ABTA research reveals that more than 3.5 million British adults, who have been on a winter sports holiday, have never taken out travel insurance to cover themselves.
With the winter sports season now upon us, ABTA is encouraging holidaymakers to take out the appropriate travel insurance policy in place before they go.
The association is also highlighting the importance of getting fit for the season and warming up properly before taking to the slopes, to help reduce the likelihood of injury.
ABTA members have reported more than 200 significant injuries amongst British holidaymakers in the past ski season, which include collisions and falls on the slopes ? however, these figures represent just those cases reported by ABTA members and the association believes the total number of incidents could be much higher. The injuries reported are not exclusive to skiing, with a number of incidents resulting from other activities including: snowboarding, bum boarding and tobogganing.
While accidents on the slopes can happen to anyone at any time, the new research suggests those aged between 25-34 years have, on average, had more first-hand experiences of winter sports injuries than any other age group. One in eight (12%) 25-34 year olds, who have been on a winter sports holiday, have travelled with someone who has had a major injury from the slopes, such as a broken bone or concussion, requiring hospital treatment. A further 6% have had a major accident themselves.
Meanwhile, those aged 45-54 years are most likely to take out holiday cover, as more than half (51%) of the age group who have ever been on a winter sports trip say they always take out travel insurance, compared to just over a quarter (28%) of 18-24-year-olds.
Holidaymakers are encouraged to wear a helmet when taking part in winter sports activities and check their equipment fits properly to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, ABTA urges travellers to check safety advice specific to the resort as conditions vary.
