Frost and found
Losing valuables while on a winter sports holiday is costing tourists more than they may think, according to Post Office Travel Insurance
According to the latest research by the Post Office Travel Insurance, a total of 143,000 UK holidaymakers lost something on the slopes last winter. Skiers must be having trouble keeping their eyes on the piste with 32 per cent – the top answer – losing their glasses, closely followed by mobile phones (25 per cent) and money (15 per cent). It seems that while many of us are gliding merrily down a run, one in 10 snow-lovers are left stuck on the chalet porch after losing their keys. A further seven per cent are braving the elements after confessing to leaving their ski jackets out on the slopes. And, worryingly, 12 per cent of holiday-goers could be at risk of suffering frost bite after declaring that they have lost their socks while on a snow holiday!
The top ten items lost on the slopes are:
1. Glasses (32 per cent)
2. Phones (25 per cent)
3. Money (15 per cent)
4. Socks (12 per cent)
5. Cameras (10 per cent)
6. Keys (10 per cent)
7. Tablets (7 per cent)
8. Ski jackets (7 per cent)
9. Boots (7 per cent)
10. Watches (6 per cent)
Slopes are the biggest black hole for valuables, with 43 per cent claiming their item was lost while hitting the runs. For nearly a fifth (18 per cent), après ski proved to be a slippery slope when trying to hold onto their belongings, while 17 per cent said they watched their valuables disappear from view while on a ski lift.
Many interviewed were red in the face, citing the worst thing about losing their belonging is the embarrassment (16 per cent). This was followed by not having the money to replace the item (16 per cent) or being forced to ditch the slopes all together (eight per cent). A further one in five (18 per cent) went as far as to say that the loss ruined their entire holiday.
Paul Havenhand, head of travel insurance at the Post Office, said: “Taking a winter break can be costly and should be as worry-free as possible. Losing valuable items on the slopes can be a stressful experience for many and, as our research shows, can spoil the holiday. Having the right winter sports cover in place can ease the strain when it comes to replacing precious personal possessions.”
Ben Jones, owner of La Taverne in Meribel commented: “We get lots of people coming in upset about losing their belongings on the slopes. If customers lose anything in our bar we do our best to reunite them with it, but there isn’t much we can do if it’s gone missing out on the piste. A zip pocket is a must for anyone heading out in the powder.”