Under the influence while skiing leads you down a slippery slope

Here in the Pannone Travel Law team, we are instructed time and again by Client’s who have been the victims of skiing accidents. New research indicates that alcohol was a factor in many of the accidents that killed Britons in the Alps in 2009. Furthermore, more than half a million British skiers will ski this year whilst over the drink-drive limit the morning after their holiday revelry.

Not only is the risk of serious injury high when skiing, knee injuries being the most common, additional problems can arise with the expense of any medical treatment, medical transport and, if necessary, repatriation to the UK. Skiers should be very careful when selecting their ski insurance policy. Here are some tips to make sure, should the worst happen, you are not left with an avalanche of problems.

1.   All travel insurance contracts include a clause that excludes claims brought as a result of being under the influence of alcohol. The reduced oxygen in air at altitude exacerbates the affects of alcohol so ensure that you are careful and conscientious about drinking alcohol the night before you ski.

2.   If you own your own equipment check your policy’s small print. Some insurance policies do not cover accidents when the equipment is over a certain age, usually five years old. There are policies that do not have this exclusion so make sure you shop around.

3.   Ensure that your chosen type of skiing is covered. Some insurance policies do not cover off-piste skiing or restrict the extent of the cover. For example, cover may be provided for marked, virgin runs but not for completely uncharted routes.

This advice does not minimise the impact a horrendous injury can have on your life but it can go some way to ensuring that you are properly insured for your trip.

If you have suffered an injury or been the victim of an accident whilst abroad you should ensure that you contact a travel law specialist on your return. We can advise on the merits of your case and under a no win, no fee agreement act on your behalf to ensure you have the best legal protection available.

Call our travel litigation solicitors on 0800 0384 384 during business hours and a specialist holiday accident, holiday illness or holiday sickness claim solicitor can review your compensation claim for free while you are on the phone. If you prefer you can contact us by e-mail.