Skiers urged to check off-piste cover

Britons heading overseas on a ski break have been urged to ensure they are covered by their travel insurance for any off-piste skiing they may do.

A number of avalanches in Europe and North America have increased the risks to those skiing away from approved slopes and skiers should therefore check the small print of their policies to make sure they are covered if they head off-piste, according to the Post Office.

Policies should also be checked for any terms regarding the closure of pistes as a result of too much snow, Post Office head of travel services Helen Warburton remarked.

"Most travel insurance policies ... require the policyholder to be accompanied by a qualified guide or instructor when going off-piste," she commented.

"Many holidaymakers don't realise this is a requirement."

A recent survey by American Express revealed that three per cent of Britons intend to go on a ski trip this month.

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