Schumacher Accident Investigators Report

Tony_H wrote:3 metres from the edge of the piste IS off piste Ally. This is where many people get it wrong, thinking that just bobbing off the edge is ok, but it is technically off piste. Off piste is not back country or touring miles from anywhere.
Ally, would you ever ski 3 metres from a piste and think you were fully insured and ok?

Please lets discuss this for what it is... a tragic ACCIDENT. I find your attempt to turn it into an insurance/off piste issue a bit distasteful Tony.

Brucie wrote:
Please lets discuss this for what it is... a tragic ACCIDENT. I find your attempt to turn it into an insurance/off piste issue a bit distasteful Tony.

I suspect that what he was trying to do was defining what 'off-piste' really means, rather than being distasteful. There are no grades of 'off-piste', and particularly if any of us have to make an insurance claim.

Huwcyn wrote:

Brucie wrote:
Please lets discuss this for what it is... a tragic ACCIDENT. I find your attempt to turn it into an insurance/off piste issue a bit distasteful Tony.

I suspect that what he was trying to do was defining what 'off-piste' really means, rather than being distasteful. There are no grades of 'off-piste', and particularly if any of us have to make an insurance claim.

I think that's exactrly what Tony was trying to do to be fair - as soon as you are past the markers you are off piste, you dont have to be skinning up the middle of nowhere or heli skiing

I also thought that unfamiliar skis might be a factor and it was the first time I'd read a mention of it so thought would include. Although on the other hand it may be completely irrelevant and it's no use to speculate anyway, albeit human nature to do so. I have my own good skis but often take up offers to demo equipment so - speculation again - that might be the explanation with Mr Schumacher, he can obviously afford as many pairs as he likes, but equally he can test as many as he likes too and there's always some new pair to try.

I guess Schumacher can afford the medical care if his insurance does not stump up. Let us just hope for the best outcome for him.

In many European countries walking across a pelican crossing on red is not only discouraged but, unlike skiing off-piste, is a criminal office, and almost certainly invalidates travel insurance under a general exclusion for 'illegal activities', so no responsible holiday-maker would do it, and yet there will always be the odd risk-taker, and given Schumacher's profession, he may be one. I am a risk-averse skiier and feel many on the pistes going too fast to be safe, but walking at a red light or nipping outside the markers is sometimes just too tempting...

Brucie wrote:

Tony_H wrote:3 metres from the edge of the piste IS off piste Ally. This is where many people get it wrong, thinking that just bobbing off the edge is ok, but it is technically off piste. Off piste is not back country or touring miles from anywhere.
Ally, would you ever ski 3 metres from a piste and think you were fully insured and ok?

Please lets discuss this for what it is... a tragic ACCIDENT. I find your attempt to turn it into an insurance/off piste issue a bit distasteful Tony.

Good grief. I have not attempted to do anything, other than respond to Ally's comment about being surprised that being 3 metres off piste was regarded as off piste. That is all. You may now wind your neck back in. No distaste here to be found. :roll:

I suspect it has highlighted what many don't realise is that the piste ends at the marker and technically anything else is off piste - even a few feet as in MS accident.

Quite what the insurance implications are if you unintentionally go off piste in error (poor markings, fog, or just as part of a crash)?

I'm insured for off piste (not that I do it really) so I don't have to worry about cutting through between adjacent pistes or playing in the powder at the side. However I guess it's important to check your policy.

THIS THREAD HAS NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH OFF PISTE OR INSURANCE ISSUES!!!!