Zavarovalnica Triglav dd : Every second accident on Slovenia’s ski slopes involves a child or young person

Slovenia's ski resorts will be full during the upcoming holiday season, so taking care when winding down the snow-white slopes is a must. Skiers should never forget the ten golden rules that FIS say should be respected for incident-free fun on the slopes. Every skier should take care not to put others in danger, to ski safely and in line with their knowledge and skills, and to never ski while under the influence of alcohol. Particular attention should be paid to young skiers, who are generally the most inexperienced (as well as the most unpredictable).

Helmets compulsory for children

'Skiing equipment that is in tiptop condition is a precondition for safe skiing. A helmet is compulsory for children under 14, and protective equipment is highly recommended for everyone else. A back protector, or 'turtle', is another important part of a child's ski equipment, along with goggles, gloves and warm clothing. Parents should take care to ensure that their children's ski equipment is neither too big nor too small. They should feel comfortable, and their equipment should not constitute an extra 'burden'', said Boštjan Paradiž, director of Vabo, which operates the Kope resort.

At Koroška's largest ski resort, they are devoting a great deal of energy to prevention activities and to raising young children's awareness of the importance of safe skiing. Instructors, medical staff, lift operators and supervisors all play an important role on the slopes. Supervisors ensure that all trails are properly secured with safety nets, safety cushions and markings, and are child-friendly - indeed, that they meet the needs of all visitors. 'This year we have invested most of our energy in a new, larger children's ski area, with the very latest equipment, that has been expanded to the Sedlo slope. It is aimed at the very youngest skiers - those that have mastered at least the basics. They will therefore be able to acquire new skills and reinforce their existing knowledge through fun and games,' said Paradiž.

Patiently and without high expectations

As they point out at Kope, which sees around 60,000 skiers every year, patience is the biggest virtue when introducing young children to the world of skiing. 'The most common mistake parents make is in being impatient and expecting too much from their children.' As Primož Tertinek, head of the Nitro Kope skiing and snowboarding school, points out: 'There's nothing wrong with starting your kids off at the age of five or older.' Many injuries suffered by children on the slopes are the result of fatigue. He advises parents to take frequent breaks.

Zavarovalnica Triglav jumped at the chance to help ensure that young skiers enjoyed even greater safety as part of For A Better Tomorrow, its traditional prevention campaign. For the fourth year running, Slovenia's largest insurer has redirected a portion of funds to support a range of prevention projects around the country, thereby fulfilling its mission of social responsibility and the creation of a safer future in practice. The setting-up of a children's ski park on the slopes at Kope is among the more than 20 projects supported by Triglav this year. The park contains protective features in the form of natural objects (spruce trees, flags, pictures of animals) fashioned from natural foam and wrapped in water-resistant materials. They will therefore learn how to ski safely through play.

Two ski resorts, thousands of young skiers

'At Triglav we know that children are our future, which is why we endeavour, through our many prevention-related activities, to secure a better and safer future for them. This time round, the Slovenj Gradec regional office decided to help two Koroška ski resorts that see thousands of young visitors every year. The new set-ups will help them negotiate the white slopes in even greater safety,' explained Tonja Vinkl, director of the Slovenj Gradec Regional Office of Zavarovalnica Triglav. The office has also provided funds to the Ravne na Koroškem Institute of Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Activities as part of this year's New Year prevention campaign. The support provided by Slovenia's largest insurer has also helped set up a children's ski area at the Poseka resort.

'We have directed the funds we have received to ensuring safety in the children's area and making the area more attractive. Together with Triglav, we have ensured that young families and young skiers feel safe with us and enjoy their free time at Poseka,' said Aleš Logar, director of Ravne na Koroškem Institute of Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth Activities.

Over the last three years, Zavarovalnica Triglav have supported more than 70 prevention projects throughout the country as part of the campaign.