experienced winter sports enthusiasts sometimes throw caution to the wind on the slopes, which could result in serious accidents, a leading travel insurance company found.
Some 86 per cent of advanced skiers have attempted skiing on a slope that was too difficult for them to handle, compared to 54 per cent of more careful beginners, Direct Line Travel Insurance found.
Of those attempting slopes that were too advanced for them, more than a third said they did so because they were scared of being left behind.
Another 15 per cent cited peer pressure as their reason for dangerous skiing, while almost one in ten skied carelessly in an effort to impress someone, according to the travel insurance company’s research.
“The very nature of skiing and snowboarding means you’re putting yourself at a greater risk than you would be on a beach holiday,” comments the head of Direct Line Travel Insurance, Chris Price.
However, he says it is important not to take “unnecessary risks”. Mr Price says winter sports enthusiasts should be “aware of their limitations” and make sure they are physically fit before going on holiday.
Mr Price is also urging holidaymakers to ensure they have adequate travel insurance in place for their winter sports vacation.
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