A skiing holiday conjures up the images of sweeping down through the Rockies, gliding through the Alps or enjoying some après-ski in a Swiss chalet. However, there is a location closer to home quietly growing in popularity and helping those looking to ski on a limited budget, with not only the cost of travelling and accommodation cheaper, but also the price for winter sports travel insurance.

Much has been made of Scotland's dramatic weather conditions compared to the rest of the UK, but, until recently, skiing in Scotland was reserved for unusually severe coverings of snow. But much has changed during recent years and the main resorts have all been subject to significant redevelopment and investment, including the installation of snow cannons.

Scotland has five main resorts – Glencoe, Nevis Range, Glenshee, Cairngorms and The Lecht, all of which offer a number of runs covering skiing up to intermediate level, with child-friendly lifts and slopes also available.

The other big bonus to skiing in Scotland is the accessibility for the rest of the UK. Unlike European destinations, depending where in Britain you are based, it is possible to pop to Scotland for a short break or even a weekend with little planning ahead. Aside from driving to Scotland, the resorts can be accessed either by flying to Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow, or by journeying up by sleeper train. Taking out annual multi trip travel insurance, ensuring winter sports travel insurance is incorporated, makes a spontaneous spot of skiing even easier, with nothing to arrange but accommodation and lift passes.

Many individuals make the mistake of thinking that annual multi trip travel insurance is not necessary for a holiday in the UK, with the NHS providing the necessary medical treatment. However, insurance covers far more than just medical costs, with theft and damage to equipment, as well as lost baggage and piste closure.