The ski season is now officially underway, and thousands of Brits will be hitting the slopes in the coming months for a week or two of adrenaline-fuelled fun. (Featured image by SkiStar Salen)
Yet while most Brits take good care of themselves on the mountain, the Foreign Office is urging caution this year, following a higher number of deaths last year.
The Foreign Office’s Marseille office, which covers ski resorts across France, has launched a campaign to discourage risk-taking among British skiers.
“Last year we saw a high number of British nationals end up in hospital with serious injuries. Sadly this included a number of deaths,” said Simon Taylor, from the Foreign Office’s Marseille office.
“Many of these accidents can be prevented by taking simple precautionary steps.”
The Foreign Office is discouraging off-piste skiing in particular, saying this was the cause of many of the cases it had to deal with last year.
While the number of serious accidents is still very low in terms of the number of people hitting the slopes each year, 2011 saw a higher-than-usual number of incidents.
There were 12 serious incidents involving Brits on the slopes last year, with seven fatalities.
“Those lucky enough to survive an accident and end up in hospital can face months of recovery, so it is important to think carefully beforehand about the very real risks out there,” added Mr Taylor.
Research has revealed that the majority of British skiers class themselves as being at beginner or intermediate level, with many pushing themselves beyond their limits on the slopes.
It was found that almost two thirds of skiers and snowboarders venture on pistes above their level in order to stay with a group.
Not only that, but 70 per cent – including beginners – admitted to not always wearing a helmet when they are on the slopes.
