Ski Vacation Safety for RoamRight

A wonderful, weeklong ski vacation is something many individuals and families look forward to all year. They come to you, their travel expert, for the best air fares, condo prices and packages, as well as information on special events and other activities in an effort to plan the best snow-packed getaway possible.

But too often, they overlook some of the simplest things that can be done to ensure a great mountain vacation. Offer these simple steps and words of wisdom for before and during their trip to ensure your clients minimize risk of injury and illness.

Safety Tips For Before You Ski

Hydrate. Winter weather is dry weather, especially at 10,000 feet or so. Travelers should begin drinking extra fluids at least a week ahead of time to minimize chapped lips, dry, itchy skin and the worst culprit of all – altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness can hit anyone at any age at any time, no matter how often they’ve vacationed in the mountains. Most Americans live well below the 1,000 foot level and, especially if flying to the mountain destination, an increase of 8,000 feet or so in just a few hours takes a toll on the body. Travelers should take it easy the first day or so to help the body adjust. Keep drinking lots of water, minimize alcohol and heavy carbohydrates.

Turn on the humidifier in hotel rooms. Most winter resorts have these in each room because they help combat dryness and altitude sickness. Get in Shape. Before leaving home, travelers should spend some extra time at the gym building those glutes and other muscles that will be called upon to navigate the slopes. Once at the destination, they need to stretch every day before heading out on the mountain. Skiers will use muscles that most of us don’t use every day, so warming up with stretches that loosen the hamstrings, calves and back muscles is essential.

Travel Insurance / Ski Insurance. Of course, the most important preparation before leaving home is to make sure the travel insurance will cover clients in case of emergency. Skiing and snowboarding, especially adventurous heli-skiing, is considered by many insurance companies an “extreme” activity, so evaluate each traveler’s exact needs and understand their travel insurance coverage. This can often vary just by the traveler’s state of residency. RoamRight’s list of activities and each appropriate plan can be viewed here.

Travel insurance can also protect travelers if winter weather conditions cancel flights or otherwise add unexpected costs to the trip.

Ski Safety Tips While On The Mountain

But once out on the mountain, travelers must pay attention to the signs – man made and otherwise. Ski patrollers become concerned when skiers ignore closures and important signage. Ski patrols are on the hill every day making terrain managements decisions and runs are either opened or closed for very good reasons. Adventurers should keep safety in mind by not ignoring these warnings. Visitors should also be sure to pay attention to the weather conditions on the mountain, as they will change minute by minute. Part of what makes skiing and being out on the mountain such a spectacular environment is the constantly evolving landscape, but it’s also what can make it dangerous at times.

Some common sense tips include:

• Wear a helmet. Everyone is going to fall now and then, so travelers should wear a helmet to minimize risk of head injury.
• Ski at individual ability levels. Sure, skiers want to push themselves and grow their skills, but first they should make sure they are truly a master at their level so they will be able to approach the next level of runs with greater success.
• Manage falls. With skiers, avoid leaning back while skiing and especially while falling. With boarders, avoid the FOOSH (fall on out stretched hand), and you'll spare your wrists and shoulders.
• Most ski areas have basic rules of the road - Colorado Ski Country USA posts a Skier Responsibility Code at all its 21 member resorts for example. No matter where you ski, these reminders will help everyone have a more safe and enjoyable ski vacation.

• Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe all posted signs and warnings.
• Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

RoamRight is here to protect ski vacations and offer ski insurance for your travelers. If you would like to become a RoamRight partner, or determine which travel insurance product is best for your clients, contact us at 866-891-6614.