Top tips for winter sports in Slovenia
The Consular team in Ljubljana are working to reduce the number of winter sports related incidents affecting British Nationals on the slopes
Top tips to stay safe on the slopes
Every winter we provide assistance to British nationals who are injured following winter sports related accidents in Slovenia. Many of these may have been preventable. We urge British nationals use our top tips to stay safe on the slopes to have a fun and trouble free holiday in Slovenia.
Our top tips for a safe ski holiday
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Take out insurance – and check what it covers. It might not cover off piste skiing unless you are with a qualified guide.
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Have a medical check-up before you ski – one of the major causes of hospitalisation and death on the slopes is heart attacks.
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Don’t drink and ski. Alcohol can affect you more quickly at high altitudes and dangerously limits your awareness of risk and cold. Drinking and then skiing also risks invalidating your travel insurance.
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Most skiing injuries are caused by collisions with other skiers – watch your speed and distance.
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Don’t attempt slopes you’re not experienced or fit enough to tackle, even if you’re encouraged or pressured to do so by friends.
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If going off piste, carry a shovel, a probe and a transceiver in case of an avalanche. Also remember that you need proper training on how to use a transceiver.
- If you are going out on a glacier, you must wear a harness. If you fall into a crevasse, this will help the rescue team get you out.
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Make sure someone knows where you’re going and tell them of any changes to your plans.
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Only go off piste skiing or climbing with someone you have met previously and can trust. You need to know their capabilities, what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be going.
- Many insurers insist you wear a helmet. Protect your head and your policy.
Further information
The current activity in the Slovenian Alps is part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Know Before You Go campaign which encourages British nationals to prepare for their foreign travel so they can avoid preventable problems. Click here for a full holiday checklist.
If things go wrong during your trip to the Alps, dial 112 for the Emergency services. If you need consular assistance, call our consulate in Ljubljana on +386 1 200 3910.
For ongoing information for British nationals in Slovenia, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.