Insuring winter sports don't break the bank

With the winter sports season in full swing, fresh warnings have been issued about the financial dangers of skiing and snowboarding.

More than 1.2 million Britons headed to the slopes last year, but one in seven of these did not take out travel insurance to go with their gloves and goggles.

And Bradford & Bingley and Churchill have both warned this week of the financial risks these holidaymakers were taking.

"Winter sports holidays are becoming increasingly popular and new destinations are joining the established names as the search for 'fresh snow' grows," said Dave Foyle, head of general insurance at Bradford & Bingley.

But the cost of slipping on the slopes is considerable - with the insurer pointing out that a broken leg in the USA can cost up to £600 for mountain rescue, £20,000 for treatment, and £4,000 for airfares home.

Costs are more reasonable closer to the UK, but even in France a broken leg can set you back more than £5,000.

And snowboarding can be just as expensive a pastime as skiing.

Churchill points out that snowboarders are twice as likely to sustain serious injury as skiers.

Mike Ketteringham, head of Churchill Travel Insurance, noted: "With snowboarding becoming increasingly mainstream but no less dangerous, it's important for boarders to make sure they take winter sports cover in addition to their travel insurance. If not, they may have to deal with some unpleasant surprises while on holiday when they really should be busy enjoying themselves."

And travelling off-piste, trying out new sports like bobsleigh or paraskiing, and entering competitions could all invalidate travel insurance cover, potentially leaving skiers and snowboarders picking up the cost of their own medical treatment.

But for those that feel the risk justifies the reward, all that is required is a little common sense.

Bradford & Bingley's Mr Foyle advises: "Travel policies vary considerably so everyone should carefully check their policy to ensure it gives them the right cover for all the activities they want to pursue.

"With the right insurance cover in place holidaymakers will be able to enjoy their winter sports safe in the knowledge that should anything happen they will be properly taken care of."