Alpine health - FAQ's
Can I drink the water?
Yes! Courchevel has good water treatment. The water
may taste a little metallic due to the high mineral content and
during the melting periods some people prefer to switch to bottled
water just in case the treatment plants are running to capacity.
Can I get sun burnt in winter?
Easily! Always take precautions against the strength
of the sun on a skiing holiday. At altitude with the reflection
off the snow, the sun’s rays can cause damage very quickly.
Always wear sunglasses, even when the sun is not shining. Apply
sunscreen and keep applying it (you can burn though cloud cover).
Putting on factor 40 once in the morning will not protect you from
burning. Reapply every hour.
How can I reduce the risks of injury?
Injury rates for skiing are much lower than most
people imagine, at between 0.2 and 0.4%. The French Society of Orthopedic
Surgeons suggests the following eight points to reduce your risk:
improve your physical fitness before your holiday; ensure bindings
are correctly set for your ability, weight and height; chose the
correct equipment for your level; wear a helmet (especially in a
snow park); warm up before setting out; make sure you take enough
food and liquids; and take a rest or cut short your day when you
start to feel tired.
Follow the piste safety code and hire equipment from the specialists
rather than borrowing from friends; stay within your personal limits
and don’t try to keep up with more experienced skiers. Bring
non-slip boots for walking in resort as pavements can be icy.
Skivolution
equipment hire and services
What are the commonest injuries?
Skiers: knee ligaments (anterior cruciate ligament
in particular) Make sure your ski-bindings are adjusted correctly
for your weight and level of skiing. Over 80 % of accidents to skiers
which result in sprained knee ligaments resulted from skis not coming
off during a fall.
Snow boarders: injuries to wrists and head (wear
a helmet and wrist protectors) and broken collarbones. Be careful
not to crash into anyone when you are wearing a helmet as this can
seriously injure them.
More information on ski
sport injuries
Ski-Injuries.com
What exercises should I do before my holiday?
Cardiovascular exercises will be helpful as these
increase endurance and reduce fatigue (the biggest cause of falls).
Pre-ski fitness work should also include exercises for strength,
flexibility and balance, to increase the strength of your bones
as well as helping to support your joints. Being ski fit will not
only make you more resistant to injury, but will increase your enjoyment
and enhance your performance.
fitness
for skiing advice
Will I suffer from altitude sickness?
Although Courchevel is not an especially high resort
(1300 - 1850m) the skiing in the Three Valleys reaches 3200m, so
you might suffer some mild effects. Being more out of breath than
usual on exercising, and slight tiredness are not uncommon. Drink
plenty of water to prevent dehydration and be careful of the strength
of the sun - these are far more likely to make you unwell if you
are not sensible than the altitude.
What is an E111 form and do I need one?
From 01 January 2006, anybody heading overseas
should be aware that you will be required to carry a European health
insurance card (EHIC). This replaces the old paper based E111 which
will cease to be valid after the 31 December 2005. There are arrangements
throughout the European economic area for coordinating the health
care systems of the member states. (This applies for countries like
Switzerland) The EHIC gives rights to treatment during a temporary
visit.
However, in France you have to pay for treatment up front and have
it refunded at a later date. Around 70% of standard doctors' fees
and dentists' fees are refunded and between 35% and 65% of the cost
of most prescribed medicines.
For an emergency stay in the hospital you have to pay for roughly
25% of your treatment as well as a daily charge on discharge from
hospital. For English visitors, consult the department of health's
website for full details about the health care facilities in France.
further
information about the new EHIC
Additionally, in France you are required to pay for out patient
treatment, then claiming for a refund from the local sickness insurance
office before you go home. For in-patient treatment, the doctor
you have consulted or the hospital doctor will issue you with a
certificate (attestation). The hospital should then send a notice
of admission-acceptance of responsibility (Avis d'admission-prise
en charge) form to the local sickness insurance office along with
your E111. If they do not, you should send it yourself. If you are
treated in an approved hospital, the local sickness office will
pay 75% or more of the cost direct to the hospital and you must
pay the balance. You must also pay a fixed daily hospital charge
(forfait journalier). The 25% balance and the forfait journalier
are non-refundable.
IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE:
-
It does not cover cancellation insurance or
repatriation. We suggest that you have both, particularly if
spending significant amount of time in the Alps.
-
Old E111 forms issued before the 19 August
'05 are now invalid
-
E111/EHIC are free to all UK residents
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