Stay safe on the slopes with free winter sports cover

Tesco Travel Insurance is offering free winter sports cover for all customers who take out an annual policy from now until 7 January 2009.

The winter sports policy provides cover for up to 22 days across 14 different activities including popular snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding, through to more specialist sports such as curling, bob-sleighing and tobogganing.

Rachel Cutler, Head of Tesco Travel Insurance commented: "With so many resorts offering attractive winter holiday packages, there are some real bargains out there. We're helping to reduce the cost of such trips further by throwing in our comprehensive winter sports cover with all annual insurance policies. You never know what might happen on holiday so it's best to be covered for the unexpected."

Tesco has put together some safe skiing tips for anyone planning a holiday in the snow:

1. Ensure you are fit for the holiday: Women over 25 are 2.5 times more likely to suffer knee injuries compared to other groups according to French mountain medical association Medecins du Montagne, which attributes this to poorer physical condition.

2. Check your equipment: Have your equipment and bindings checked by a ski shop before you go on holiday and, if you're hiring skis, make sure you use a reputable shop.

3. Wear protection: It is advisable, especially for children, to wear a helmet. Skiers and snowboarders should also consider wrist, back and knee protectors.

4. Remember your sun protection: Sun reflects off the snow and can burn any exposed skin so wear a high-SPF lotion. Make sure you wear adequate sunglasses or goggles as you need to see where you're going to avoid collisions.

5.Keep covered: Don't be tempted to ski with exposed skin or without gloves or mittens if the sun's out. Snow and ice can be very abrasive on the skin.

6. Don't drink and ski: Although it seems to be an accepted part of the skiing experience, particularly in Europe, it is important not to over-indulge. Most insurance policies will not cover you if you have been drinking alcohol.

7. Take a lesson: if it's been a while since you last skied, take it easy on your first day on the slopes and sign up for a refresher course. A bad fall on your first day could ruin the rest of your holiday.

8. Stay safe off-piste: Even experts can get caught out. Check the weather and avalanche forecasts, always let someone know where you're going and consider new technology such as airbags, reflectors and GPS locators.

9. Follow on-piste instructions and directions: They are there for a reason.

10. Remember that it can take time to acclimatise to higher altitudes: Keep hydrated and get plenty of sleep. When on the slopes, take regular breaks to prevent yourself from feeling fatigued and make sure you have the energy to get safely down the slope.