Whether you are a skier or a snowboarder, it is vital to take out adequate insurance when you book your trip.
And once you are there, it is also important to take your safety seriously. Otherwise, you could end up breaking a bone - or worse.
Make sure you have winter sports cover
The first thing to check before heading off skiing or snowboarding is that you have winter sports cover as part of your travel insurance.
Most insurers offer this as an add-on, rather than as a standard feature. And ifyou have not ticked the right box, you risk having to fork out yourself for any medical treatment you receive as a result of an accident on the slopes.
The cost of this could dwarf the actual price of the holiday. In France for example, it would cost £9,420 for a skier with a fractured vertebrae to be airlifted and repatriated, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). In the US, a similar accident could cost almost double.
Nick Starling at the ABI, said: "The cost of medical treatment for ski injuries could put most people out of pocket, so it's vital to ensure you have adequate winter sports cover."
Winter sports insurance will also pay for the cost of transfer to another resort due to lack of snow - or, on the other side of the coin, piste closure due to too much of the white stuff.
It shouldn't add too much to the cost of your travel cover either. Figures from MoneySupermarket show that a family of four hitting the slopes for a week in Europe could insure themselves fully for as little as £16 with OUL Direct.
So don't forget to add winter sports cover to any single trip policy you take out for a skiing holiday. And if you have annual cover, contact your insurer to check that you are protected before setting off.
Check for exclusions
As with other types of insurance, it is important to check the terms and conditions of winter sports cover as well as the price.
MoneySupermarket research reveals that policies covering winter sports can vary a great deal from provider to provider, with exclusions and caveats commonplace as well as levels of cover.
For example, some policies limit cover to a maximum number of winter sports cover days per year or a maximum number of ski trips.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket, said: "Families who travel more than once in a year may find annual travel insurance is a more cost-effective option, but check the maximum number of days of skiing permitted under the policy.
"It is vital to check the small print on these policies to so you know exactly what is covered."
Other points of cover to look for include avalanche closure and protection for off-piste skiing if you are a fresh powder fan.
And, as well as adequate cover for medical costs, check whether emergency transport to hospital and back home is included in the policy wording under medical expenses.
Consider local insurance
In addition to travel insurance, it may also be worth paying a small premium when in a resort for local insurance that covers rescue and transport on or off-piste.
Those heading to France, for example, can purchase a Carré Neige pass covering mountain rescue and basic doctor's bills for just a few Euros per day.
The main advantage of this type of cover is that it allows you to get immediate help from the resort's services without the need to contact your travel insurer to make sure you are covered.
If you are travelling to a European Union country on your ski holiday, it is also important to carry a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
This entitles you to state-provided healthcare in European Union member states, but should not be considered a replacement for travel cover. This is because it won't cover costs such as repatriation back to the UK, despite more than 62% of Britons wrongly assuming it will.
Stay safe while you're there
It may be worth preparing yourself physically for a skiing holiday before your departure - especially if you do not usually do a lot of exercise.
The British Ski Club recommends cycling and running to prepare you for your trip. This will help to reduce your risk of injury and allow you to enjoy the holiday to the full.
The Ski Club's Vicky Norman said: "Strong muscles help to protect joints and also enhance your performance so the fitter you are, the more you can achieve."
Once you are in the mountains, it is essential to wear high factor sun cream, stay hydrated - especially if you had a few beers the night before - and, of course, to know your own limits. It might be tempting to impress your friends with that black run, but overstretching yourself could land you in a tricky situation.
If off-piste skiing is your bag, it is also a good idea to hire a guide to ensure that you do not put yourself in danger. And when you are walking around the resort, wear sensible footwear to reduce your chances of slipping and hurting yourself.
Finally, and most importantly, always read or listen to the daily avalanche forecast to minimise your risk of being caught in one.
Please note: Any rates or deals mentioned in this article were available at the time of writing.
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