LONDON, December 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The ski season is upon us and European winter sports resorts offer an array of brilliant holiday choices.

In fact there are so many options it can be a little bewildering. To make life easier, Direct Travel Insurance have produced a handy snapshot to help skiers and snowboarders see at a glance where they might like to go.

The striking infographic has information for every taste. Those looking for Europe's highest ski resorts where they can be sure of excellent snow cover will find that at 2100m, Pas de la Casa in Andorra tops the list of eight featured resorts.

Skiers wanting a wide choice of beginners' slopes might opt for the Mont Blanc resort of Chamonix, where there are 20. If the excitement of black runs is the priority, then the French favourite of Val d'Isère offers a breathtaking 25 off-piste adventures.

The Direct Travel Insurance infographic provides fascinating facts and figures in an easy-to-read form that travel agents and schools may find useful, as well as winter sports fans.

It has suggestions for skiers whose main concern is good value, spectacular scenery or year-round skiing.

Holidaymakers seeking lively après-ski may choose France, while the charming chocolate-box villages of some Austrian resorts will be the selling point for others.

Some skiers and snowboarders, on the other hand, will like nothing better than to join the sun-worshipping Italians who throw off their jackets and soak up the rays on mountain restaurant terraces that look more like beach cafés.

Ski Insurance and Winter Sports Insurance can be arranged with Direct Travel Insurance before travelling to cover a medical emergency or damage, loss or theft of equipment.

The weekend of 10-11 December sees the World Cup race season kick off with the Critérium de la Première Neige at Val d'Isère. Snow-loving holidaymakers won't be far behind!

Notes for Editors

Established in late 1992 and trading since 1993, Direct Travel Insurance specialises in travel insurance for individual travellers, couples and families up to the age of 75. Direct Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options and added benefits including cover for over 100 sports and activities enabling customers to tailor their policies for single trip, annual multi trip, backpacking and winter sports.

All travel insurance policies are underwritten by Chartis Europe Limited. Direct Travel Insurance is a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 312350). Chartis Europe Limited is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 202628).

This information can be checked by visiting the FSA website.

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Direct Travel Insurance which specialises in travel insurance for individual travellers, couples and families up to the age of 75 commenced trading in 1993 and became part of the Chartis group in 2007.  Direct Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options and added benefits including cover for over 100 sports and activities enabling customers to tailor their policies for single trip, annual multi trip, backpacking and winter sports.

All travel insurance policies are underwritten by Chartis Insurance UK Limited. Direct Travel Insurance is a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 312350). Chartis Insurance UK Limited is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 202628).

This information can be checked by visiting the FSA website

SOURCE Direct Travel Insurance