Now we’re firmly into a new year, maybe you’ve been planning a new adventure. If your idea of fun means skiing, snowboarding or snowblading your way down a mountain at high speed, then have we got the guide for you! Whatever winter sports you excel in, making sure you’ve got the right tips and tools to keep you safe is a priority, wherever you’re planning on going.
It’s safe to assume that every sport comes with its own risks — especially if you’re out on the slopes. But whether you’re lucky enough to live near a resort or are thinking of flying domestically or internationally to reach the slopes for your skiing holiday, there are many factors that still need to be taken into account to make sure you, your friends and/or family can feel comfortable that you’ve done as much as you can to mitigate risk and ensure your safety.
Planning your skiing holiday travel
Whether we like it or not, the COVID pandemic is still lingering on. This means that some countries and skiing resort regions could potentially bring in new travel restrictions at the drop of a hat. If you’re in the process of planning your holiday to a favourite skiing spot, it’s important to make sure you know their policies – otherwise flying away could quickly turn into an indoor hotel holiday! If you know exactly where you want to spend your well-earned time on the ski slopes, it makes sense to check the local travel boards for your chosen resort to make sure you know their policies on any outside visitors over the ski season. Also research how this has changed through the coronavirus pandemic, to give you an idea of what restrictions you could face if a new variant emerges or numbers start going up again.
Most of the popular skiing destinations have very clear coronavirus policies on their websites, including:
- Canada: Whistler Blackcomb
- France: Val d’Isere
- Switzerland: Zermatt
- USA: Vail Mountain Resort,Aspen Snowmass, Telluride
- Italy: Cortina D’Ampezzo
- Japan: Niseko
It’s also worthwhile checking with travel booking companies whether they have any requirements for international or domestic travellers going long distance for their next skiing trip.
Keeping secure in skiing holiday accommodation
Chalet, hotel, B&B, or a friend’s getaway winter lodge… There can be many different options when it comes to choosing where to stay for your skiing trip. But wherever you’re planning on going, it’s wise to bring a couple of tried-and-trusted essentials to keep you secure at your accommodation.
If you’re intending on renting a chalet or B&B, it can be difficult to know exactly what it’s like until you’ve seen where you’re staying in person! Just taking a look at some of the nightmare Airbnb guest stories from AirbnbHell can be enough to make anyone a little worried about where they’ve chosen to shack up for skiing. Especially so if you’ve opted to remain behind while the rest of your party is out on the slopes.
Packing a portable door lock, such as the DoorJammer, is a great way to fend off forced entry attempts on in-swinging doors. With an award-winning and police-accredited design, this sturdy security device is no bigger than an iPhone and keeps you and your belongings safe in your room or accommodation, making it a packing essential if you can’t have full confidence in the security of your chosen location. Plus, if you want to be extra safe, carry a mixture of portable door locks, such as the TRIUMPHANT Portable Door Lock, so you can make sure you’re prepared and ready for any type of door system you may be faced with.
Staying safe out on the slopes
If you’re an avid skier, some of these final items may be second nature to you. But for those taking their first trip out on the slopes, we’ve put together a list of absolute safety essentials that can keep your skiing trip a success!
- An Avalanche Rescue Set: There is nothing more dangerous at a ski resort than getting caught in an unexpected avalanche. Luckily, there are lots of options available on the market. The Rescue Kit 3+ from Ortovox includes a transceiver, shovel and snow probe, giving you the best chance of recovery in an unexpected accident.
- Multi-channel radio: Signal can be bad out on the ski slopes – so having a reliable means of communication can help you keep you in touch with your party. The BC Link Radio 2.0 from Backcountry Access is a popular purchase for any avid skier, snowboarder or snowblader looking to stay safe.
- Sunglasses: If you’re intending to rent your ski equipment, including jumpsuit and protective helmet, getting the right sunglasses or goggles may be an item you haven’t considered. Being out on the white, reflective snow can be a blinding sight, so having the right protective eyewear can give you the edge you need to ski safely. It’s best to choose from a sports goggle or sunglasses brand that specialises in snow equipment, such as SunGod or EyeKit, as they will have the proper UV protection needed for harsh, winter conditions.
We hope you find these tips helpful. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let us know your tips for staying safe while skiing!