Why you need to prepare travel insurance carefully when booking a ski holiday: Nathaniel Martindale

Unlike a beach break, skiing is classed as a higher-risk activity. That means the chances of injury – and the potential costs – are significantly higher. A broken leg on the slopes can lead to emergency surgery, extended hospital stays, and even air ambulance repatriation. These costs can run into tens of thousands of pounds, and not all countries provide free medical care for non-nationals.

Even with a Global Health Insurance Card in eligible countries, you’re not covered for private treatment or repatriation. Without the right insurance, you could be left footing the bill.

Standard travel insurance policies often exclude skiing and other winter sports unless you add specific cover. I’ve represented clients who thought they were insured, only to discover their policy didn’t include skiing or snowboarding.

Always check:

• Winter sports cover – Does your policy include skiing, snowboarding, and any other activities you plan?
• Ski Pass Insurance – Some resorts will offer insurance when purchasing ski lift passes. However, many of those policies are not comprehensive and only cover injuries to third parties.
• Helmets and safety rules – Some insurers might not pay out if you weren’t wearing a helmet or ignored local safety regulations.

Buy your insurance as soon as you book – not the day you travel. If you need to cancel due to illness or injury before your trip, you will only be protected if your policy was in place.

It’s not just injuries. Ski holidays often involve complex arrangements – flights, transfers, lift passes, equipment hire. If your resort closes due to poor snow conditions or an avalanche risk, you may face disputes over refunds. Under the Package Travel Regulations, UK tour operators must provide reasonable care and skill, but enforcing your rights can still be challenging without legal advice.

Accommodation safety is another concern - including faulty balcony railings and poorly maintained chalets. Tour operators have a duty to vet overseas partners, and they would be liable for breaches of local standards.

It’s also worth knowing that whilst accidents do and can happen, a skiing accident which is your fault could result not just in a claim for compensation, but also a criminal investigation for negligence. Most ski policies include personal liability cover and limited cover for criminal investigations in these circumstances.

Skiing can be exhilarating, but it’s not without risk. Careful planning and the right insurance won’t prevent every accident, but they can make sure you’re protected – and supported – if the unexpected happens.

Nathaniel Martindale is a Senior Associate Solicitor in Leigh Day's Travel Team based in Leeds.