Be safe on the snow

Paul Dixon of Paul Dixon Insurance Brokers, writes: A standard single-trip insurance policy will suffice if a winter sports extension is included. The extension should provide cover for skis, boards, clothing, ski hire charges and piste closure.

More importantly, it should cover any medical and recovery expenses such as for a helicopter transfer from a mountain if you have a ski-related accident. Not all winter sports extensions are alike so compare policies.

This is Money says:

It is common for policies to require that you are accompanied by a qualified instructor when off-piste. It can be difficult for novice skiers to know when they go over designated boundaries and even when they know the boundaries, they can become lost or inadvertently veer off course.

Polices also differ in their treatment of loss or damage to valuables. Most will require that you take reasonable steps to keep ski equipment safe but some will insist that skis are split up so that pairs are not left together. Some insurers may not see it as reasonable to leave skis in a restaurant or bar unless they are locked up.

You should ask the person selling the insurance about the precautions you need to take.

This is Money recommends that skiers should take out insurance with at least £2m of medical expenses cover, £1m of personal liability cover, £3000 of cover for cancellations, £1500 for lost or stolen baggage and £250 cover for cash.

Avalanche cover is common in policies but some policies will not reimburse you if resorts are closed due to bad weather.