Call our friendly team on 0333 400 7745
or log into the Customer Hub to manage your policy.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance

Hit the slopes with confidence with award-winning Winter Sports Travel Insurance from Covered2Go. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or enjoying a family ski holiday, our winter sports cover can help protect you against unexpected events both on and off the piste.

  • Skiing & Snowboarding Cover Available
  • Cover for Ski Equipment & Ski Packs
  • Piste Closure Protection Available
  • Up to £10 Million Emergency Medical Cover
  • Which? Best Buy Recognised Policies

What Is Winter Sports Travel Insurance?Family on moutain enjoying winter sports travel insurance

Winter Sports Travel Insurance is a specialist type of travel insurance designed to provide cover for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports activities. While standard travel insurance may cover many common travel risks, it often excludes winter sports-related incidents, making dedicated winter sports cover an important consideration for anyone planning a ski or snowboarding holiday.

Depending on your chosen cover level, Winter Sports Travel Insurance may include protection for emergency medical expenses, ski and snowboard equipment, piste closures, ski packs, mountain rescue and travel disruption. Whether you’re planning your first ski holiday, a family trip to the Alps or a snowboarding adventure with friends, having the right cover in place can help you enjoy your holiday with greater confidence.

If you’re only taking one skiing holiday this year, our Single Trip Travel Insurance may be suitable for your needs, while regular skiers and snowboarders may wish to consider Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance for year-round protection.

Why Do I Need Winter Sports Travel Insurance?

Winter holidays come with unique risks that standard travel insurance doesn’t always cover. Slips, falls, poor weather and equipment issues can easily disrupt your trip and become expensive.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance can help protect you from:

  • Medical costs following ski or snowboarding injuries

  • Mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation

  • Lost, stolen or damaged ski equipment

  • Piste closures due to weather

  • Cancelled lessons or unused lift passes

  • Trip cancellations or curtailment

With 24/7 emergency assistance, you can enjoy your holiday knowing help is always available.

What’s Included In Our Winter Sports Cover?

Our policies offer comprehensive, flexible protection for your winter holiday. Cover levels may vary depending on your chosen policy.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses (up to £10 million)

    • Cover for skiing and snowboarding injuries abroad.

    • Includes mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, and repatriation if necessary.

  • Ski & Snowboard Equipment Insurance (up to £1,500)

    • Cover for lost, stolen, or damaged ski and snowboard gear.

    • Includes both owned and hired equipment.

  • Replacement Equipment Hire (up to £1,500)

    • Reimbursement if your ski gear is delayed, lost, or stolen.

  • Piste Closure Compensation (up to £500)

    • If adverse weather or lack of snow forces piste closures, we’ll help recover your costs.

  • Ski Pass & Lessons Cover (up to £1,500)

    • Refund for unused lift passes, ski school, or hired equipment due to illness or injury.

  • Trip Cancellation & Curtailment (up to £10,000)

    • Protects prepaid holiday costs if your trip is unexpectedly cancelled or cut short.

  • Personal Liability Protection (up to £2 million)

    • Cover if you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage while skiing or snowboarding.

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance

    • Access to medical help and travel support worldwide.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance For Different Types Of Skiers & Snowboarders

Whether you’re planning your first ski holiday, taking the family to the slopes or heading off on an advanced skiing adventure, Winter Sports Travel Insurance can help provide protection tailored to winter sports activities.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance for Skiers

Whether you’re enjoying a beginner ski holiday or an annual trip to the mountains, Winter Sports Travel Insurance can help provide protection for ski equipment, piste closures, emergency medical treatment and more.

Related: Ski Travel Insurance

Winter Sports Travel Insurance for Snowboarders

Snowboarding holidays can present unique risks both on and off the slopes. Winter Sports Travel Insurance can help provide additional protection for snowboarders travelling throughout Europe and worldwide destinations.

Related: Snowboarding Travel Insurance

Winter Sports Travel Insurance for Families

Family ski holidays require careful planning, and travel insurance can help provide peace of mind for parents travelling with children. Winter Sports Travel Insurance can help protect your family against unexpected events before and during your trip.

Related: Family Travel Insurance

Winter Sports Travel Insurance for European Ski Holidays

Many of the world’s most popular ski resorts are located in Europe, including destinations in France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Winter Sports Travel Insurance can help provide protection for your winter holiday, whether you’re travelling for a long weekend or a two-week skiing adventure.

Related: Europe Travel Insurance

Winter Sports Travel Insurance for Off-Piste Skiing

If you’re planning to ski or snowboard off-piste, it’s important to understand what activities are covered under your policy. Always check the policy wording carefully and ensure you comply with any requirements relating to guides, safety equipment and resort regulations.

Which Winter Sports Are Covered?

Our Winter Sports Travel Insurance includes a wide range of activities, grouped by risk level. Always check your Policy Wording for full details.

Standard Winter Sports

  • On-piste skiing

  • On-piste snowboarding

  • Cross-country skiing

  • Tobogganing

  • Sledging

Higher-Risk Activities (may require an upgrade)

  • Off-piste skiing or snowboarding within recognised ski resort boundaries, provided resort regulations and ski patrol safety guidance are followed

  • Ski touring

  • Snowmobiling

  • Heli-skiing

  • Snow kiting

  • Bobsleighing

📍 Some exclusions and conditions apply. Always check your policy wording before travelling.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance vs Standard Travel Insurance

If you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding holiday, it’s important to understand the difference between Winter Sports Travel Insurance and standard travel insurance. While standard travel insurance may provide protection for many common travel risks, it often excludes winter sports activities and related incidents. Winter Sports Travel Insurance is specifically designed to provide additional protection for those heading to the slopes.

Cover Feature Winter Sports Travel Insurance Standard Travel Insurance
Skiing & Snowboarding Activities ✔ Covered ✖ Not Covered
Winter Sports Equipment Cover ✔ Available ✖ Not Covered
Replacement Equipment Hire ✔ Available ✖ Not Covered
Winter Sports Pack Cover ✔ Available ✖ Not Covered
Piste Closure Cover ✔ Available ✖ Not Covered
Mountain Rescue Cover ✔ Available ✖ Not Covered
Emergency Medical Expenses ✔ Covered ✔ Covered
Designed Specifically For Ski Holidays ✔ Yes ✖ No

Whether you’re enjoying a family ski holiday, a snowboarding trip with friends or a week on the slopes in the Alps, Winter Sports Travel Insurance can provide protection tailored to the unique risks associated with winter sports activities.

If you’re planning a single skiing holiday this year, our Single Trip Travel Insurance with Winter Sports cover may be suitable for your needs. If you regularly enjoy skiing or snowboarding holidays throughout the year, you may wish to consider Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance with Winter Sports cover for year-round protection.

Popular Ski Destinations

Europe is home to some of the world’s most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations, including France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Whether you’re planning a family ski holiday or an adventure on the slopes, Winter Sports Travel Insurance can help provide protection throughout your trip.

Related: Europe Travel Insurance

Off-Piste Skiing Explained

Off-piste skiing generally refers to skiing away from marked or groomed pistes. In many resorts, this can include terrain immediately beside a piste, provided it remains within the recognised boundaries of the ski resort.

Skiers and snowboarders should always follow any closures, restrictions or hazard warnings issued by the resort or ski patrol. Entering restricted areas could affect insurance cover.

This type of activity is often referred to as off-piste skiing insurance, which typically applies when skiing takes place within recognised resort boundaries and local safety guidance is followed.

Ski resorts often publish avalanche risk levels to help skiers assess conditions, but these levels are advisory and do not automatically determine whether insurance cover applies.

Who Needs Winter Sports Travel Insurance?

Our cover is ideal for:

  • Skiers & Snowboarders – from beginners to experienced riders.

  • Families on Winter Holidays – ensuring adults and children are fully protected.

  • Off-Piste Enthusiasts – for adventurous travellers.

  • Groups & Clubs – cover multiple travellers under one policy.

If winter activities are part of your holiday, dedicated cover is essential.

Planning a one-off ski trip? You can also get cover through our Single Trip Travel Insurance.

Travelling more than once this year? Our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance can cover all your holidays, including winter sports, under one policy.

Key Considerations When Choosing Ski Insurance

Before buying ski or snowboard insurance, think about:

  • Medical Cover – Essential for costly slope injuries and mountain rescue.

  • Equipment Protection – Covers your own or rented gear.

  • Piste Closure Compensation – Refunds if conditions prevent skiing.

  • Cancellation Cover – Protects against illness, injury, or emergencies.

  • Activity Restrictions – Always check which sports are included in your policy.

Choosing the right level of cover ensures you’re protected whatever your plans on the mountain.

Why Choose Covered2Go?

We’ve helped thousands of travellers protect their holidays with award-winning travel insurance designed to provide confidence before and during your trip.

Covered2Go Silver Gold and Platinum cover achieve Which? Best Buy status for 2026

  • Award-Winning Cover

We’re proud to offer Which? Best Buy recognised travel insurance policies.

  • Trusted By Thousands Of Travellers

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

  • UK-Based Customer Support

Friendly support from our experienced UK team.

  • Flexible Cover Options

Choose from Silver, Gold and Platinum levels.

  • Medical Screening Available

Cover available for many pre-existing medical conditions.

Compare Our Winter Sports Cover Levels

Choosing the right level of Winter Sports Travel Insurance depends on the type of skiing or snowboarding holiday you’re planning. Whether you’re looking for essential protection or enhanced cover for equipment and winter sports-related incidents, Covered2Go offers a range of cover levels to suit different needs and budgets.

Cover Benefit Silver Gold Platinum
Emergency Medical Expenses £5 Million £10 Million £10 Million
Cancellation Cover £2,000 £5,500 £10,000
Baggage & Personal Belongings £1,500 £3,000 £5,000
Winter Sports Equipment £500 £500 £1,500
Replacement Equipment Hire £300 £300 £1,500
Winter Sports Pack £300 £300 £1,500
Piste Closure £300 £300 £500
Policy Excess £75 £50 Nil

This is a summary of selected cover limits only. Winter Sports cover applies where the relevant Sports and Activities level has been selected and shown on your policy schedule. Please refer to the policy wording and Insurance Product Information Document for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.

Ready To Hit The Slopes?

Get a quote online in minutes and choose the level of Winter Sports Travel Insurance that’s right for your trip. Whether you’re planning a family ski holiday, a snowboarding adventure or a week in the Alps with friends, Covered2Go can help provide protection both on and off the slopes.

Get A Quote

Winter Travel Advice & Resources

Related Winter Sports Guides

Looking for more winter travel tips? Explore our latest articles:

Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Reviewed by the Covered2Go Travel Insurance Team

We’ve Got You Covered with our
Award-Winning Travel Insurance

  • 4.6 out of 5 Star Excellent Rating on
    Trustpilot (2025)
  • Finalists – Best Travel Insurance Provider –
    Insurance Choice Awards (2024)
  • Best Travel Insurance Provider –
    Insurance Choice Awards (2022)
*Gold & Platinum
Policies Only

Winter Sports Travel Insurance FAQs

Yes. While an EHIC/GHIC card can provide access to state healthcare in Europe, it does not cover private medical treatment, mountain rescue, or repatriation to the UK. Our Winter Sports Travel Insurance ensures you’re protected if you’re injured on the slopes, need emergency assistance, or your trip is disrupted.

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

Yes, but only under certain conditions. Off-piste skiing or snowboarding is usually covered when you are with a qualified guide and following resort regulations and International Ski Federation rules. Cover will not apply if you ignore safety guidance or go into restricted areas.

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

Yes. Snowboarding is included under our standard winter sports cover, alongside skiing and other listed activities. For higher-risk activities (such as heli-skiing, ski touring, or snow kiting), please check your Policy Wording to confirm if additional cover is required.

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

Absolutely. You can choose between:

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

Yes. You’re covered for up to £1,500 if your skis, snowboard, or other winter sports equipment are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. For equipment over 5 years old, the maximum we’ll pay is £50. To make a claim, you’ll need proof of ownership and, where relevant, reports from police, resort management, or a specialist dealer.

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

If your equipment is lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed for more than 12 hours on your outward journey, we’ll reimburse up to £1,500 for replacement hire costs so you can continue your holiday without disruption.

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

Yes. If on-piste skiing at your resort is closed due to lack of snow, too much snow, or avalanche risk, you’re covered for up to £500. This includes:

  • Up to £15 per day towards transport to another resort, or

  • £25 per full day if no skiing is available at all.
    A confirmation letter from resort management is required to make a claim.

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

Yes. If you’re unable to ski due to illness or injury, or if your lift pass is lost or stolen, you’re covered for up to £1,500 for the unused portion of your ski school, resort pass, lift pass, or hired equipment (limited to £150 per week).

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

  • Your policy will be invalid if you do not wear a helmet
  • Travelling against the advice of the government or the FCDO
  • If you have not declared your pre-existing medical conditions
  • If you have an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

An EHIC or GHIC covers state healthcare, not private treatment.
With an EHIC or GHIC you can get emergency or necessary medical care for the same cost as a resident in the country you’re visiting. This means that you can get healthcare at a reduced cost or for free.
An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance – it does not cover everything, such as mountain rescue or being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation). Make sure you have both before you travel.
You’ll need to pay in full for treatment if you do not have an EHIC, GHIC or provisional replacement certificate (PRC).
The following European countries do not accept the EHIC or GHIC:

  • the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, Alderney and Sark
  • the Isle of Man
  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • the Vatican

All our policies can cover you for trips to the UK, Europe and worldwide, so whether you’re planning a short snowboarding break in the Alps, or a skiing trip in Canada, our policies can cover you.

Medical costs can run into £100,000 plus if you have an accident and need to be returned home from the USA, so travel insurance with winter sports cover is especially important.

As soon as you book. Our policies provide cover for cancellation risks, which means you can recoup the cost of your holiday should you need to cancel, due to falling ill, getting injured, or being made redundant. For more information about cancellation cover and the terms and conditions, please see our Policy Wordings.

📌 Winter Sports Extension applies when Sports & Activities level 3 or 4 is selected. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Please see the full Policy Wording for details.

If you are travelling as a couple, family or group, you may find that it is better value for money by having your partner or family on the same policy. For example, on our policies, couples benefit from a 10% discount, and kids are free on family policies.

Yes. If you are planning multiple trips throughout the year and one or more of them is a winter sports trip, then it’s important to add winter sports cover to your policy. You may even save money by purchasing a multi-trip policy versus buying separate single trip policies.

We are confident that our medical screening quotation system will provide cover in most circumstances, with decisions being instantaneous. Simply get a quote or contact us to discuss further.

If we cannot cover your condition, GoodToGo Insurance may be able to help you. We are pleased to have partnered with GoodToGo Insurance, who are on the list of serious medical specialist providers presented on the medical directory by MaPS.

GoodToGo’s policies are designed for people travelling with all types of pre-existing medical conditions up to a high level of severity and sometimes even a terminal prognosis. You can call us on 0333 400 7745 or visit our Covered2Go/GoodToGo partnership website for more information.

If Covered2Go and/or GoodToGo are unable to cover your condition, then you have free and unrestricted access to a pool of specialist travel insurance providers on the directory provided by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).

MaPS was established at the beginning of 2019 and engages with HM Treasury on policy matters relating to financial capability and debt advice.

The MaPS travel insurance directory has been created for travellers who have potentially been refused cover or received a high additional premium in connection with their medical conditions, which provides them with access to consider alternative providers.

How can I access the MaPS Directory?

  • By Phone – call 0800 138 7777 (Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm)
  • Online – you can visit the online travel insurance MaPS directory for a full list of participating travel insurance brands by clicking here.
  • By Email – simply contact traveldirectory@maps.org.uk.