Snowboarding tourists are more likely to injure themselves on the slopes than their skiing counterparts, according to research by Debenhams Travel Insurance.
Over one third of snowboarders (34 per cent) are likely to sustain an injury from their sport compared to just 17 per cent of skiers.
However, a great many of those frequenting the piste fail to arrange adequate insurance to cover them for the additional dangers presented by a mountaintop injury.
According to Diane Jackson, spokesperson for the Debenhams Travel Insurance, the standard policies included on a European health insurance card (EHIC) are not enough.
"While it does provide free or reduced cost medical treatment, it doesn't cover expenses such as being air-lifted off a mountain top - and that could cost thousands," she warned.
Even possessions in the enclaves of
ski accommodation are not safe: "Winter sports insurance is also essential to safeguard your holiday against piste closure, avalanches and theft of equipment."
Those in the
student travel demographic are most at risk, with snowboarders aged between 15 and 24 the most likely to suffer an injury.
Meanwhile, recent research by the US National Ski Areas Association revealed that the rate of ski or snowboarding deaths has not decreased since helmet use became more widespread.
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