Winter sports fans have been encouraged to ensure that they are in good shape to head on to the slopes this year.
New research by Halifax
Travel Insurance has indicated that almost four in ten (38 per cent) winter sports enthusiasts were out of shape for their holiday last year.
A lack of preparation led to one in ten of them suffering a serious injury and some 19 per cent admitted to coming close to hurting themselves after a serious wipeout due to a lack of fitness.
Tim Carter, SnowSports manager at the SnowDome, advised those planning to go skiing or snowboarding to ready their muscles for the activity.
"Winter sports use muscle groups that are very specific to the sport. It is very difficult to replicate the stresses and strains put upon these muscles properly without taking part in skiing or snowboarding," he added.
Research by moneysupermarket.com recently indicated that Brits spend over £4.5 billion on alcohol a year through activities such as apres ski while on alpine getaways.
Consumers planning such a holiday may find they can obtain a competitive deal on
winter holiday insurance from
InsureandGo.