More and more Australians are taking to the slopes every year for their own adventure snow trip, and experienced skiers are travelling great distances around the world to find the perfect piste. But whether you are a snow sports veteran or a first-timer, having quality skiing and snowboarding travel insurance behind you is as essential as your snow gear.

Unfortunately snow sports accidents are frequent and expensive, which is why it would be mad not to pay a little bit extra to ensure that you are covered for large helicopter rescues and medical and hospital bills.

Taking out snowboarding and skiing travel insurance with Insure4Less couldn’t be easier – tour online system will ask you if you want cover for snow sports, and if you select yes, then your policy will be extended to include medical expenses whilst skiing or snowboarding. And, unlike most other insurers, we can also extend cover to include off-piste sports in countries other than North America and Canada.

No one likes to think about the worst that could happen while you’re away – but the smart thing to do is be prepared for it, just in case! Simply fill out our Quick Quote form tfor quality and cheap travel insurance that will cover you for your snow sports adventures and activities.

What Is and Isn’t Covered

At Insure4Less we provide high quality, budget travel insurance to cover you for your amateur participation in a huge range of snow sports. Curling, tobogganing and recreational ice-skating are automatically covered under our standard travel insurance policy, but if you are planning to participate in any other types of snow sports then additional skiing and snowboarding travel insurance is highly advised.

This additional snow sports premium will cover you for:

• Back country skiing and snowboarding*
• Biathlon (ski)
• Snowcat skiing and boarding*
• Cross country skiing
• Glacier skiing
• Glacier walking
• Snow monoskiing
• Ski randonee*
• Ski touring*
• Skiing (snow, on piste)
• Skiing (off piste)*
• Snowblading
• Snowboarding (on piste)
• Snowboarding (off piste)*

*Please note, these activities are covered everywhere except North America and Canada, and you will need to select ‘off piste’ cover when taking out the policy.

All these snow sports and activities are covered for the dates that you enter as when you plan to participate in these sports, and these dates must be shown in your certificate of insurance.

Cover is not available for the following snow sports:

• Competitive skiing, snowboarding, snow blading or skibob racing
• Ski jumping
• Ice hockey
• The use of skeletons or bobsleighs

Please see our Product Disclosure Statement for all the details about our snowboarding and skiing travel insurance. If you have any questions, check our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at travel@insure4less.com.au and we will get back to you within one business day.

Purchased an Annual Multi Trip Insurance Policy?

If you take out an annual multi trip travel insurance policy, then you have 23 days of snow sports cover per year automatically included. This covers you for all on piste activities only, and you are not required to enter the dates that you plan to participate in any snow sports.

Important Definitions

It’s vital that you make sure you consider and understand the terms and definitions of your snowboarding and skiing travel insurance plan, especially when it comes to taking part in risky activities on the snow.

The major definition to keep in mind is ‘off piste’. Skiing or snowboarding off piste refers to when you are going in ungroomed, unmarked slopes and pistes, including  unpatrolled areas, and anywhere outside the boundaries of the ski resort.

At Insure4Less we are proud to provide cheap travel insurance options for off piste activities, so that no matter how high a thrill you’re seeking, you’ll be looked after if something goes wrong.

It’s absolutely critical however, that you always take steps to ensure your safety when snowboarding or skiing off piste. Going with a fully qualified local guide is highly recommended, but at the very least, you should go with a competent travelling companion and make sure a third party knows where you plan to be on that  day. You should never ski or snowboard off piste alone.

You must always check and adhere to local resort advice, information and instructions, and follow any signs or instructions on the mountain. For example, if a section is marked ‘closed’ then it is for a very good reason, and ignoring any warnings such as this is not only extremely dangerous but may also invalidate your cover if something happens as a result.

Local advice and information will vary between resorts and countries. In many parts of North America, going anywhere out of the resort boundaries is considered hazardous and doing so is breaking the local law, so wherever you are travelling, it is your responsibility to ensure you are following the necessary laws and safety instructions.

Top Tips: Preparing for Your Snow Trip

With your skiing and snowboarding travel insurance organised for your overseas snow trip, the fun can now begin! If you’ve never been to the snow before, there a number of things you need to keep in mind when packing and organising for your trip to make sure you’ll be properly prepared for whatever the cold weather throws at you.

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your snow trip:

Get in shape

Skiing and snowboarding can be gruelling on your body, especially if you’re not very fit or don’t exercise regularly at home. It’s highly recommended that you prepare for the toll of snow sports by getting in shape before your trip.

Consider joining a gym, or make small lifestyle changes to help boost your heart rate every day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk wherever you can instead of driving, or go for a jog or cycle on the weekend. Increasing your fitness before you hit the slopes will improve your endurance, ability and enjoyment on the snow!

Packing the essentials

Unless you’re an experienced snowboarder or skier with your own equipment, you’ll probably want to hire your gear at the slopes to avoid packing and carrying heavy, awkwardly-shaped items in your luggage. What you should pack and bring with you are the basics: thermals, hats, gloves, goggles or sunglasses, and as many layers as you can fit in your suitcase.

Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF protection are also important, because despite the cold, the sun will reflect off the snow and can burn your skin just as quickly as if you were on a beach.

The right snow gear

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, having good quality, properly fitted snow gear is a must. For your first time on the slopes, the qualified resort staff will be able to set you up with the right equipment for your level to make sure you’re safe, correctly fitted out and ready to enjoy the snow.

You’ll get boots and a helmet that fit well, bindings that hold your feet in the right position, and skis or a snowboard with smooth bottoms and sharp edges for optimum performance and ease.

Be prepared for early mornings

Try not to have too many late nights, because most ski and snowboard classes start early in the morning. This is the best time to hit the slopes because the snow is fresh and untouched, so it’s not unusual to see some of the bigger snow enthusiasts up at the crack of dawn!

Classes will generally go for a couple of hours, and ski lifts usually start to close around 4-5pm so there’s plenty of time for you to make the most of the day on the snow. Just expect to be very tired and very sore at the end of the day, so try and get plenty of sleep and don’t push yourself too hard at night.

Know your limits

The slopes can be dangerous if you don’t stick to those designed for your experience level. So be realistic about your ability, and if you’re just starting out don’t stray from the beginner slopes until you’ve built up more skill and experience.

Your safety is of the utmost importance on the snow. Other important things to remember (especially for a novice skier or snowboarder) include not to go beyond the boundaries of the slopes, always make sure you have a friend with you, and follow general snow sports etiquette by giving way to skiers and boarders in front of and below you.

Most Importantly…

Keep safe and have fun on the slopes! If you need to make a snowboarding and skiing travel insurance claim, follow the simple steps on our Claims page for 24/7 medical assistance anywhere in the world.