Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
20 January 2017 09:31
France's weather has threatened tens of thousands of winter sports holidays
Winter sports enthusiasts are being urged to check they have the right insurance after new research shows only 1 in 6 people are covered under their standard travel insurance policy.
While specialist winter sports travel insurance is available, many holidaymakers are heading to the slopes assuming their annual or single trip travel insurance will provide them with adequate cover if things go wrong.
Just 15% of annual travel insurance policies and 4% of single trip travel insurance policies cover winter sports as standard, according to data from independent researcher of financial products, Defaqto.
Warm weather
In December, "unprecedented" drought in France threatened tens of thousands of winter sports holidays.
The dry weather and warmer climate led to a consequential lack of snow, resulting in many winter sports destinations resorting to snow cannons, or been forced to close the slopes altogether.
Haute-Savoie saw its driest December for 135 years, with just 0.2mm of rain falling in Annecy, The Times reported.
Meanwhile, at the start of this year, many resorts were reporting their 50th day without natural snowfall, resulting in dozens of resorts being forced to fall back on snow machines, the newspaper added.
Those who have failed to take out adequate insurance are being left disappointed and out of pocket, the data suggests.
Brian Brown, head of insight at Defaqto, said: "We advise anyone who is looking to head to the slopes this season to ensure they are fully aware of the cover they need and the products available, in order to make the best informed decision and enjoy their holiday knowing they are covered."
Going off-piste
The study also finds that many policies have restrictions in place when it comes to off-piste skiing.
Some policies will only allow "restricted" off-piste, while 15% of single trip insurance policies do not permit off-piste skiing at all.
17 July 2019
Want to experience a different side of Portugal? Check out one of these great destinations that lie a step or two away from the standard tourist trail...
[more...]
08 July 2019
Want to taste the real France? Experience the best French food and drink at one of these excellent foodie festivals. Perfect for food and wine lovers everywhere!
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.