The winter sports policyprovides cover for up to 22 days across 14 different activities includingpopular snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding, through to more specialistsports such as curling, bob-sleighing and tobogganing.

Rachel Cutler, Head ofTesco Travel Insurance commented: "With so many resorts offeringattractive winter holiday packages, there are some real bargains out there.We're helping to reduce the cost of such trips further by throwing in ourcomprehensive winter sports cover with all annual insurance policies. You neverknow what might happen on holiday so it's best to be covered for theunexpected."

Winter sports cover

Amount of cover purchased in store/online/over phone

Sports and activities

Skiing and snowboarding on-piste (and off-piste with a qualified instructor),cross-country skiing, ice skating and curling.

Piste closure

Up to ?200 per person

Loss of winter sports equipment

Up to ?500 per person

Replacement wintersports equipment

Up to ?300 per person

Loss of ski passes or fees

Up to ?250 per person

Tesco has put togethersome 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 likelyto suffer knee injuries compared to other groups according to French mountainmedical association Medecins du Montagne, which attributes this to poorerphysical condition.

2. Check your equipment: Have your equipment and bindings checked by a ski shopbefore you go on holiday and, if you're hiring skis, make sure you use areputable 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 anyexposed skin so wear a high-SPF lotion. Make sure you wear adequate sunglassesor goggles as you need to see where you're going to avoid collisions.

5. Keep covered: Don'tbe tempted to ski with exposed skin or without gloves or mittens if the sun'sout. 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, particularlyin Europe, it is important not to over-indulge. Most insurance policies willnot 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 onyour first day on the slopes and sign up for a refresher course. A bad fall onyour first day could ruin the rest of your holiday.

8. Stay safe off-piste: Even experts can get caught out. Check the weather andavalanche forecasts, always let someone know where you're going and considernew 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: Keephydrated and get plenty of sleep. When on the slopes, take regular breaks toprevent yourself from feeling fatigued and make sure you have the energy to getsafely down the slope.