Snowboarders are clearly seen as more adventurous with 87% of respondents believing they take more risks on and off piste. However, while an equal number of skiers and boarders (26%) suffered an injury, all occurred on the slope - 86% the result of a fall and 14% following a collision.

When they suffered an injury, 43% were only prevented from skiing or boarding for a few hours. But more worrying was the next group at 36% that were out of action for over 5 days.

Perry Wilson, InsureandGo’s operations director, said: “You’ve paid your money for your trip, your accommodation, your equipment, your ski pass and all the other incidentals and then you get injured which puts you out of action for what is pretty much the whole of your holiday.

"If you don’t have insurance not only will you have to pay a hefty bill for any medical treatment but you will not get back any money for all those items either. All in all it will add up to an expensive way to spend a week when you won’t even be able to enjoy the pursuit that’s the main reason for the holiday in the first place.”

8% of those questioned did not take out insurance preferring instead to rely on an E111 to cover them in a medical emergency. However InsureandGo warns that relying on an E111 isn’t a good idea if you want to ensure you get treated quickly.

Perry said: “Because of the different country regulations regarding E111 you may find that you have to be treated at a specific medical centre which may not be the nearest one to your resort. A nightmare if you’ve broken your leg and have to cover the cost for transport to and from a state hospital which could be hundreds of miles away.”

19% of those questionned owned up to skiing or boarding having had one too many drinks at lunchtime. And if you come across any Germans on the slope give them a wide berth as according to those questioned they’re the nationality that takes the least care on the slopes.

InsureandGo offers a range of low cost, high value winter sports policies while its annual policies include winter sports cover automatically. Consumers can find out more by visiting www.insureandgo.com or calling 0870220 2240.

Annual Policy Prices

· Europe
Annual, 1 adult (up to 3 under 18s) = £39
Annual, 2 adults (up to 6 under 18s) = £69
· Worldwide inc US/Canada
Annual, 1 adult (up to 3 under 18s) = £55
Annual, 2 adults (up to 6 under 18s) = £85

Ends

For further information or to interview Perry, please contact Stephanie on 07071 330 805.