People who ski or snowboard without proper travel insurance cover could be left with not only personal injuries but huge bills too.

The Ski Club of Great Britain has warned individuals over the risks of going on a winter sports holiday without any protection.

A recent study found that 75% of holidaymakers do not check their terms and conditions when buying cover and 56% do not even get cover.

Therefore the organisation warned that those without a travel policy could be left with medical expenses, repatriation costs and transport from the mountain, if an injury occurs.

The warning comes after insurance for ski trip medical emergency claims have more than doubled in the past three years.

According to research, the number of people taking ski holidays in 2008/9 totalled 1.27 million. And the average cost of a claim for injury on the slopes has also risen. In 2008, it increased to £1,568 which was 20% more than in 2007.