Recession-hit Brits shun ski holiday insurance

Brits plan is likely to hit slopes without adequate ski cover this winter in an attempt to tighten their purse strings during the recession.

Record early snowfalls in some European resorts and forecasts of up to 100cm more snow across the Alps in the next few days means the winter sports season has got off to a good start.

According to the editor of Good Ski Guide the ongoing recession could encourage people to save money by "choosing a less expensive resort or, worse, not bothering to insure themselves".

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office estimate that up to a third of holidaymakers plan to travel without adequate insurance to cover their planned winter sports activities.

Overcrowding on the slopes is also tempting travellers to take risks, such as skiing off-piste or without a guide, according to AA Travel Insurance.

With treatment for a broken leg in the USA costing around £10,000 and £4,000 in Europe, the correct travel insurance is essential for anyone planning on hitting the slopes this season.

The company has issued the following advice to skiers and boarders:

1. Only attempt runs suitable for your ability
2. Leave plenty of space when overtaking another skier or boarder
3. Ski/snowboard on the marked runs. Skiing or boarding off-piste may invalidate your travel insurance
4. Don’t ski alone – there’s safety in numbers
5. ‘Après-ski’ is just that: avoid alcohol until you have finished skiing/boarding for the day