Unfit skiers cause chaos on the slopes
Havoc is set to reign on the slopes this winter, as the nation’s skiers and snowboarders fail to prepare their fitness levels for their sports, according to research by Direct Line Travel Insurance.
Despite experts* recommending 8-12 weeks of sport-specific training to prevent injuries, more than half of skiers and snowboarders (51 per cent) don’t get themselves in physical condition for their trips – with 62 per cent of these being beginners.
But it’s not just lack of training that is putting the country’s skiers and snowboarders at risk. False bravado drives three quarters (71 per cent) to attempt slopes too difficult for them to tackle.
Fear of being left behind leads 38 per cent to put themselves in danger, with 15 per cent allowing their peers to pressure them into going down runs that are out of their league.
Unsurprisingly, accidents are fairly common with 35 per cent involved in incidents – four per cent of which are serious. The consequences range from broken bones and concussion (both 11 per cent) to fractured bones and dislocated joints (both seven per cent).
As a result, ski accidents often write off holiday time with five per cent losing more than a week to injury and 15 per cent forced to sacrifice over three days.
Yet, despite the status of skiing as an extreme sport and the heightened risk factor, 18 per cent still take to the slopes uninsured.
Chris Price, Head of Direct Line Travel Insurance, said:
“The very nature of skiing and snowboarding means you’re putting yourself more at risk than you would be on a beach holiday, which is why it’s so important to be in good shape. Despite this, our research shows that 49 per cent of skiers/snowboarders have taken to the slopes knowing they weren’t physically prepared.
“We would certainly advise all skiers/snowboarders to start exercising well in advance of their holiday so they are fit enough to tackle the slopes and to make sure they are insured in case anything does happen.”
According to the Ski Club of Great Briton, skiers/snowboarders should work on the following key fitness areas:
1. Muscular strength and endurance
o Single leg balancing and single leg squats
o Leg lunges
o Press ups
o Tricep dips
o Abdominal crunches
2. Flexibility
o Stretches
o Yoga/Pilates
3. Aerobic Training
o Running
o Cycling
o Rowing
o Swimming
o Cross-training machine
For more information, log on to www.directline.com/travel
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Carmel McCarthy/Direct Line Press Office
0208 256 2178 Email: carmel.mccarthy@directline.com
Notes to Editors:
Research was conducted between 18 and 21 October 2005 by YouGov Plc, who interviewed a sample of 830 skiers/snowboarders. Research was carried out online. YouGov is a member of the British Polling Council.
* Ski Club of Great Britain
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