Skiing Accidents Surge During Holiday Season in Italy: Report

ROME: One in five skiing accidents in Italy took place between the Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities, with accidental falls accounting for a significant portion of these incidents, according to a report released by the observatory of the Snowcare insurance company on Thursday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the report detailed that only 10% of these accidents involved collisions between skiers, while 33% were due to accidental falls in 2024. The observatory also noted a 2% increase in paid rescue interventions on the slopes compared to the previous year, indicating a slight rise in the need for emergency assistance.

Despite the increase in accidents, the report highlighted a trend toward greater caution among skiers, as evidenced by a rise in the sale of daily and seasonal third-party liability insurance policies. This suggests that skiers are becoming more aware of the potential risks associated with the sport and are taking steps to mitigate their liabilities.

The study further revealed that the majority of accidents occurred between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with over 82% of these incidents happening on the slopes. Male skiers were involved in 51% of the accidents, suggesting a slight gender disparity in skiing-related mishaps.