During the winter holiday of 2025, Danish tourists found themselves reaching out for help more than ever, with most needing assistance from SOS International, the country’s travel insurance alarm center. An impressive count of approximately 2,600 Danes contacted SOS during the popular travel weeks, particularly noted during week seven, commonly regarded as the peak of winter holiday travel.
According to the latest statistics from SOS International, 38 percent of these requests for help came during week seven of 2025, followed by 20 percent the following week, underscoring the winter holiday's popularity among Danish travelers. Karin Tranberg, Divisionsdirektør for Travelcare at SOS International, expressed, "We had some busy weeks around the winter holiday, both with help and guidance to Danes on ski holidays, but also largely to travelers at warmer destinations." This indicates not just the volume of travel but perhaps also the varied nature of winter holiday activities.
Among those requiring assistance, ski injuries emerged as prominent, comprising 19 percent of total cases reported. Despite summer vacations often seeming less risky, it’s skiing where injuries tend to be not just more frequent but more complex. Notably, more than every fifth ski injury (21 percent) resulted in the need for home transportation via the Bone Express—a specific transport service for severe injuries—whereas only four percent of other travel-related cases necessitated such measures.
The winter holiday patterns also reveal the demographics of those most likely to require help. An analysis of injury data indicates the age group most affected by ski injuries—those between the ages of 45 and 59—accounted for 35 percent of all ski-related issues. Following closely were children and teenagers aged 6 to 19 years, making up 27 percent of these incidents. Meanwhile, the segments traveling for non-skiing purposes had different age dynamics; individuals aged 20 to 44 comprised the majority of cases at 31 percent.
A notable concern arises as younger families often prefer sun-soaked beach getaways, shifting the focus away from the slopes. Tranberg noted, "We encourage parents to assist their children and young people with safety equipment and guidance. Skiing is a wonderful family vacation, but it can easily go wrong if precautions aren’t taken." Such advice reflects the prevalent need for heightened awareness, especially among families who might traditionally lean away from winter sports.
Among the injuries noted within ski resorts, knee injuries topped the list, showcasing how even familiar sports can present significant risk. Beyond skiing, the common health issues distressing vacationers included abdominal problems and fevers, which led to emergency calls regardless of the season. For those choosing warm weather spots over snowy mountains, both Spain and Thailand emerged as the most frequented destinations where Danish tourists sought SOS assistance.
Looking at specific locations, Austria, Italy, and Norway accounted for the lion’s share of ski-related injury reports. This trend highlights the continued popularity of these mountainous locales for Danish skiers. For those catching rays instead, reports indicated nearly equal requests for help from tourists vacationing in both Thailand and Spain, underscoring both the appeal of diverse winter holiday choices and the need for adequate travel insurance.
The age distribution of injuries among Danish travelers paints yet another diversity picture: ski injuries among those aged 6-19 hit 27 percent compared to just 0.5 percent from the toddler and preschool demographic. This could also suggest families potentially favoring warm destinations for the youngest members. Conversely, among those traveling elsewhere, 7 percent of assistance requests came from families with children aged 0-5 years, presenting the notion of shifting family holiday traditions.
Extra measures and insights from organizations like SOS International can provide invaluable support for holidaymakers aiming to navigate their travels safely. Their alarm center continues to play a pivotal role, handling inquiries from insurance partners and assuring travelers comfort amid medical emergencies. With winter holidays recording such significant incidents, perhaps it’s time for travelers to reconsider not only their destinations but also how prepared they are for those unexpected situations on the road.
Overall, as Danish travelers embrace varied winter vacation styles, from ski holidays to sunny getaways, the insights presented by SOS International highlight the continuous evolution of travel needs. One may hope these insights will serve both as a guideline for future travels and as encouragement for families to safely enjoy their winter escapes.