Over-50s skiers on the up

There has been a sharp rise in holidaymakers trying a skiing break for the first time who are over the age of 50, new research reveals.

Insurewithease.com reports the number of over-50s buying winter sports insurance for their first ski trip has "rocketed".

"It's great to see the evidence of so many first time skiers in this age group - surfing the net as well as skiing the slopes. It goes to show that this generation is maintaining fitness levels, leading an active lifestyle and keen to try new things – putting younger generations to shame," said Jack Harris, operations director at Insurewithease.

However, despite the growth in popularity of skiing holidays for older skiers, there are also figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) showing 65 per cent of over-50s skiers did not take out winter sports travel insurance this year.

Mr Harris advised: "While some may not realise they need extra cover for winter sports, it seems many are prepared to take a huge financial and physical risk. It's far better to play it safe than risk a huge bill and the consequent worry if something goes wrong."