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Travellers looking forward to a skiing holiday this year have been advised to take extra care if they go off-piste.

Snow conditions have been particularly good during the 2008 winter season but Post Office Travel Services warned that there is also an increased risk of avalanches.

In January, the Foreign Office issued a warning to UK travellers about embarking on ambitious skiing trips without making the proper preparations.

According to the Post Office, one of the most important things that skiers can do to prepare themselves is check the small print of their travel insurance to see what they are covered for, especially if they plan to go off-piste.

Helen Warburton, head of travel services for the Post Office, said: 'This year the conditions are very good. Many people enjoy the challenge of skiing or boarding off-piste but it carries more risk so most travel insurance policies…require the policyholder to be accompanied by a qualified guide or instructor when going off-piste.

'Many holidaymakers don't realise this is a requirement, so we are urging people to check the small print before venturing into unmarked terrain.'

Ms Warburton also warned of the risk that can be posed by heavy snowfall, as some skiing areas will close if snow on the pistes is too deep.

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