Theft is snow joke
According to snow sports membership club and winter sports insurance specialist the Ski Club of Great Britain (Ski Club), theft continues to be a problem at ski resorts, with one in eight people having had their ski or snowboard equipment stolen while on holiday.
Ski Club’s research found that despite the expense (with 72 per cent of Ski Club members who responded to the survey valuing their ski or snowboard kit at £500-£800), 61 per cent of skiers and snowboarders make no attempt to mark or identify their kit. Furthermore, the survey found that 28 per cent don’t take security precautions when leaving their kit unattended and only 20 per cent use secure facilities to store their equipment.
In an effort to improve security on the slopes, Ski Club has offered holidaymakers tips to help prevent theft and its consequences. These include: marking equipment with details, keeping a record of serial numbers in order that items can be easily reported to the police, using secure ski lockers and investing in good quality ski or snowboard locks.
Frank McCusker, CEO of Ski Club, said the theft of skis and snowboards is a real problem: “Not only is it distressing when you have your items stolen, it also impacts your precious time on the slopes and can ruin a holiday.”
He added that holidaymakers should keep a proof of purchase or rental receipt of their equipment, as usually this is required when making a claim. “Our specialist winter sports insurance also covers you for sports that standard holiday insurance may not cover, such as touring, cat skiing, heli-skiing and off piste skiing, even without a guide,” he said. “The insurance policy is an annual one and supports many other sporting activities, not just snow sports. Always check what your policy covers you for before heading on holiday.”