Do you need special insurance to ski in Italy now? Since 1 January 2022, skiers heading for the Italian slopes have been legally required to take out winter sports insurance with public liability cover, which can cover the cost of damages to third parties or their property in the event of an accident. While there’s a threat of fines for travellers who fail to comply, those unaware of the rule change needn’t panic, as ski resorts are offering travellers the option
to purchase the appropriate cover on arrival. In-resort policies are estimated to cost around €2-3 (£1.75-2.60) per day — though you won’t need to purchase this if you add winter sports cover to your policy before you leave. Although Italy is so far the
only country to introduce laws like these, a good winter sports insurance policy should be high on all skiers’ shopping lists, regardless of their destination. The risks associated with a ski trip are
unique, and unlikely to be covered by a regular travel policy (for example, if you require mountain rescue, which can be a hugely costly operation). Travellers should also be aware that while the old European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, covered some non-EU member states such as Switzerland, its replacement, the Global Health Insurance Card, doesn’t. Medical cover is therefore highly advisable for anyone travelling outside the EU. REENA SEWRAZ
I used to ski but I’m a sit-ski novice. Where is a good, accessible resort for learners? France’s Trois Vallées is great for skiers with disabilities, particularly Courchevel. Here, those learning to sit-ski, or as the French say, ‘handiski’, will find many accessible chairlifts and gondolas. Lift teams are knowledgeable and helpful when you’re getting on and off, and pistes are accessible without drag lifts. This means you can ski all over the mountain and journey throughout the Trois Vallées without worries about access.
Learning to sit-ski demands
the use of fairly flat, wide terrain until you find your balance point. Courchevel has some amazing, wide green runs, allowing you to get the hang of things before trying the host of cruisey blue pistes. It also has lots of ski-in, ski- out accommodation, which makes it simple to reach the piste without a wheelchair. And it’s an easy resort to access by road, with a blue badge parking bay right in the central Croisette in Courchevel 1850 ski area. Lift passes are half price with
a blue badge. Many of the restaurants on the mountain also have a wheelchair, which makes transferring easy at meal times. Most importantly: select a qualified adaptive ski instructor who is capable and caring. Plenty in Courchevel speak English, including all guides at Maison Sport’s team there. It’s crucial to find a guide who is an experienced teacher; someone who can understand your needs, knows the resort well and has access to the most up-to-date equipment.
maisonsport.com LIZZY BENWELL
What apps would you recommend to help improve ski performance? There are a number of apps that can enhance your on-slope experience. ‘Digital ski coach’ Carv provides ski tuition from your smartphone using wearable tech (sensor-filled insoles that fit snugly under the liner of your ski boots). Many have questioned whether an app can really replicate a ski instructor, but I was impressed when I tried Carv. It provides exceptional levels of detail about your ski technique, from edge grip and balance to pressure and symmetry. It then uses this data to give advice, including real-time audio coaching cues as you ski. The aim is to improve your Ski:IQ, a number that — for the competitive among us — can be compared to others in your area on a local leader board.
getcarv.com Ski Tracks is tried-and-tested
with skiers worldwide. It lacks a modern interface, but its beauty is in its simplicity, with tracking options including speed, distance, altitude, descent and total skiing time.
skitracks.com Another useful app — both
before and during your trip — is OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report offering weather forecasts, snow reports, webcams and on-the- ground pictures from fellow skiers, giving you a clear picture of the conditions in your destination. The app offers information for more than 2,000 resorts, which you can add as ‘favourites’ in your feed.
onthesnow.co.uk MEGAN HUGHES
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