Stay safe on your next ski trip this winter and avoid costly injuries. If you have to file a claim, keep in mind there is help available.

Planning for your winter ski trip is something you may do months in advance. Booking the hotel, booking reservations for your favorite resort and making sure you have the right attire and equipment should be on your must-do list. Whether you are a seasoned skier or this is your first time adventure out on the slopes, be prepared for the trip with safety in mind. Having a holiday compensation insurance will help you avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

Travel insurance

Having travel insurance will assure that you are protected the moment you leave your home. Traveling into locations that may have changes in precipitation and hazardous road conditions, increases your risk of break down that requires roadside assistance. Should you need to be towed or need an insurance adjuster, make sure your travel insurance policy covers a replacement vehicle and towing for your vehicle to the nearest auto service center. Check for clauses in your policy against any type of holiday coverage or non-compensation. Read the fine print to assure that an agent will be available to fulfill any type of weekend, after-hours or holiday claim. Having road accident compensation will reduce out-of-pocket costs when it comes to making sure your winter ski trip is a success.

Equipment and gear

Make sure that your ski equipment, including your boots and skis, are in good working order. This is essential for ski safety. Check to see if the zippers and snaps close on your jacket and ski pants. While it may sound petty, having an open flap on your attire could catch on a branch or pole, causing an accident. Boots that fit the skis snug and securely will assure proper form while traveling down the slopes and reduce the risk of slipping. Falling backwards or the wrong way while heading down the slopes can cause whiplash. If you have to file a whiplash claim with your travel insurance or with resort you are skiing with, seek medical help immediately. Be sure the incident is properly documented by the resort staff and a licensed physician or medical team. Depending on if you are skiing in a back country area, you may want to carry an avalanche beacon with you for additional safety. Should you be caught in the path of an avalanche, the beacon will signal your location so you can be recovered.

Weather

Before you hit the slopes, check the current weather conditions and the weather forecast for the remainder of the day. A storm front moving in could indicate that weather conditions could change rapidly, especially if you are in a mountainous or back country area. A sudden rise in temperatures could trigger an avalanche or cause isolated cases of falling rock or debris, leading to injury. A drop in temps could bring in fierce wind gusts as well as white-out conditions in some areas, causing limited visibility and increased difficulty with ski maneuvers. If your vacation falls on a holiday, be prepared for accidents by having a witness or staff document any injuries you may have. This is beneficial in case an insurance agent or adjuster is unavailable to speak with you about your accident or claim. You want to make sure you will be reimbursed when you file your holiday accident compensation claim.