Winter sports enthusiasts heading off to the slopes must make sure they are adequately covered by insurance before risking life and limb.

Off-piste skiing, bobsleigh racing, para-skiing or partaking in competitive events including end of ski school races and timed slaloms are not covered under some policies, leaving those who suffer injuries to foot their own medical bill. Search and rescue costs are not automatically included under a standard winter sports policy.

Skiing whilst drunk is a sure way to invalidate your insurance in case of an accident so it's safer to pass on the mulled wine at lunch. Stolen skis are only covered if they were locked in a ski-rack.

First-time skiers snowboarders stand double the chance to injure themselves learning the basics than those with more experience. But snowboarders are also six times more likely to hurt themselves than skiers. Common injuries occur to ankles, feet and hands with an average of 95,000 broken wrists each season.

Joanne Field of American Express Travel Insurance said that people can't rely on luck or the new EHIC insurance card which entitles Brits to free or reduced state medical treatment only.

"Many winter sports injuries have to be air-lifted from the slopes and repatriated back to the UK, an additional expense that could cost up to £10,000 if uninsured. Without valid travel insurance you would also not be covered for other significant risks such as lost luggage, delays or stolen property," she said.