A Quarter Of Men Blame Their Accident On A Lack Of Experience

One in three men suffer skiing injuries by going too fast on the slopes, a survey conducted by national law firm Irwin Mitchell has revealed. 

With the skiing season in full swing, Irwin Mitchell’s Safety on the Slopes campaign reinforces the importance of having lessons and the correct training before you head down the mountain, especially if you’re a novice. 

The survey of 3,812 skiers found that nearly a quarter (23%) of skiers from the UK suffer injuries abroad. Of those 864 skiers:

• Nearly one in three men (29%) admit their injuries were caused by going too fast on the slopes while only one in five women do the same.
• Nearly one in four men (24%) admit their injury was caused by a lack of experience, practice and training compared to 13% of women.
• More than four out of ten men (43%) say their injuries ended their skiing holiday compared to only one in three women.

Specialist travel lawyer Demetrius Danas believes the survey highlights the risk some skiers are taking on the slopes and the importance of having the appropriate insurance cover for a winter sports trip.

Expert Opinion

“Skiing is great fun but accidents can be serious and leave people with long-term injuries that can affect their work, their finances and their quality of life.

“Our survey shows that gender does play a role in skiing injuries with a high percentage of men admitting that their accidents were caused because they were going too fast.

“These accidents can have long-term impacts and we have represented many clients who have suffered life-changing injuries. We provide them with legal advice and support through their rehabilitation but many of these injuries could and should have been avoided.

“It is concerning to see that nearly a quarter of male skiers consider that a lack of experience, practice or training caused their accident to happen." Demetrius Danas - National Head of International Serious Injury

Clive Garner, Head of International Personal Injury at Irwin Mitchell is worried by the stats that suggested a high number of skiers are going to fast on the slopes.

Expert Opinion

"We are also very concerned by the number of both men and women skiers who suffered injuries because they were skiing too fast. No one should ski at a speed at which they are uncomfortable with or concerned about losing control.

“The same goes for avoiding slopes which are overly challenging bearing in mind the skier's experience and ability. At the same time as enjoying themselves on the slopes skiers need to consider the risk of injury and take reasonable steps to avoid injuring themselves or others.

“Ski resorts have a responsibility to provide safe conditions for skiers and snow boarders but this doesn’t always happen. Sadly we see incidents each year where clients have been seriously injured by problems including inadequately maintained facilities, faulty or badly maintained ski lifts and sub-standard tuition or equipment. These issues often give rise to legal claims for compensation by those who have been injured.

“As well as taking sensible precautions when on the slopes, and being aware of your legal rights in case something goes wrong, we recommend that everyone who engages in winter sports should have adequate insurance to cover you for any unexpected accident.” Clive Garner - Consultant

The Safety on the Slopes interactive website is available here.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury following a skiing accident abroad, our personal injury solicitors could help you to claim compensation. See our Skiing Injury Claims page for more information.