Ski Holiday Insurance – The Facts You Need To Know

Heading to the hills? Stay fancy-free in a winter wonderland by decoding the ins and outs of ski travel insurance first.

As majestic snowflakes blanket the mountains, the call of the slopes beckons adventure and nature enthusiasts. Ski travel insurance, often overlooked amidst the excitement of planning a winter escapade, is your holiday’s unsung hero, promising a worry-free journey down the frosty hills. Let us easily guide you through the intricacies of ski insurance, so you can focus on conquering the alpine realms.

Take note: Ski insurance is not usually part of the travel insurance deal

Ski travel insurance, synonymous with winter sports coverage, is your ticket to a safe, secure, and all-round sublime ski holiday. Ski travel insurance is tailor-made for skiing enthusiasts, offering protection against a range of potential mishaps that could dampen your snowy sojourn.

skiing in Mount Baldy, United States — Test your limits in Mount Baldy, United States. (Image: Robson Hatsukami Morgan)

In your excitement, don’t be fooled into thinking regular insurance has your back – you’ll need to add this to your standard travel insurance when indulging in winter sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

a man enjoying his time skiing — Secure ski insurance to conquer the slopes with ease. (Image: Cyprien Delaporte)

Why ski travel insurance matters

Let’s be honest – ski injuries happen. According to the stats, ski holiday injury rates are around three injuries per 1000 visitor days, and these are likely to be fairly major mishaps. Falls and collisions are major causes, resulting in fractures, sprains, and head injuries. So, securing a travel insurance policy with ski cover is essential when planning your trip. Shelling out even more funds for a fall is the last thing you want to worry about if the unfortunate does occur.

skiing in the air in the snowy mountains — Falls and collisions may happen while skiing. (Image: Maarten Duineveld)

Your insurance will also likely reimburse you for unused ski equipment as the result of an accident or illness, and even cover you for incidents unrelated to skiing, giving you peace of mind amidst your snowy adventures.

the snow-covered Mount Langkofel Dolomites South Tyrol Italy — Get the best ski protection you need for skiing at Mount Langkofel. (Image: Krzyszt of Kowalik)

What’s included in ski holiday travel insurance?

A good ski insurance plan is a versatile shield against the unpredictability of the mountains. Here’s a list of what an ideal policy will cover:
Medical treatment: coverage for medical and hospital expenses arising from injuries sustained during your ski adventures.
Medical/emergency rescue: evacuation to the hospital.
Ski equipment: protection against lost, damaged, or stolen gear. Keep in mind, though, that equipment won’t normally be covered if it’s damaged during use, or if left behind or unattended.
Trip cancellations: reimbursement for non-refundable deposits in case you’re forced to cancel your trip.
Unused equipment and passes: reimbursement for rented equipment, pre-paid ski lessons, or lift passes left untouched due to illness or injury.
Resort closure: coverage for costs incurred if your ski field shuts down due to weather or natural disasters.
Personal liability: if you’re one of the unlucky ones who collides with a fellow skier.

skiing in Steamboat Springs, United States — Steamboat Springs is home to the Howelsen Hill ski area. (Image: Chris Holder)

Common ski insurance exclusions to be aware of

While ski insurance does blanket a plethora of scenarios, not everything falls under its protective umbrella. Here are some common exclusions to be aware of:
Travelling out of season: stay within the season’s bounds to ensure coverage.
Skiing beyond resort boundaries: stick to designated areas to stay protected.
Under the influence: if you’ve had a few cheeky hot toddies or mulled wines, you’ll not only be vulnerable to injury, but your insurance may be void.
COVID-19: consider uncertainties tied to illness or lockdowns.
High-risk activities: even policies with sports in mind have limits to the activities they’ll cover you for.

snowboarding in Almaty Kazakhstan — Stay protected while travelling to the snow with ski insurance.

Choosing the right coverage and things to double-check

Not everyone’s ski adventure looks the same. So, before descending the slopes, make sure your insurance aligns with your unique plans and needs. Your provider will likely welcome additions to your insurance plan, so make sure to look closely into the following, and consider upping the ante if needed:

skiing in Mammoth Lakes, United States — Mammoth Lakes is a great base camp for skiing. (Image: Robson Hatsukami Morgan)

Check the fine print: not the most fun part of your holiday, but understanding what your chosen policy covers automatically, and what you might need to add, is essential. Consider things like cancellation fees, luggage, and rental vehicle excess. Remember that not all insurance companies offer the same basic coverage.

Off-piste and cross-country skiing considerations: if you’re planning to head beyond designated ski slopes, check that your insurer provides coverage for this.

Holistic coverage: make sure you’re covered for your whole trip and not just when you’re in the snow.

Pre-existing medical conditions: some conditions may not be covered or require a premium. Check out our article about travelling with a medical condition here.

an aerial view of the snow-covered Blackcomb Mountain in Canada — Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort.

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Who’s eligible for ski travel insurance?

Most insurers limit ski coverage to those under 65, acknowledging the increased risk skiing poses to seniors. However, specialist insurers might offer protection for adventurous holidayers in their golden years. Regardless of age, purchasing ski travel before you hit the slopes is essential.

skiing in Geilo Norway — Extreme skiing is performed on steep slopes in Geilo, Norway. (Image: Nicolai Berntsen)

Calculating the cost

The price tag on ski travel insurance varies, influenced by factors like age, destination, trip duration, coverage level, and excess. Older skiers or those opting for higher coverage might incur higher premiums. Choosing a higher excess can reduce costs if you’re feeling confident, but the extra expense may be worthwhile for many.

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Ski holiday insurance – the facts you need to know