The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics is in full swing of preparation. Supported by the national policy of “getting 300 million people on the snow,” more and more people are taking up skiing. Data shows that by 2018, China had 742 ski resorts, with annual skier visits reaching 21.13 million. However, safety concerns cannot be ignored, as skiing injuries occur from time to time.
Skiing Carries Risks; Public Safety Awareness Needs Improvement
According to the 2019 Global Ski Market Report, China’s ski market is the only rapidly growing one globally, but it has also become the world’s largest market for beginner skiers. Over 80% of domestic skiers are either beginners or one-time visitors with little understanding of skiing techniques and minimal safety awareness.
Skiing remains a relatively dangerous sport for several reasons: speed is hard to control, beginners struggle to manage their bodies effectively, and many lack safety awareness. Many first-timers or casual skiers often choose not to hire instructors, instead learning by trial and error. Without knowing how to brake, slow down, or fall properly, they are highly prone to injury. Some may also recklessly attempt intermediate or advanced slopes before mastering the basics, posing significant risks to themselves and others.
In reality, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you should have a clear understanding of the risks and strictly follow the rules—choosing slopes that match your ability, staying on designated trails, being observant, avoiding crowded areas, and keeping a safe distance from others ahead. When overtaking, allow enough space for the person being passed, stay aware of surrounding skiers, make quick judgments, and maneuver safely. Only then can you ski more securely.
Don’t Panic If Injured; The “Golden 10 Minutes” Are Crucial for First Aid
According to data from the Beijing 120 Emergency Center in 2018, in just one week, 1,123 ski-related injury cases required emergency rescue. The most common injuries include knee and ankle sprains, ligament strains, etc. Therefore, knowing how to administer self-help immediately is crucial.
Simply put, when dealing with sports injuries, follow the three principles: immobilization, icing, and elevation. That is, stop activity immediately after injury, sit or lie down to prevent further or repeated harm, apply ice right away. Icing is vital in the early stages of sports injuries—it helps constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding and swelling, while compression bandaging and elevating the injured area are also essential. Then seek medical attention at the nearest hospital for necessary examination and treatment as soon as possible.
Currently, medical expenses resulting from accidental injuries during skiing are usually borne by the skier. Ski resorts typically purchase “public liability insurance,” which only provides compensation if the resort is at fault—due to poor management, facility defects, or faulty rental equipment. However, such public liability insurance usually has low coverage limits and may not cover high medical costs. Therefore, experts recommend that individuals purchase ski-specific insurance to mitigate potential risks during skiing.
As the official partner of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, PICC’s ski insurance not only covers personal injuries that may occur during skiing but also includes medical expenses for accidentally injuring others and property damage caused to others’ ski gear. Additionally, losses such as lost carry-on luggage or accident-related damages during the trip to and from the ski resort may also be compensated.
Currently, PICC offers two types of ski insurance: Domestic Ski Insurance and Overseas Ski Insurance. Users can choose the most suitable coverage based on their travel plans and desired coverage amount, with premiums starting as low as 7 RMB per day.
On the occasion of its 70th anniversary, PICC has successfully partnered with the Beijing Winter Olympics, embarking on a new journey of Olympic service. Over the past 70 years, PICC has “grown with the nation and walked alongside you,” consistently upholding its corporate mission of “People’s Insurance, Serving the People.” It continues to innovate and optimize its products and services, providing people with the highest quality and most considerate protection.