An ever increasing number of travellers are enjoying taking part in winter and extreme sports in destinations in the UK and around the world. Over recent years the whole industry supporting winter and extreme sports has grown and now offers fans of these pursuits a plethora of choices and holiday opportunities. With the very nature of the activities and sports involved there are potential dangers, meaning it is very important to be fully prepared for your trip. Being fully prepared and aware of how to minimise possible risks and pitfalls will lessen the chances of illness and injury. The winter and extreme sports travellers tips guide provide a useful insight in to practical measures that can be taken to ensure you enjoy your trip.
Travellers Tips for Winter and Extreme Sports
Before You Begin Your Trip
Travel Insurance
Winter Sports Tips
Water Sports Tips
Extreme Sports & Activities Tips
Before You Begin Your Trip
Planning and preparation are vital in all trips for business or on holidays, but with the potential risks for extreme and winter sports it is perhaps even more pertinent here. Do your research on the places you are going to be visiting, the sports and activities you are going to be taking part in. Familiarised yourself with the country, the region and the activities and any potential risks and how best to avoid them. Check the latest travel information & advice. Being fully aware of what could lie ahead can give you a head start if unforeseen circumstances occur.
Give a copy of your itinerary to a trusted family member or friend along with contact numbers for yourself, hotels, tour operators and activity/sports providers.
Ensure you pack your bag in plenty of time and do not forget to take anything you need. If you are taking any equipment or clothing for your chosen sport or activity ensure you do not forget anything. If you are going to a cold climate ensure you have properly insulated warm clothing.
Check that you are physically fit and capable of participating in the sports without problems. Are you fit and well enough to take part in strenuous exercise?
Travel Insurance
It is vital to have valid Winter Sports Travel Insurance for the full duration of your trip and it is prudent to ensure the insurance is valid for some time after in case you are delayed or your trip itinerary alters for any reason.
It should be noted that the majority of standard travel insurance policies are very unlikely to cover you for winter, water and extreme sports and activities. Check with your travel insurance provider explaining the exact nature of the sports you will be taking part in and ensure they can cover you. If the insurer cannot cover you, look for a travel insurance provider that can cover you.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions make sure you inform the insurance company, failure to do so may result in any claims being invalidated. If your pre-existing medical conditions mean most insurers will not insure you for winter & extreme sports try a specialist provider.
Even if you have winter and extreme sports travel insurance check the policy for what is and what is not covered, you may find there are some activities that are excluded. Do not take part in any sports and activities that your travel insurance does not cover you for.
Most insurance policies will not uphold any insurance claims for accidents and illnesses/injuries suffered whilst under the influence of drink and drugs, it is very likely the claim will be invalidated. Do not take part in any sport or activities if you are under the influence of drink and drugs, it can be potentially life threatening, can invalidate your insurance and can mean having to meet medical costs yourself that can be extortionately high.
Winter Sports Tips
Whichever winter sports you are going to be taking part in, ensure your travel insurance covers this fully.
Before participating in any winter sport make sure you are fit and healthy, do not take part if you feel unwell or not 100%. Skiing and other winter sports can be very dangerous if you are not 100% with a greatly increased risk of accidents and injuries.
Ensure you have the correct clothing and equipment. Double check all clothing, equipment and safety bindings.
Take a first aid kit with you, just in case. Do not rely on someone else having one.
Use sunscreen with a high factor, the sun can be strong even in cold climates.
Protect your eyes with the correct eyewear such as goggles suitable for all weathers.
Be prepared for possible altitude sickness at high altitudes.
When skiing, follow instructions and not ski off piste unless you are permitted to do so and have the necessary experience.
If there are any avalanche warnings or other serious warnings, treat them very seriously and do not ignore them, you could be putting your life in danger. Follow the official advice and help stay safe.
Water Sports Tips
Ensure your travel insurance includes the water sports you will be taking part in.
Make sure you are fit and healthy before taking part in water sports, do not take part if you feel unwell or are under the influence of drink or drugs, it will usually invalidate any insurance claims and may place your safety and those around you at risk.
Make sure you check local advice for safe beaches, swimming areas and tides. Do not take part in activities in areas against official advice.
Try to avoid beaches and areas that have polluted water or contamination.
Always check water sports clothing and equipment to make sure it is of good quality and is secure. If in doubt it is better to urge on the side of caution and not use the equipment.
Remember to use a high factor sunscreen and frequently reapply. Do not underestimate the risk of burning whilst taking part in water sports.
It is useful to wear footwear on beaches, it will help against infections and injuries to feet.
When diving, never dive into water where you are not sure of the depth, it can cause very serious injuries. Always check the depth of the water first & seek advice on whether it is safe to dive there.
Always wear a life jacket for water sports i.e. water skiing and other offshore water sports. Check the life jacket is in good working order before starting any activities.
Do not take unnecessary risks and stick the recommended areas in which to practice the water sports.
Do not go to areas that are isolated and let someone know where you are and what you are going to be doing.
Extreme Sports & Activities Tips
Extreme sports are by their nature strenuous on the body, make sure you are in good shape physically and fully fit before attempting any.
Be careful with eating & drinking on holiday. Eating and drinking in moderation can help to ensure you stay fit & healthy on your trip.
Do not take part in any extreme sports if you are unwell, not feeling 100% or are under influence of drink or drugs.
If you need to carry specialist equipment for your trip, check beforehand with the airlines on what you can take and their policies for taking such equipment.
Inform instructors about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. If you have any limiting factors that may stop you doing what would be normally expected, let them know in advance.
Make sure you have the right clothing and equipment for the extreme sports, do not take part in anything where safety is not a priority or you have any doubts as to the quality of the equipment and clothing provided. Be aware equipment standards can vary widely in different parts of the world as can maintenance of equipment. The extent to which health and safety standards are enforced and adhered to varies widely in different countries. It is therefore wise to double check all equipment whether you are taking part in extreme sports in the UK or anywhere in the world.
Be prepared for possible altitude sickness in pursuits such as rock climbing.
We hope the winter and extreme sports travellers tips has provided some good tips and advice for those participating in winter, water and extreme sports and activities. In addition to the above travellers tips it is of course very important to follow usual common sense guidelines and tips. Being well planned, physically fit and fully aware of good tips and how to avoid potential pitfalls with hopefully result in a safe, enjoyable winter/extreme sports trip.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
