As skiers prepare to carve up this weekend’s bonanza blizzard, there’s one vital thing they may be forgetting.

Almost one in five Australians fail to throw insurance in their ski or board bag when they hit the slopes, research commissioned for 1Cover Travel Insurance has revealed.

The firm’s average claim last Australian season was $2200.

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For every 1000 people who visit a ski slope, between two and three will probably suffer an injury, according to Canadian, Scottish and US research.

Newbies, those on their first day at the slope, are twice as likely to be injured, a Scottish study found.

First-time skiers are more likely to be injured. Photo: Shutterstock

Victorian research shows skiers are almost twice as likely to be hospitalised as snowboarders, with men making up two-thirds of the wounded.

Two in every five hospitalised snow-lovers have a leg injury, while wrist and shoulder prangs account for almost half of those who are treated in emergency and go home.

Just three in 100 snow fans end up in hospital after colliding with another person. About three-quarters will hit the deck.

Skiers‘ most common serious injuries were dislocated knees, broken shin bones and head injuries (mostly concussion). For snowboarders, broken forearms and wrists, broken legs and head injuries (concussion again) topped the hall of pain.

Skiers and riders who stay on their feet can expect glorious conditions this weekend.

Forecasters are predicting between 15 and 50cm at Australian resorts from two cold fronts: one that hit the alps this afternoon and will continue into tomorrow, and a second frigid low that will strike Sunday into Monday.

Snowatch is predicting up to 49cm from the double-headed monster, while Mountainwatch sees up to 52cm in the crystal ball.

This weekend’s conditions are sure to make you smile. Photo: Shutterstock

On the eve of August’s peak season in our winter playgrounds, this blizzard is the one that could get resorts opening 100 per cent of their terrain.

Australian Ski Areas Association chief executive officer Colin Hackworth said this storm was the dump to get resorts running at full bore.

The extra snow cover will open up classic Australian ski terrain, he said.

“You can go off-piste, everybody’s choices are expanded enormously and it’s great skiing for all levels of skiers.

“Guthega’s Freedom Chair will be the one at Perisher, with everyone hanging out to have it open so you can ski long distances.

“Skiers should think about getting up there in the next couple of weeks — it’s always best to get it when it’s falling or not long after.”

Here are the five best places to ski this weekend:

Perisher’s Olympic run: A great cruiser where you can open up the throttle all the way into Happy Valley.

Thredbo’s The Bluff: Snow collects in the Bluff, fast becoming the worst-kept secret stash on the hill. Head there for classic Australian powder skiing.

Mount Hotham’s One Tree Hill: A long, south-facing ungroomed black run that feels miles from civilisation and collects snow in north-westerly storms like this weekend’s. Swoop through the trees, which give you definition while it’s snowing.

Falls Creek’s The Maze: Powder pockets lead into a labyrinth of fun in the snow gums, perfect when its dumping.

Mount Buller’s The Plug Hole: Off Bull Run, the Plug Hole — apart from having a thumping Aussie name – is a steep chute that ensures you’re quick on your feet. One of those typically narrow, pretty gullies that turns Australians into agile skiers.