Last updated: January 2026
Off-piste skiing offers fresh snow, fewer crowds and a sense of adventure, but it also comes with increased risk. One of the most common questions skiers ask before heading away from marked runs is whether their travel insurance will cover them if something goes wrong.
The answer depends on where you ski, what type of skiing you’re doing, and whether you meet the policy conditions.
In this guide, we explain how off-piste skiing insurance works, when cover may apply, and where restrictions or exclusions are most likely, so you can make informed decisions before you hit the slopes.
What Is Off-Piste Skiing?
Off-piste skiing generally refers to skiing away from marked and groomed pistes. This can include:
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Ungroomed areas between marked runs
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Terrain within resort boundaries that is not prepared or maintained
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Areas where snow conditions may be variable
Off-piste skiing is often confused with backcountry skiing. Backcountry skiing takes place outside recognised ski resort boundaries and carries significantly higher risk.
From an insurance perspective, the difference between off-piste within resort boundaries and skiing outside resort boundaries is crucial.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Off-Piste Skiing?
Sometimes, but only under specific conditions.
Standard travel insurance does not usually cover skiing or snowboarding unless winter sports cover is added, or the specific winter sports activity is selected. Even with winter sports cover, off-piste skiing is not automatically covered in all situations.
What Covered2Go Covers
Under Covered2Go’s winter sports cover, conventional skiing and snowboarding are covered when you are skiing within the ski area boundaries of a recognised ski resort, provided you:
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Follow resort regulations
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Adhere to the International Ski Federation (FIS) code
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Follow ski patrol guidance
Importantly, it is not a condition of cover that you ski or snowboard with a guide, as long as you remain within recognised resort boundaries and follow safety rules.
👉 For a full breakdown of activities and conditions, see: Winter Sports Cover: What’s Included?
When Off-Piste Skiing Is Not Covered
You will not be covered if you:
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Ski or snowboard outside recognised ski resort boundaries without appropriate cover
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Venture into backcountry terrain beyond resort limits
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Ignore ski patrol advice, closures or safety warnings
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Take part in excluded activities such as:
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Freestyle skiing or snowboarding
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Ski or snowboard jumping, flying, acrobatics or stunts
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Ski racing or national squad training
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These exclusions apply across many popular ski destinations, including France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and other alpine regions.
Activities With Limited or Restricted Cover
Some skiing and snowboarding activities may be covered only under restricted terms, with additional conditions or exclusions. In particular, Personal Accident cover may not apply for certain activities.
These can include:
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Skiing or snowboarding outside resort boundaries, including backcountry skiing or alpine ski touring
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Skiing or snowboarding accessed by helicopter or snowcat
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Skiing or snowboarding in terrain parks within a resort
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Snowblading or cross-country (Nordic) skiing on marked trails
Where cover applies, it will be subject to specific conditions and exclusions. Always check the policy wording carefully before taking part in these activities.
Avalanche Risk and Off-Piste Skiing
Avalanche risk is one of the biggest dangers associated with off-piste skiing. Even within resort boundaries, snow conditions can change rapidly.
Recent incidents across European ski resorts show that:
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Clear weather does not mean low avalanche risk
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Heavy snowfall can destabilise underlying snow layers
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Off-piste terrain is more vulnerable to sudden avalanches
Avalanche incidents often require mountain rescue teams, helicopters and specialist equipment, with costs that can quickly escalate.
👉 Ski Travel Insurance & Avalanche Risk: What Winter Sports Travellers Need to Know
What Ski Travel Insurance May Cover
Where winter sports cover applies and policy conditions are met, ski travel insurance may include cover for:
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Emergency medical treatment abroad
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Mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation, where medically necessary
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Repatriation to the UK
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Loss or damage to ski and snowboard equipment
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Trip curtailment if injury prevents you from continuing your holiday
Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions vary by activity, so it’s essential to review your policy wording carefully before travelling.
You can explore winter sports travel insurance options before travelling to ensure your planned activities are covered appropriately.
How to Reduce Risk When Skiing Off-Piste
Travel insurance is essential, but responsible behaviour on the slopes matters just as much.
To reduce risk when skiing off-piste:
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Check daily avalanche forecasts
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Follow ski patrol guidance and resort signage
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Respect closures and restricted areas
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Follow the International Ski Federation (FIS) code
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Take local advice when conditions are uncertain
For official safety and travel guidance before travelling, always check the UK Government’s FCDO travel advice.
Off-Piste Skiing Insurance FAQs
Does travel insurance cover off-piste skiing?
Travel insurance may cover skiing within recognised ski area boundaries, provided winter sports cover is added, or the specific winter sport activity is selected, and resort rules are followed. Skiing outside resort boundaries is subject to restrictions and exclusions.
Am I insured if I ski off-piste without a guide?
Yes, as long as you remain within recognised resort boundaries and follow resort and ski patrol guidelines. A guide is not a requirement for cover under Covered2Go policies.
Does off-piste cover include avalanche rescue?
Where cover applies and policy conditions are met, emergency medical treatment and rescue, including avalanche rescue, may be included. Cover is restricted or excluded outside recognised ski areas.
Does this apply outside France?
Yes. Similar conditions apply across most ski destinations, including France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
Are terrain parks and backcountry skiing covered?
These activities may be covered only under restricted terms and may not include Personal Accident cover. Always check the policy wording before taking part.
Final Thought
Off-piste skiing can be exhilarating, but it carries additional responsibility. Understanding where cover applies, where it is limited, and where exclusions apply is essential before you leave the piste.
Before heading off-piste, make sure you:
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Have winter sports cover in place
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Understand which activities have restrictions
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Follow local safety advice and resort guidance
The right preparation and the right insurance can make all the difference.
Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs
