Ski Safe

This season marks the most unstable snowpack in 15 years meaning that even the most experienced and qualified of guides are gambling when it comes to taking both themselves, and their clients, outside the safety zones. The desire for individuals to explore the sensational and unrivalled delights of the backcountry is prolific yet this season, when over 20 skiers and snowboarders have already died in Europe, it is time to really consider whether making fresh tracks this season is worth the risk of never being able to make them again. It is not just naïve amateurs who are becoming victims to unforgiving avalanches; three of the victims were completing an intensive technical course with a highly recommended guide in Switzerland when they swept to their deaths. What they were learning? Avalanche safety.

The cruel irony of this situation as just one example goes to show the unpredictability of the mountains and their tragic ability to snatch lives away in an instant. Even those equipped with all the safety gear are still at risk; ABS airbags are designed to deploy and pull you out of an avalanche when you pull the release but even these are only effective in a very exact moment of crisis. If you really can’t resist the risk, it is advisable at the very least to be properly equipped with a transceiver, probe, shovel and mobile phone, or to invest in an ABS airbag. Seeking the advice and guidance of a professional is also recommended but it is important to remember that even he is not invincible.

What do I need?

Transceiver: If caught in an avalanche there is no time to spare and your minutes are numbered as survival rates drop rapidly after 15 minutes of snow submersion. A transceiver both emits and receives a signal that can be picked up by other transceivers which means that if you are wearing one, the rest of your group can find you quickly.

Probe: A probe goes hand in hand with a transceiver as once you’ve located their signal, you can use a probe to locate the buried individual. It easily penetrates even compact snow and comes in different weights and lengths.

Shovel: You’ve located your friend with the transceiver, you’ve found them with the probe…now you need to get them out as quickly as possible and nothing works faster when it comes to digging than a shovel. They are designed to be light, compact and often fold up to fit into backpacks.

ABS: Avalanche airbags are a serious investment but are recognised to significantly improve the chances of survival as they keep you above an avalanche rather than under it…they inflate when you pull the release and since large things rise while smaller ones sink, you are lifted to safety. You can buy a backpack – or an ABS system – which comes complete with two airbags and all the technology.

Finally, if you’re planning a ski holiday at this time of year, particularly when the weather is warming up and conditions could become even more dangerous, make sure you’ve got a comprehensive and stable insurance policy in place. The lives of over 20 skiers and snowboarders have been taken and the same number again has been seriously injured in avalanches alone. We offer a range of winter sports insurance policies from skiing, to heli-skiing, to back-country skiing. Follow the link below to find out more information and get a quote today:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/

Sochi 2014

 The next winter Olympic Games will be held in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23 2014.  It will host the most compact Winter Games in the history of the Olympic Movement as it will be possible to get from one venue to another in just a matter of minutes! The competition this year is intense as some of the world’s best athletes will participate in test events (international tests on the sporting disciplines) which are on a scale comparable to the staging of two Olympic Games. The disciplines covered can be seen below:

Olympic disciplines: ice hockey, speed skating, short track speed skating, figure skating, curling, ski jumping, Nordic combined, biathlon, skiing, alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboard, bobsleigh, skeleton, luge.

Paralympic disciplines: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, wheelchair curling, biathlon, ice sledge hockey.

Although the summer Olympic Games may be more famous, and boasted a spectacular opening ceremony in 2012, Sochia promises to deliver. Jean-Claude Killy, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission has said that “The Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Games will be seen by somewhere in the region of two billion people and needs to be a beautiful spectacle”. The Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Kozak, is also sure of the upcoming spectacle, commenting that the Winter Games have given a powerful boost the development of technology, and consequently, “The Games in Sochi will be shown entirely in HD format and advanced Ultra High Definition technology will be used in Sochi”. We’re excited to hear this as it demonstrates the long way we have come from 1968 when the first Olympic Games were televised live in Colour in Mexico! If you are not able to get a ticket as they are currently selling out within the first few hours of availability, then the full experience can be brought to you within the comfort of your own home.

However, we’re assured that these games are not to be missed if you have the opportunity as Russia endeavour to surpass the levels of excellence previously achieved. The Olympic Torch Relay itself has broken several records as 14,000 torchbearers will carry the flame through Russia, travelling by various forms of transport (including hot air balloon!) in order to pass through 2,900 Russian cities and villages. The Relay began on 7 October 2013 and will conclude at the ‘Fisht’ Olympic Stadium on 7 March 2014. Wherever you are, make sure you tune in for this special ceremony which will show the world a new Russia based on community instead of stereotypes; the torchbearers range from athletes to volunteers to public figures to people with a disability…the only condition is that they are over 14. 

For more information about the games, or to check out any of the sporting schedules, go to Sochi’s official website!

http://www.sochi2014.com/en/

Heli-Happiness – is skiing outside the crowds worth it?

If you are a ski or snowboard lover and continue to return to the Alps, or perhaps the Rockies, year after year, then maybe this year it is time to leave the chairlift queues and busy pistes behind in search of fresh powder and an unbeatable experience. Be warned though, after embarking on a heli-skiing holiday, or perhaps just a day out, you will undoubtedly realise what all the fuss is about and may find it difficult to return to chilly chairlift rides!

Yes, heli-skiing is very expensive and that fact cannot be ignored but if you are considering it, then it is worth taking the time to appreciate what you get for your money. A helicopter can take you from the ground to the top in a couple of minutes whilst you experience magical and uninterrupted views that people may pay hundreds to see on sightseeing flights. You will then get multiple opportunities throughout your heli-skiing day to experience the pure joy of making your own tracks through fresh powder without being surrounded by the hordes who flock to the obvious off-piste within a ski resort. In nearly all cases you will ski (or snowboard) the kind of conditions that you would be incredibly fortunate to catch even once in a year in a top powder resort such as Whistler or Utah. And it is easy to see why…the heli-ski area covered by a helicopter in one day makes even a big resort seem small in comparison, yet only a tiny fraction of the skiers are dropped onto the terrain! Heli-skiing companies now offer a wide variety of packages from family trips to private tours but on average, you are not likely to be sharing a helicopter with more than 7 people. When you consider the fact that chairlifts nowadays can take up to 8 people, who all depart at the top to ski the same run, you will appreciate the capacity heli-skiing offers for breath-taking experiences away from the routine.

There is also the opportunity to forge new bonds while sharing a trip of a life-time with likeminded people. Whether it is just for the day, or over the course of the week, you will be indulging in the champagne powder luxury of untamed places only accessible by helicopter, and mutual exhilaration can create long-lasting friendships. There is undoubtedly something magical and elemental about standing on top of a deserted mountain with only untouched powder ahead of you, and the knowledge that when you can ski no further, a helicopter will be ready and waiting to take you to the top of the next peak! If you are looking to invest in a week’s long holiday then the bliss continues well into the evening as many companies now offer very comfortable lodging which includes sumptuous three-course dinners, massages and saunas. Finally it has to be said that the best heli-skiing is found in Canada and North America. Although there are several tour operators in the Alps, the snow guarantee and expanse of space unfortunately just doesn’t compare. The industry leader is most likely Canadian Mountain Holidays, who operate 11 fantastic lodges all over north-western Canada.

You can find out more on their website: http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com/

…and as they say, it’s more than a vacation!!

At SportsCover Direct, we are able to offer you a protective insurance policy tailored to the demands of a heli-skiing holiday. We know where you are most likely to need the extra cover, such as repatriation and search and rescue, as well as reimbursement of costs should any natural disaster or extreme conditions affect your holiday. For more information, take a look here: 

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/heli_skiing_insurance.html/

Don’t Let It All Go Downhill! The risks of racing

Since October, the Universal Sports Network has been presenting widespread coverage of the 2013-2014 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season on air and online. It began with the women’s slalom and will continue to showcase more than 60 international alpine competitions, including the World Cup final. All eyes this year were set on Lindsey Vonn who looked to return from a knee injury in order to defend her Olympic gold medal in the women’s downhill. The U.S star has suffered on the sideline since her crash in February, along with a fellow American World Cup champion, Bode Miller, whose knee injury also meant he was out for most of last season.

However, Lindsey has reportedly withdrawn from next week’s World Cup race in the U.S after damaging her knee again in a training crash. Although a continuing course of therapy means that Lindsay should be able to race again in a few weeks, her accident speaks volumes for the potential risks involved with alpine sports, particularly downhill skiing. Lindsey partially tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and suffered a mild strain to her right knee in her recent crash; last February she tore multiple ligaments in the same knee. Since then, she has been wearing a protective knee brace and following an appropriate course of rehab after an MRI scan was able to reveal the damage.

Lindsey’s injuries and her ability to return to the sport demonstrate the fact that downhill racing – or any sport for that matter – is to be avoided because of the potential risks. However, the treatment incurred, namely the MRI scans and the extensive courses of therapy, does highlight the necessity of having a comprehensive sports insurance policy to cover you. Lindsey’s speedy recovery will be enabled by the advice and care of her orthopaedic surgeon, attentive treatments and regular check-ups, all of which can be financially ruining particularly when abroad. At SportsCover Direct, we offer a huge range of specialist sports insurance policies that can prevent the damaging consequences of physical injury. Our winter sports cover ranges from cross country skiing to heli-skiing to ski racing to ski acrobatics…find out more and get a quote today on our website:

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-travel-insurance/

The broadcast schedule for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events can be found here: http://www.powdermag.com/latest-news/full-2013-14-f-i-s-world-cup-schedule/

Ski safe – Tips to ensure you have the best holiday

Skiing and snowboarding, unfortunately, are not cheap sporting pursuits. With ski wear, lift passes and pricey mountain lunches to consider on top of the rudimentary travel and accommodation costs, it is not surprising that a week’s holiday is coveted. These seemingly repellent factors are ineffective deterrents however with people and families alike flocking to ski resorts in their hundreds of thousands each year to experience the indescribable sensation of making tracks in fresh powder, the adrenalin rushes, the beautiful scenery and the camaraderie. You can check out our top 10 ski resorts here! 

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/skiing-top-10-resorts-worldwide/

On paper, skiing is no more dangerous now than it ever was but the very nature of the sport – notably its dependence on weather conditions – means precautions should always be taken. Mountainous areas are renowned for their unpredictable weather; freezing temperatures, poor visibility and volumes of snow can create additional risks that are totally out of our control and therefore it is important to make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy before you embark on a skiing holiday. SportsCover Direct offers policies to suit all kinds of skiing from cross country to ski racing to competitive jumping to heli-skiing…not to forget the snowboarders! 24 hour medical emergency assistance, cover for off piste, reimbursement for passes, tuition, equipment, and repatriation are just some of the benefits offered by our tailored policies. Find out more here: https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/

Wearing a helmet should also be a no-brainer! While some people argue they do little to reduce the risk of injury, 70% of skiers and snowboarders now wear one and it has been made law in Canada. Pisted slopes can be as hard as concrete and this coupled with the high-speeds frequently reached, even by beginners, makes wearing a helmet very basic and essential protection. Those venturing off-piste should also be equipped with a transceiver, probe and shovel as snow is easily displaced under a skiers weight, triggering avalanches.

The Winter Season Is Fast Approaching!

Looking to hit the slopes this year? With medical costs that have the potential to be financially crippling, it is essential to make sure you are insured while skiing and snowboarding. We offer a range of policies from heli-skiing to cross country skiing to ski racing to snowboard stunting! Check out how we can cover you by visiting the below links. 

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/ski_insurance.html/

https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/insurance/snowboard.html/

Funny Snowboarding Fails!

Check out these funny snowboarding fails! Hope they had the right sports insurance in place! 

Extreme Sports

Taking part in extreme sports is popular all over the world, the phrase extreme sports refers to sports and activities that have a high level of danger. Usually extreme sports involve speed, height and also a high level of physical application.  

The term extreme sport is used all over the world however, deciding on which sports fall into this category is often debatable, although the majority of extreme sports are more solitary and don't involve teams. Due to the worldwide participation in extreme sports many people travel abroad to take part in them.

If you are travelling abroad this year and plan to participate in an extreme sports activity, have fun and make sure you are covered by the correct insurance policy. If you need help checking that you have the right insurance in place feel free to get in touch with us, we will be very happy to check your insurance policy over for you! http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/pages/contact/

This Snow Is Making Us Feel Like A Winter Sports Adventure!

Hey guys the SportsCover team were just discussing how all this snow makes us feel like grabbing our skis or booking a snowboarding holiday! Is this weather giving anyone else the urge to book a winter sports adventure?

Booking Your Next Sports Adventure Travel Can Be As Easy As 1..2..3

2012 has been a significant year for everything travel-related. Groupon offers have been very popular, offering some fantastic deals on flights.It’s not only Groupons that have provided great low cost flights, 2012 saw discounted flights become even more accessible than ever before. Many people have taken advantage of some of the price drops in flights and online travel offers. 

You can also find some great offers online for adventure travel packages. Adventure travel holidays have become accessible for people from many different walks of life; The internet and the online world of social media, means that you are able to quite easily get a recommendation for a holiday or sports travel adventure from friends via social media, book a break, then go on to purchase your break all online; here’s an example break down...

1. You plan to go on an adventure ski-ing break with a group of friends
2. You are responsible for finding a great deal on the accommodation, so you jump on your computer, smart phone or tablet and you get off to a good start and find a great late deal, ie...http://www.neilson.co.uk/ski/late-deals
3. Through Facebook you share the deal that you find ...https://www.facebook.com/
4. You or another friend then go on to find a deal on the flights ie...http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flight-guide-to-Les-Deux-Alpes/
5. You consolidate these two offers and again communicate this with the group through social media. As a group you have managed to make some great savings.
6. All that’s left now is to get a great deal on your adventure travel insurance, ie...http://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-travel-insurance/ 
7. Final communication is made with the group, (again through social media) and your adventure break is all booked and confirmed with all parties.

The above can be considered a typical procedure for many individuals booking an adventure break and it can be booked and paid for, all within 10-15 minutes, often the need for verbal communication about the break details is unnecessary and 2013 looks set for it to become an even more popular way of booking your adventure break.

Point six is a very significant part of the process and it is the part where at SportsCover Direct we are able to offer lots of assistance.

SportsCover Direct offer the more “adventurous” type of insurance for those who want to live life on the edge. Whether it be mountain biking in Scotland, ski-ing in the French Alps or Rock Climbing in Africa, with SportsCover Direct, we want you to enjoy every second of your holiday and have a worry-free experience. Great memories are easier to create with an unburdened mind. If you are planning a sports adventure break or you are participating in an exciting sporting activity for the first time, the last thing you should be concerned about is whether you are insured for the activities you will be doing. 

SportsCover Direct caters for those who like to explore and push themselves to the extreme, those individuals who crave the thrill. From bungee jumping to cliff diving, SportsCover Direct will cover you all the way.

So have fun and chase the excitement, but be sure to plan for any eventuality; lack of adequate insurance cover can often be costly. We can provide you with the right kind of adventure travel insurance for your next adventure.

Be sure to cover yourself for every eventuality, visit us at www.sportscoverdirect.com whereby you can get a FREE, no obligation adventure cover quote, as well as purchase full sports insurance cover, alternatively please feel free to call us on 0845 120 6400 and we will ensure your peace of mind and security while you tighten up your harness for your next adventure.

Extreme Sports Travel Insurance

Take a look at our latest video regarding extreme sports travel insurance.

Its winter sports time!

Many of our clients are enjoying Snowboard and Skiing this winter, both abroad and in the UK! What’s your favorite winter sport?