Ski travellers told to take care on the slopes

Travellers to the slopes of Europe and North America are being advised to be careful when planning their winter excursions.

According to new research by the Post Office, one in every three claims by winter sports fans are for medical bills, with the prospect of treatment or even surgery potentially costing uninsured travellers large sums.

Kevin McAdam, head of travel and leisure at the Post Office, said that winter sports packages typically carried more risk than a sun soaked getaway and noted the potential bills an overseas mishap could generate.

"The costs for medical treatment in ski resorts can be very high," he explained.

"So if an uninsured skier or snowboarder is injured on the slopes, they could be faced with a huge bill. For example, inpatient treatment with surgery can cost up to £50,000 in the USA. "

Evacuation from the slopes using a helicopter would set a skier back £1,000 in Europe and £2,000 in North America.

Even simple outpatient treatment can cost up to £5,000 in the US or Canada, with visitors advised to take insurance.