The benefits from snowboarding insurance include:

• Full medical assistance if required
• Lift pass cover
• Piste closure cover, to compensate for lack of snowboarding
• Avalanche delay cover
• Snowboarding and skiing both included under the plan
• Snowboard and ski equipment cover
• Pre-existing medical insurance available

You will also benefit from our standard, comprehensive travel insurance. This means that you are automatically protected for over 150 sports and activities at no additional cost, whichever policy you choose.

Winter sports such as snowboarding attract risk. There are so many factors out of your control when you jump onto the ski lift and head upwards. The weather conditions on the mountainside can be critical. Then there is the questionable ability of some of the people who are moving all around you on the slopes. There is also the specialist equipment to consider. It could be a very expensive holiday if something were to go wrong, but we can take some of the financial risk away, as well as ease the usual travel related problems that can crop up on any trip away from home.

If you plan to do more than just snowboarding during your trip, our winter sports package includes ski insurance and cover for other activities like air boarding, snow tubing and glacier skiing.

Our advice is to make the most of the slopes and enjoy the ride. Just make sure you’ve protected yourself before you head downhill. Let us join you on the piste and we will be there for you if you need us.

Am I covered for off-piste snowboarding?

If you get our winter sports cover then you are covered for off-piste skiing and snowboarding, as long as it is within resort boundaries or with a qualified guide.

Snowboarding off-piste gives you a chance to enjoy untouched snow, as well as see sights that are inaccessible when on-piste skiing. It is a bigger challenge and is only suitable for more experienced snowboarders. There are higher risks involved, and you should look to pack extra equipment like a first aid kit and a collapsible shovel if you plan to snowboard off-piste.

What snowboarding gear do I need to wear?

Before stepping onto the snow for the first time, you need to make sure that you are properly equipped. Wearing the right clothing and having the right equipment can lead to a safer and more enjoyable experience. Ideally you should buy your own equipment before heading off for your trip so that they are fitted to suit, but in many cases, you can rent much of your equipment at ski resorts. It is worth checking ahead of time as this gives you the opportunity to check and compare prices, while pre-ordering can also save you money at some resorts.

For snowboarding you need specialised boots that are designed to connect your feet to the board. They are often designed to you own feet for a snug, comfortable fit and they are attached to the board through bindings.

A helmet is also essential to protect your head in case of collisions or accidents while on the snow. Research has shown that snowboarders wearing helmets are better protected from head injury, as well as any other kind of injury. As well as being a protective measure, the helmet can also help to keep your head warm during colder weather, as it is often warmer than other hats. When choosing a helmet, it is important that it is the right size for your head and is snug when you put it on, and it shouldn’t impair your vision when you are using it.

It is important to wear layers such as thermal underwear, as well as sweaters, vests and sweatshirts to keep you warm while on the snow. Over the top of these snowboard jackets can provide protection from the wind, while they are also waterproof. The weather can change throughout the day, so it can be beneficial to get a jacket that has temperature control, which helps keep you comfortable whatever the weather.

Gloves are another essential item for snowboarders to wear when they are traversing the snow. Having waterproof gloves that have good insulation can help protect your hands. You are likely to put your hands into the snow at various points while you are snowboarding, so buying a pair that can withstand extensive use is essential.

Much like for skiing, you are advised to wear goggles while you are on the slopes. They help tackle glare from the sun and protect your eyes from the UV rays, as you will be closer to the sun and therefore at greater risk. They also offer protection from the snow and debris, as your face can be close to the ground at certain points and when you come to a halt you can cause a lot of snow to fly in your direction.

Should I get snowboarding lessons?

If you are planning to go snowboarding for the first time during your next holiday, it is worth booking up some lessons so that you are prepared for the experience.

Many reports have claimed that snowboarding is harder to learn than skiing. This is because you often travel down the slopes sideways, which can restrict your vision. You are also travelling with your feet secured to the board, which is quite an unnatural position and means that it is difficult to prevent yourself from falling over.

Getting lessons before you head out onto the snow means that it should be a safer experience for you, and it could help you avoid potential hazards while you are on the slopes.

Some resorts offer lessons alongside skiing lessons, and you also have the option to hire a private instructor for personal or group lessons.

If you’re looking to practice before you step on the plane and in a controlled environment, there are many places around the UK that offer indoor snowboarding.

Choosing your snowboard and how to take care of it

One of the main factors that you need to consider when choosing a snowboard is the size. The board that you go with depends on your body weight and what you plan to do when you’re on the snow. If the length of your board goes up to your chin, then it should be a good fit for you. However, you can get longer boards to try and get more stability and speed, while shorter boards can be better for freestyle snowboarding. When it comes to width your boots should usually be slightly over the edge of the board.

There are different types of snowboards that you can get to suit different terrains. All-mountain boards are the most diverse as they can be used anywhere, and they are a suitable choice for beginners. You can also get freestyle, alpine and powder boards if you are more experienced and looking for new adventures on the snow.

Once you have your snowboard, you’ll want to take care of it so that you don’t have to spend money on a new one too quickly. Keeping your board in good condition also helps you to stay safe while you are on the slopes.

Snowboards are usually waxed before you buy them, and they can be used between five and ten times before they would need to be waxed again. If you use your board a large amount then there may be a point where you will need to get the edges sharpened, as this helps you get better grip when you’re on the snow.

You should always wipe your board down with a cloth at the end of the day, and it should be stored away from direct sunlight.