Direct Travel Insurance brings you the latest research by the Association of Mountain Doctors in France (Médecins de Montagne Résultats Nationaux 2008/2009), who dealt with 140,000 injuries last year. Their findings show the importance of preparation, alertness, and of course the importance of a good winter sports travel insurance as mountain rescue and medical assistance is payable in France.

In brief…

The risk of accident amongst beginners is multiplied by two.

1.   The report shows that 16,439 collisions on the slopes were recorded last season.
2.   Badly adjusted boots and lack of physical preparation are the biggest factor behind serious knee injuries.
3.   The most common injury is still a sprained knee – over 15,500 of the most severe case (rupture of a ligament) were reported last season.
4.   Over the 2008/2009 season 50% of women’s injuries happened to beginners (seven days’ practice or less), compared to 22% for men.
5.   The risk of accidents amongst beginners is multiplied by two.

Top tips from the Mountain Doctors:
1.   Before you set off, always enquire about the weather with a ski professional, especially if you are planning to go off-piste.
2.   If you are skiing on your own, let someone know what your itinerary is and at what time you intend to return.
3.   Skiing and snowboarding require a good level of fitness: prepare yourself at least three weeks before a trip.
4.   Most accidents are caused by bad preparation or fatigue. Warm up well and take a rest when you are tired.
5.   Ensure your child wears a helmet and don’t hesitate to wear one too.

Paul Thilo, Vice President - Consumer Marketing at Direct Travel Insurance said: “The French Mountain Doctors’ report is a reminder that good travel cover is paramount when you’re skiing or snowboarding. It goes without saying that the price of ski insurance is negligible when you consider the cost of medical bills and mountain rescue.”

Check your travel insurance covers you for:

Medical & Air ambulance costs including Search and Mountain Rescue Personal liability up to £2m if you are the cause of someone else being injured UK physiotherapy to help you recover from a winter sports injury on your return Piste closure cover – due to high winds, too much or lack of snow etc…– Important: make sure you don’t have to prove that 100% of all local resorts are closed (80% is more reasonable)

Even the cheapest Winter Sports policy from Direct Travel Insurance covers you for all the above. A seven day Single Trip Winter Sports cover to Europe with Direct Travel costs from £13 per person. For more information call 0845 605 2500 or visit http://www.direct-travel.co.uk/