February half terms is the most dangerous time of the year for a trip to the slopes, with more than twice the average number of winter sports travel claims compared to the rest of the ski season.

New research also reveals that six out of ten (57%) parents would consider taking a winter ski break with their family because of the fun activities for children and the fitness benefits. Also, one in eight say they would consider winter sports holidays because summer breaks during school holidays are too expensive.

Health and safety at winter resorts is a top priority for many parents, with more than half admitting that either they or an immediate family member has suffered an accident or near-miss while on the slopes. However, more than half say they only sometimes take out travel insurance when going on holiday with their family, with similar numbers saying they don’t always check they have cover for winter sports.

Downhill skiing is one of the world’s most popular winter sports. However, it also carries a high risk of injury. Most investigators agree that younger skiers are at increased risk. Children have a higher rate of ski-related fractures of the lower extremities than adults. Spiral fracture of the tibia is most common in children. In a five year retrospective study of patients younger than 19 years, who had been admitted to a trauma center after a skiing accident, 58% had been involved in collisions with stationary objects. Helmet use was negligible.

A medical emergency is the most common reason for claiming on winter sports insurance and the cost of treating minor injuries can be surprisingly expensive- the average cost of a winter sports claim is around &1000. The cost of bringing someone with a damaged spinal cord back home to the UK by air ambulance could be in the region of &20,000, from the European Union.

We use a range of travel insurers to help provide a policy that is suitable for any upcoming trip. We can arrange bespoke or inclusive covers and tailor it to your personal needs.