By Zappa Haughton

Winter sports holidays are absolutely magical – there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline of skiing down a mountain or the satisfaction of nailing a tricky snowboard turn. But before you pack your thermals and head to the airport, let’s talk about staying safe so your trip is amazing for all the right reasons.

Get Your Paperwork in Order

First things first: insurance. You absolutely must have winter sports coverage – your standard holiday policy won’t protect you on the slopes. Make sure it specifically mentions skiing, snowboarding, and any adventurous extras you’re considering like off-piste skiing or helicopter drops.

Here’s the crucial bit many people miss: mountain rescue and emergency medical flights home need to be included. These can cost astronomical amounts, and you really don’t want that financial shock if something goes wrong.

Also grab yourself a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’re heading to Europe. It’s free and gives you access to state healthcare, though it won’t cover rescue operations or getting you home if needed – another reason why proper insurance is essential. You can read more about GHIC here.

Before you depart, check what the Foreign Office says about your destination. Their advice covers everything from entry requirements to local safety concerns, and it’s worth signing up for their email updates in case anything changes.

Mountain Smarts

Once you’re there, always check the daily weather and snow reports before heading out. Mountain conditions can shift dramatically and quickly.

Make a note of when the lifts close and when the last shuttle buses run. Being stuck on the mountain as darkness falls is genuinely dangerous, not just inconvenient.

Helmets are absolutely worth wearing, regardless of your skill level. Many resorts now require them, and you can always rent one if you don’t own your own.

Here’s something people often forget: the sun at altitude is fierce. Slap on high-factor sunscreen regularly, and make sure you’re protecting your eyes with proper goggles or sunglasses. Snow blindness is real and extremely painful.

The Après Scene

When the skiing’s done and the socialising begins, keep your wits about you. The combination of altitude and alcohol hits harder than you’d expect, affecting your coordination and judgement more than usual. Plus, getting excessively drunk in freezing temperatures genuinely puts you at risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Never leave your drink unattended or accept beverages from people you don’t know. Unfortunately, drink spiking happens in ski resorts just like anywhere else.

Be aware of methanol poisoning signs – problems with your vision, particularly sudden blindness or extreme light sensitivity. If you suspect this, get emergency help immediately.

Look after your mates, especially if they’ve overdone it. Stay in groups, stick to well-lit routes back to your accommodation, and never accept rides from unlicensed taxis or random strangers.

Keep Your Belongings Secure

Even in resort, basic security is important:

  • Keep your accommodation locked, even when you’re inside
  • Use the safe for valuables, passports, and excess cash
  • Don’t carry too much money or wear expensive jewellery on nights out
  • Keep valuables close to you at all times
Make It Memorable

Winter sports holidays create incredible memories. With sensible preparation and smart decisions, you’ll come home with photos, stories, and hopefully plans for your next trip – not medical bills or regrets.

The mountains are calling, and they’re absolutely worth answering. Just make sure you’re ready for them.

If you’re ready to plan the perfect winter escape, we’ll help you book the perfect trip! Or maybe you need free advice before you depart to your winter wonderland; we can do it all! Give us a call on 01902 288104, send us a message, book a trip planning appointment, or book a free travel advice session.