Safety Gear for Winter Sport

Organizers will do their utmost to ensure the course is safe. Many insurers specify these in their policy as safety necessities and in case you have not taken the necessary precaution then making a claim could be difficult.

• Avalanche transceivers (digital or analogue beacons, Avalanche transmitters/doggy beacons/recco which can only transmit hence making it possible to find over short distances)
• Shovel helps you to dig for a person buried in an avalanche and a probe lessens the time of search by pinpointing the exact location to dig.
• ABS airbag, avalanche ball are some other methods used such that the airbag or ball comes to the surface and the victim of the avalanche can be found easier.
• Helmets and Crampons (A spiked steel framework attached to the bottom of a shoe or boot to prevent slipping when walking or climbing on ice and snow) are also suggested in most cases.

Ski Travel Insurance Policy

Many times the chateau/resort give their own insurance policy which in many case is the best to take as they tie up with the medical evacuation teams and other insurance providers to cover the eventualities in the activities offered by them. Most of the time these policies are included in the tour package costs. You could always look at your tour/travel package offered by the hotel and determine if you need extra cover.

• Air Rescue insurance is included in some tour packages wherein the insurance pays for the professional rescue and medical evacuation.
• Some tour packages include insurance for hired equipment
• AN EHIC/E 1.11 form is needed in Europe but the compensation may not cover all your loss and it is advisable to get an adventure travel insurance/ski travel insurance policy

Essential cover

Most insurance companies cover the essential need of the traveler.

Travel Cancellation and Interruption

• Cancellation of travel is covered due to illness of family member or other causes as given by the insurance company. If the snow track (piste) of the resort you have pre-booked with is closed additional travel expenses to an alternative piste as well as cost of a new lift pass or extended lift pass is covered.
• Extra travel expenses or accommodation cover is provided if your arrival/departure is delayed by more than 12 hours due to an avalanche or you are stranded on a mountain till search and rescue find you.
• In case of break down of transport either private or public you are covered till you reach your destination.

Medical Expenses

If you belong to a ski mountaineering club you are already covered by insurance, if not ski mountaineering as well as other risk sports need a fitness certificate to provide you the necessary medical insurance cover. The cover includes:

• Medical evacuation which is rescue by helicopter and transfer to a nearby hospital is covered.
• Medical expenses toward in patient hospitalization are covered.
• Personal accidents cover for loss of limbs/sight, permanent disablement and even death benefit is offered.

Baggage and Personal Effects

This is for loss or theft of personal belongings. It also covers delay of baggage in cargo as well

• In case of delay of baggage and you having to hire out equipment the hire costs are covered by the insurance
• Documents delayed in transit or money lost is covered
• Loss of your ski equipment either own or hired
• Loss of other valuables and equipment in an avalanche
• Some insurance policies offer you mugging benefit

Winter sport lovers safety equipment is necessary and professional advice and other advice on weather conditions need to be heeded to. Rules and advice is for your safety. Check out with your resort/chateau for insurance continued guidance and other advice.