Top 5 Ways To Stay Safe On Your Winter Getaway

Winter is a great time to get away. You can escape the British chills for some vitamin D in warmer climates, or if you are a snow-seeker and want to fully embrace the season, you might want to go feet first and hit the slopes!

There are so many incredible winter sports to try out all over the world. And if you want all the fun of winter but can’t get away at the start of the year, did you know you can still get your ski boots on during our summer? New Zealand offers snow-filled mountains from June – September, all with jaw-dropping backdrops and thrilling activities to enjoy!

While winter brings new kinds of holidays, there are safety measures that come with it. We’ve spoken to our partners at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to share some top advice on staying safe on winter getaways as part of the Travel Aware campaign:

Be Avalanche Aware

The combination of heavy snow and intense wind speed / direction can increase the frequency of avalanches. It is always important to check snow and weather reports in the local area before you hit the slopes. Find out more about staying safe on the slopes.

Check Travel Advice 

You can find the most up-to-date advice on travel for your destination, including information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings. You can even sign up to email alerts for your destination to receive any updates to Travel Advice straight into your inbox.

Travel Insurance

Make sure your travel insurance covers the activities you want to do. Medical costs and returning to the UK can be extremely expensive if you don’t have the right kind of cover, so make sure you go through that policy with a fine-tooth comb! Many insurance policies will not cover damage to rental equipment or skiing off-piste without a guide, and many policies require you to wear a helmet at all times!

Après-Ski Safety

Après-ski is great fun but skiing with alcohol can be a dangerous combination. Alcohol can affect your resistance and awareness of the cold, and impair your judgement, co-ordination and reaction time. Some insurance covers may also be invalid if you injure yourself after drinking.

Ski Safely

Skiing is physically demanding so make sure you’re physically fit enough to do so and take classes at your appropriate level. You should always wear a helmet as some insurance policies are invalid if you’re not wearing a helmet.

Follow these simple steps and you should feel well prepared ahead of your winter trip of a lifetime which gives you much more time to fully immerse yourself and enjoy the winter experience!