It's prudent to consider travel insurance for any holiday, but when it comes to snowboarding vacations it's even more important to make sure you are insured with a dedicated snowboarding holiday insurance policy. If you were to suffer an injury whilst snowboarding, you could easily find yourself faced with extortionate medical bills and, should something seriously go amiss, the cost of emergency repatriation.
A cheap ski and snowboard travel insurance policy shouldn't be difficult to find as many insurers now offer policies for winter sports which provide cover for activities such as; snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing and ice skating.
To begin comparing quotes, please hit the button above, or read on to find out more about snowboarding insurance.
What does snowboard insurance cover?
You'll find that a snowboarding policy gives you the standard cover you'd expect from a holiday insurance policy such as; baggage cover, cancellation cover, medical expenses and emergency repatriation cover, plus much more tailored cover which may include; snowboarding equipment cover, full winter sports cover, enhanced medical cover and - in some cases - off piste cover if you are under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
It's also common for snowboard insurance to cover emergencies which may arise on the slopes such as their closure and piste rescue, but you should always read the policy wording before travelling to make sure you are covered for each of the activities you will be taking part in.
When would snowboard cover not be suitable?
If you plan to take part in other winter sports activities such as skiing or tobogganing, it's worth looking into a general winter sports travel insurance policy.
Single trip snowboarding cover is unlikely to cover you for extended period trips, particularly if you are planning to stay for the whole season, and in this case it may be worth investigating an annual travel insurance policy or a backpacker's policy with added winter sports cover.
It is also important to make your insurer aware of any pre-existing medical conditions which could result in a claim and in these circumstances you should look into purchasing travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.
What gear do I need?
If you are an experienced snowboarder, you'll most probably have all the necessary equipment or know what to hire before you hit the slopes. If you are new to snowboarding then you will need to have the following:
Snowboard. For beginners, it's best to opt for an all-mountain snowboard. This is easier to balance on and you'll find turning that little bit easier too. You should always aim to choose a board that matches your snowboarding ability with a length that is suitable for your height and build.
Bindings. These are what keep the board attached to your boots and you'll usually find that they are either step in types or, more commonly, of the strap-on variety. It's important to make sure they are the right type for your boots so you should ask a professional for advice regarding the right fit. It's also important to make sure you have the right angle on the bindings to make sure your feet are in the correct position before you take to the slopes.
Boots. It's vital that you get the right boots as this is what connects you to your snowboard. For beginners, it's best to opt for a soft boot as you'll find these give you more control of your board. You should also make sure they are a comfortable fit with adequate support for your ankles.
Helmet. You should wear a helmet whenever you go snowboarding, it really is the most important piece of safety equipment you can buy so it's important to make sure it fits well and that you keep the chin strap securely fastened.
Goggles/sunglasses. At high altitudes you'll find that the suns rays are much stronger so you'll need to protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses (don't forget the sun block too). You should also have a pair of goggles for when it's snowing and for colder days when you need to protect your face from the cold air; they'll also give your eyes increased protection from stray branches or stones.
Wrist guards. You'll find that you fall over a lot when you first learn to snowboard, so it's vital that you protect your wrists from possible fracture with rigid wrist guards. It's good advice to wear these whatever your level of experience as everyone falls over from time to time.
Gloves. You could easily suffer from frostbite if you don't adequately protect your hands, so make sure you wear a good pair of warm gloves or mittens at all times when out on the slopes.
What should I wear when snowboarding?
It's a good idea to wear several layers when snowboarding, that way you can shed layers if it gets too warm or add more when it gets colder. It's important to keep warm as you could easily get frostbite or hypothermia if you don't take adequate measures to protect yourself.
To achieve this it's a good idea to invest in some thermal underwear and socks along with a neck gaiter which can be pulled up to keep your neck and the top of your head warm on the days when it's really cold.
When it comes to thermal underwear, it's best to go with synthetic fabrics as natural fibres such as cotton can easily become waterlogged, sapping your body heat in the process.
Simple snowboarding safety rules
Once you are kitted out with the right gear, it's time to consider safety on the slopes. It's important to remember that snowboarders face sideways when travelling down the slopes, so a blind spot is created behind them. For this reason you should always make sure no one is in your way when making a heal edge turn to your right.
Other tips include: never venture beyond the boundary of the slope (off limit areas are usually signposted), always take to the slopes with a friend (for obvious reasons), follow good snowboarding etiquette (those in front and below you have right of way) & knowing your limits (if you're a novice, stick to the beginner slopes).
How easy is it to arrange cover?
The good news is it couldn't be easier to find a great snowboarding insurance policy. With our online comparison you can quickly enter the details of your trip along with your personal details and you'll begin receiving quotes from UK insurers immediately.