Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
13 February 2014 09:08
More skiers are wearing helmets, a poll has revealed
As many as 71% of Telegraph Travel readers who ski now wear a helmet on the slopes following Michael Schumacher's accident.
This is according to a poll undertaken in the wake of the retired German Formula One driver's off piste accident in Méribel on December 29, from which he is still in a coma.
British retailers have also reported a huge hike in ski helmet sales.
Adventurous holidaymakers who love the challenge of the slopes can find appropriate sports travel insurance to indulge in their hobby rest assured.
Telegraph Travel polled more than 1,000 skiers and snowboarders.
Its findings suggest a massive switch in the attitudes of British winter sports enthusiasts.
The 71% contrasts with the 39% found to wear a helmet in a comparable survey undertaken by the same publication five years earlier following the death of Natasha Richardson.
The 45-year-old actress suffered a head injury at Canada's Mont Tremblant resort.
The latest questionnaire supports ones conducted by America's National Ski Areas Association and in Switzerland into the safety habits of skiers and boarders in 2013.
These showed that 70% and 76% respectively wore protective headgear. The new survey comes with the approach of February half-term, a favourite week in the family skiing calendar.
ABTA, an association of tour operators and travel agents, said that British skiers are more likely than ever to don helmets.
A debate on whether protective headgear should be mandatory has continued for years.
Some helmet opponents claim they encourage wearers to take extra risks, while others say it should be left up to the individual.
Victoria Bacon, head of communications for ABTA, said the association encourages every skier and boarder to don a helmet.
Ms Bacon said: "We want people to be able to make the most of their time on the slopes and knowing you have the right kind of equipment is one less thing to worry about."
06 January 2020
Get the most out of your 2020 getaway with our top holiday planning tips.
[more...]
Discover a new passion this winter with one of these alternative winter sports.
Stay safe out on the slopes with our 5 top safety tips for winter sports...
Is learning a language your new year's resolution? Try one of these interactive apps to help you on your way.
20 December 2019
Take to the slopes in 2020 at one of our favourite winter sport destinations...
Join us on a quick culinary tour to see what the world will be feasting on over the festive period...
19 December 2019
Think nice rather than naughty, with our tips to making the most of a Christmas getaway with the kids...
Tackle the trials and tribulations of Christmas travel with our easy to follow tips.
02 December 2019
Turn Christmas traditions on their head and treat yourself to the present of a festive season away from home.
Reduce your screen time and commit to some me time at some of our favourite detox destinations.
09 December 2019
We asked for the tale behind tea and found ourselves more infused than ever.
Marvel at views of the world's most spectacular peaks.