More drinkers on the Piste

The number of people who drink and ski is on the rise, it was revealed today.

As many as 13% of UK skiers and snowboarders - including 19% of those aged 25-34 -admitted they have taken to the slopes when drunk, a survey by InsureandGo found.

And 2% of them - the equivalent of 174,000 who ski and snowboard - admitted to being very drunk - 20,000 more than owned up to this state of intoxication last year.

Based on responses from 1,005 adults, the survey showed that of those who admitted skiing under the influence, 18% had had an accident, with 3% saying the accident was serious.

InsureandGo founder Perry Wilson said: "We understand that people are going to have a drink on their holidays, but they still have to be responsible. Being drunk on the slopes is extremely dangerous.

"If you injure yourself or somebody else as a result of this, you may invalidate your insurance cover, which could mean that, as well as nursing broken bones, you may also have to pay for a hefty medical bill yourself."