An Estimated 3.32 Million First-Time Skiers/Snowboarders Plan To Hit The Slopes This Season
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Perry Wilson, managing director, InsureandGo said: “Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous, so it’s important to make sure you are prepared, and this means that you should have lessons. Some people think they don’t need them, and I suspect that many of the medical related winter sports claims we receive are from them.”
InsureandGo’s research reveals that 13% of people aged 18-34 plans to try skiing/snowboarding for the first time this ski season, compared to 10% of those aged 35–44, 5% of those aged 45-54 and 1% of those aged 55 and over. On a regional basis, 12% of people in Wales intend to ski or snowboard for the first time this season, the highest percentage for any part of the country.
Region Percentage of population who intends to go skiing or snowboarding for the first time this ski season
Wales 12%
North East 10%
Yorks/Humbs 9%
London 8%
Scotland 7%
South West 7%
Eastern 7%
South East 6%
East Midlands 6%
North West 5%
West Midlands 4%
Northern Ireland was also included in the survey, although the base size was too low to be representative of the region.
If you’re skiing or boarding in Europe InsureandGo advise that, while it’s a good idea to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), people should not rely on it as it won’t cover costs such as repatriation. Plus, because the agreement varies from country to country, the cover it provides depends on where you are.
(1) Based on an independent online survey conducted by Canvasse Opinion from Experian on behalf of InsureandGo. A total of 1544 responses were obtained across the UK amongst adults aged 18 and over, between 8th – 13th November 2007.