Crisp and frosty mornings have returned to the UK and while many people are now looking towards the Christmas break, we take a look at the possibility of a last-minute winter holiday before the festive period sets in.

You don’t have to travel too far to find sumptuous skiing destinations; France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland have the most popular ski resorts that Europe has to offer. Imagine exploring The Alps where skiing is not just a sport but a way of life. You’ll find dozens of perfectly preserved villages boasting wonderful chalets, hotels, inns and restaurants – perfect for keen skiers and snowboarders who enjoy leisure time.

Don’t forget your skis.

Packing for this kind of holiday will take plenty of planning; here are our top tips for your ski holiday essentials:

Essentials:

• Skis
• Ski boots
• Ski poles
• Helmet
• Goggles

Clothing:

• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Neck warmer
• Snow suit
• Ski socks
• Base layer
• Fleece jacket

Miscellaneous:

• Ski pass
• Passport
• EHIC (European health insurance card) – if travelling in Europe
• Foreign currency
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Medication

Other items to consider:

• Ski/snowboard lock
• Snowboards
• Snowboard boots
• Boot bag
• Sunglasses

There are quite a few things to remember even if you do decide to hire the essentials. Have we missed anything? Visit our Facebook page and let us know what else should be included on the check-list.

Going skiing soon?

Don’t forget to ensure you get the right kind of travel insurance. Just Travel Cover can provide you with specialist winter sports cover offering you benefits not normally offered on a standard travel insurance policy, these benefits include;

• Ski equipment cover (owned or hired)
• Delayed ski equipment
• Piste closure
• Avalanche cover
• Cover for more than 28 winter sport activities including off piste skiing/snowboarding

Call our award-winning UK call centre (free) on 0800 294 2969 for a travel insurance quote with added winter sports benefits, or if you have any specialist requirements – our highly trained experts will be happy to help.

Our single trip insurance policies have no upper age limit and we can cover 98% of all medical conditions.

Alternatively you can get a quote online, and don’t forget to mention NW17 to claim your 10% discount.