Find the best ski travel insurance for your winter sports holiday. Compare 10+ brands to cover skiing, snowboarding, equipment, piste closure, and more – all in one place.
the benefits
Whether you’re using your own skis and/or snowboard, or hiring equipment at the resort, a good ski travel insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged gear, and provide alternative hire equipment so you don’t lose a single day on the slopes.
If illness, injury, or theft forces you off the mountain, you can claim for unused prepaid lift passes, ski passes, and ski lessons. It’s one of the most valuable features of a dedicated ski policy and one that standard travel insurance policies rarely include.
Resort closures due to avalanche, insufficient snow, or unsafe conditions can happen without warning. Most ski travel insurance policies will cover you to travel to an alternative resort or provide compensation for pre-booked passes and accommodation that can no longer be used.
Ski injuries can happen in some of the most remote locations on earth. Most ski travel insurance policies include cover for helicopter evacuation to the nearest hospital, as well as overseas emergency medical expenses, giving you genuine peace of mind whether you’re on a groomed run or a remote back bowl.
Heading beyond the resort boundaries? Standard ski policies typically only cover off-piste skiing within resort boundaries and with a licensed instructor. However, some insurers do offer true off-piste cover for more adventurous skiers, so it’s worth comparing policies carefully if this applies to you.
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Key considerations
Ski travel insurance is available in two forms: As a standalone ski-specific policy, or as a winter sports add-on to a standard comprehensive travel insurance policy. Both can provide adequate cover, but the inclusions and limits can vary significantly. Always compare the specific ski-related benefits carefully rather than assuming they are equivalent, and check the Policy Wording to confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered.
If you’re travelling with your own ski equipment, check that your policy covers loss, theft, and damage both during transit and while at the resort. Many policies cover equipment in transit but exclude damage that occurs while the equipment is in use on the slopes – an important distinction that is easy to overlook. If you’re hiring equipment, check whether your policy covers the cost of alternative hire should your gear be damaged or stolen.
Most ski travel insurance policies limit off-piste cover to skiing within resort boundaries under the supervision of a licensed instructor. If you’re planning to venture into backcountry terrain or ski true off-piste, you’ll need to specifically seek out a policy that covers this; not all insurers offer it, and some explicitly exclude it. For a full breakdown of off-piste cover across insurers, visit our off-piste skiing guide.
Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when purchasing ski travel insurance, just as with any other policy type. This is particularly important for ski travellers, as the physical demands of winter sports can increase the likelihood of a condition becoming relevant during a claim. Look for insurers who offer online medical screening so conditions can be assessed and disclosed upfront.
Most ski travel insurance policies are only valid during the official ski season; typically 1 December to 15 April in the Northern Hemisphere, and 15 June to 30 September in the Southern Hemisphere. If your trip falls outside these dates, your winter sports cover may not apply, even if your general travel insurance policy remains active. Always confirm the ski season dates with your insurer before purchasing.
Most insurers require you to purchase ski cover for the entire duration of your trip, even if you only plan to ski for a portion of it. However, some insurers do offer the flexibility to add ski cover for the specific days you’ll be on the slopes, which can be a more cost-effective option for travellers combining a ski holiday with other activities. Check what options are available when comparing policies.
further reading
Expert guides to help you make an informed decision about your travel cover.
get answers
Ski travel insurance is a type of travel insurance that includes specific cover for winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding. It goes beyond standard travel insurance by covering risks unique to ski holidays, including equipment damage or theft, ski pack reimbursement, piste closure, and helicopter rescue.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or hitting the slopes for the first time, a dedicated ski policy is strongly recommended. The cost of a ski injury, helicopter evacuation, or unexpected resort closure can be significant, and standard travel insurance policies rarely provide adequate protection for winter sports travellers.
Most ski travel insurance policies only provide off-piste cover when skiing within resort boundaries and under the supervision of a licensed instructor. True off-piste or backcountry skiing – beyond resort boundaries and without an instructor – is excluded by many insurers, though a handful do offer this cover as an optional extra. If off-piste skiing is part of your plans, it’s essential to confirm the specifics with your insurer before you travel.
Most ski travel insurance policies cover theft of ski equipment, provided it has not been left unattended in a public place such as the slopes or an airport. Cover for damage to equipment while it is in use on the slopes varies between insurers – many policies cover equipment in transit and at the resort but exclude damage sustained during use. Always read the Policy Wording carefully to understand the specific terms, limits, and exclusions that apply to your equipment.
Yes, helicopter evacuation is included in most ski travel insurance policies for overseas trips, covering the cost of emergency transport to the nearest hospital should you sustain a serious injury on the slopes. For domestic ski trips within New Zealand, cover varies significantly between insurers, as many domestic travel insurance policies do not include medical benefits. If you’re skiing at a New Zealand resort, check with your insurer to confirm whether helicopter rescue is included before you travel.
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