Skiing and snowboarding is your first priority. Not only for yourself, but for others on the slopes. It’s essential to remember that skiing and snowboarding are extreme sports and should be enjoyed responsibly. Take a few minutes to read this blog. A very useful guide to ski & snow board safety.

Our Top Tips for staying safe on the ski slopes.

Protect your head:
Helmets are strongly recommend and can be rented from your ski fitment shop

Take out appropriate insurance:
Note many insurers will insist you wear a helmet. Check the small print. Make sure Winter cover is provided.

Have a medical check-up before you ski:
One of the major causes of hospitalisation and death on the slopes is heart attacks.

Save the local resort emergency number in your phone:
For the fastest response to your problem, call the ski resort first. For example, the emergency number for Borovets ski resort is +359 887 100 243.

Stay on piste:
Always stay within the marked ski slopes and don’t attempt slopes you’re not experienced or fit enough to tackle. Most people get into trouble because they are following their friends. Concentrate on your own path at all times.

Opening hours:
Always check daily the ski runs and lifts working hours. An obvious point, but well worth noting!

Code of Responsibility:
Always abide by the alpine responsibility code. Watch your speed and distance. Most skiing injuries are caused by collisions with other skiers.

Alcohol:
Read our drink safe guide below. Never ski or snowboard whilst intoxicated.

Never ski alone:
Even if you are skiing in a pair, do let each other know the route. Communicate and watch each others back.

Drink Safe

Ski stag weekends are great fun. But remember to drink safely and responsibly. Here’s our top tips.

• –  Always keep hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water before andduring a night out

• –  Eating isn’t cheating – Food helps slow the absorption of alcohol; carbs or protein such as pasta, potatoes and chicken are particularly good to eat before or while you’re out.

• –  It’s not a race, drink at your own pace – It takes up to an hour for your body to process each unit of alcohol. So have a break between drinks. Did you know the cheapest beer is found in a Bulgarian ski resort called Borovets. Read more about Borovets best bars here.

• –  Where do I live again? – It’s easy to forget you’re somewhere new. Plan your journey while you’ve got a clear head, and you’ve got a better chance of making it home without any surprise detours. Put a hotel card or leaflet in your wallet.

• –  Leave no-one behind – Especially in ski resorts its essential not to leave any mates behind or likewise wander off on your own. Temperatures at night can reach well below zero. If sharing a room with a friend look out for each other and make sure you get back to the hotel together.

• –  Looking out for each other – For a great night, you want your mates to be on top form too. So getting snacks and a jug of water for the table could be good for everyone. Look out for each other in case someone’s getting ahead of themselves. If they are, grab them some water or a soft drink from the bar and encourage them to pace themselves – you don’t want to have to miss out on your own ski stag weekend night out by having to take them back to the hotel & play nurse.

• –  Mine’s a pint…of water – If you stop drinking alcohol before the end of the evening and get some water in, your body can get a head start sorting itself out, which means getting home safely and less chance of
  a hangover tomorrow. Drink a glass of water when you get home too – you’ll thank yourself in the morning!

• Useful resources: Drinkaware.com | https://www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

Emergency services in Europe

Dial 112