We say "mountains" - we mean "downhill skiing"
We speak «the mountains» - we mean «skiing»
Choice of direction
How to determine where to go? For simplicity, we will omit mountaineering and mountain hiking - if you are reading these lines, it is unlikely that you should immediately rush headlong into these activities. Of course, in 90% of cases we say «the mountains» in winter - we mean «skiing» or «snowboard». And here the experience can be very different..
On New Year's holidays, the flow of tourists rushes mainly in three directions: 73% go to the countries of the Schengen zone, 5% go to Thailand, and 4% also choose Europe, but those countries that do not belong to the Schengen zone. If we talk about the winter period as a whole, then the numbers and directions are undergoing some changes: countries that need a Schengen visa are chosen by 62%, Thailand - 10%, and another 3% go to the USA.
Russian and Western European resorts are traditionally popular among Russians. Within Russia, the main points on the map are Dombay, Elbrus, Cheget, Sheregesh, Krasnaya Polyana. Those who prefer to vacation abroad most often choose Austria, Andorra, Finland, Italy, France. The range of prices and conditions for recreation in Europe is quite large: some places are famous as ideal for family holidays (for example, the Finnish Levi), others as fashionable and party-friendly (the notorious French Courchevel, Italian Cortina-d’Ampezzo, Swiss St. Moritz). Recently, Eastern European resorts have also been competing with them. They have much less developed infrastructure, but rest there can be much cheaper. The most famous of them are Pamporovo and Bansko in Bulgaria. However, there are interesting (and much less popular among Russians) skiing places in Slovakia (Jasna), Czech Republic (Spindleruv Mlyn), and Romania (Poiana Brasov, Sinaia). Ski tourism is developing even in Turkey!
Going to the mountains, be sure to arm yourself with at least basic knowledge of safety
You need to choose the right equipment. Whole works are devoted to how to choose alpine skiing. Bad news for anyone who gets hysterical from an abundance of expressions like «paraffin slip»: There is no one-size-fits-all model for any beginner. Good news: skis and equipment do not have to be purchased, all of which can be rented.
It is definitely worth highlighting only a few recommendations. The main one: if you are a beginner, the length of the skis must certainly be less than your height (on average, it is recommended to subtract 10 centimeters).
In general, a million different factors affect the choice of skis, ranging from your weight to the height of the mountain peak. This is another reason in favor of renting: ski equipment is always expensive, and before spending money, it makes sense to properly test it. The only thing that experts advise to immediately buy their own - boots. Even the smallest inconsistency in the shape of your leg can affect your ride. One of the most common mistakes is the purchase of shoes that are too loose. In addition to skis and shoes, you will need bindings, poles, gloves, thermal underwear, a special suit with reflective elements and a helmet. This is the minimum you need to keep from freezing, getting sick, and reducing the risk of injury. By the way, all of the above, with some differences, applies not only to skiing, but also to snowboarding.!
Incorrectly chosen equipment - not only money down the drain, but also a threat to life and health
In the winter season, the number of insured events that occurred to Russian tourists during their holidays at foreign ski resorts increases. This includes primarily medical and other expenses of tourists (89% of requests), requests related to flight delays (3%), damage or loss of luggage (3%), as well as telephone calls (1%). Complaints related to civil liability, accidents, trip interruption, breakdown of sports equipment together account for 4%.
One of the most common winter sports injuries is fractures of the upper and lower extremities. Such fractures can be associated with rescue operations on the ski slopes, and in some cases with the call of a helicopter. Such «specialized» medical care and transportation to the home country are expensive, and regular travel insurance does not cover these costs. On average, the cost of transportation from the ski slopes in Austria, Finland, Italy, France and Switzerland is between 200 and 500 euros. The evacuation by helicopter will cost the victim an even more round sum - about 2,000 euros. That is why, it is important to purchase special ski insurance in advance in order to avoid huge expenses in case of injury..
Some Russian insurers, including Intouch, offer customers special winter offers and sports insurance. The policy from Intouch, for example, is convenient in that it provides round-the-clock support to its customers. It was created especially for those who plan to spend an active vacation at a ski resort outside of Russia. The policy covers medical expenses up to 30,000 euros, insures sports equipment against theft or damage, compensates for expenses in the event of the closure of the ski slopes due to bad weather. Also, the insurance contract from Intouch is suitable for submission to the embassies of European countries to obtain a Schengen visa. In the event of an emergency, it is enough to call the phone number indicated in the policy, and the Russian-speaking operators will organize the necessary medical assistance or prompt the procedure for action in a difficult situation..