[January 30, 2014]

Avalanche Warnings Prompt Insurance Company to Reinforce Importance of Coverage for Backcountry Skiers

In light of recent avalanche warnings due to warm weather in BC, Travel Underwriters, one of Canada's leading travel insurance providers, together with its partner, the Alpine Club of Canada, aims to inform backcountry skiers of their travel insurance options.

"There's a misconception that backcountry skiers can't get travel insurance, which isn't the case", shares Patrick Robinson, Travel Underwriters' President & CEO. "We're concerned that many aren't exploring their insurance options, which isn't ideal, particularly when they're out of their home province."

In a study by Aviva, one in seven winter sports-goers admits that they don't buy the appropriate insurance coverage for winter sports. Despite the dangers of this sport, backcountry recreationalists can and should get insurance.

Peter Muir, President of Alpine Club of Canada says "backcountry skiing is about planning-route and gear selection, watching the weather and keeping informed from our friends at the Canadian Avalanche Centre. Too often, we forget or ignore to plan for the unexpected consequences."

Here's what skiers need to know:

Canadians travelling out-of-province need travel insurance to be covered for certain medical expenses. For example, if you're from British Columbia and get injured in Alberta, expect to pay. If you think your credit card or employer's group plan is enough coverage, ask yourself if you're adequately covered if something goes wrong.

Skiing out-of-province or across the border means more than just worrying about avalanches. Other types of accidents and injuries can occur on the mountain or even in the parking lot. No one wants to want to pay for out-of-pocket expenses or costly medical bills, and Search and Rescue will only cover the basics.

For more information, visit www.travelunderwriters.com or Travel Underwriters' blog.

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About Travel Underwriters
As one of Canada's top travel insurance providers, Travel Underwriters is respected for its agility, commitment and market-driven responses. Since 1964, we have provided peace of mind to travellers the world over, and have been there to help when they needed it the most.

Our partners include insurance brokerages and agencies, automobile associations, airlines, travel and tour companies, financial services and Fortune 500 companies. Our travel insurance policies are sold to travellers through our partners and, together, we insure millions of trips each year. Travel Underwriters' parent company, TU Group is designated a Canada's Best Managed Company for 2012.

About the Alpine Club of Canada
The Alpine Club of Canada is Canada's national mountain organization. Based in Canmore, Alberta, the ACC has been a focal point for Canadian mountaineers since 1906. With 22 regional club sections across Canada, membership in the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA), year-round mountain adventures, and the largest network of alpine and backcountry huts in North America, the ACC has grown from its early inception into Canada's National Mountain Organization with a strong foundation of volunteer, professional and corporate support.

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