Off piste ski insurance

What does "off piste ski insurance" mean? This is one of the most common questions we are asked and it needs a degree of clarification.

Going off piste within resort boundaries

Under our winter sports ski insurance policies you can ski and snowboard anywhere within resort boundaries provided they are considered safe by resort management.

This means our ski insurance policies cover you to ski and snowboard "anywhere". Be it a pisted run or off piste up to your neck in snow, as long as the area is open and is considered safe then you are OK. If the runs or the area has been shut because of a risk of avalanche or because of low visibility or high winds then you are considered to be skiing and snowboarding against the resort guidelines and if you had an accident your claim could be declined.

Ski Area Boundaries: The Importance of Staying Within

All ski resorts are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of skiers and boarders within the marked and controlled ski area. This responsibility includes running the lifts, maintaining the ski slopes, setting up safety barriers, providing ski patrol services, and ensuring that skiers and boarders are aware of the risks and how to stay safe and resorts can be held liable for accidents that occur within the ski area if they are found to be at fault.

A ski area boundary marks the limit of the designated ski terrain and these boundaries are established to ensure the safety of skiers and boarders, preserve the mountain environment, and minimize the risk of avalanches and other natural hazards. Some ski areas may also have boundaries to protect wildlife habitats and to maintain scenic vistas.

Skiing or snowboarding outside of these boundaries can be extremely dangerous. Skiers and boarders who venture outside the designated ski area risk encountering unmarked obstacles, such as trees, rocks, or cliffs. They may also trigger avalanches, which can cause significant harm to both themselves and others.

In addition to these physical hazards, skiing or snowboarding outside of ski area boundaries also puts skiers at risk of getting lost. These areas are not patrolled, and there are often no ski patrol services available to help skiers who are lost or injured. Furthermore, many of these areas are remote and difficult to access, making it difficult for rescuers to reach skiers in need.

In conclusion, ski area boundaries are crucial for skiers' safety and the preservation of the mountain environment. Skiers and snowboarders should always stay within these boundaries and respect the rules established by ski areas.

Booking insurance online for Skiing or boarding off piste within resort boundaries

The insurance booking engine above has been pre-programmed to return the correct premium to cover off piste skiing and boarding within resort boundaries as standard as well as any other sports in the same risk category. These activities can be viewed on the results page under the activities tab or in the full policy wordings on display.

If you have an any queries about our ski insurance policies and need clarification on any aspects of the cover then do not hesitate to use livechat or call and speak to an agent on 0330 880 5099, we are open 7 days a week to provide assistance.

Going off piste outside of resort boundaries.

If you're considering venturing outside of the ski area, it's essential to be guided by a local paid professional and have the proper training, equipment, and knowledge to minimize the risks and protect the mountain environment

Training can include:

Avalanche awareness and rescue: Understanding how to assess the risk of avalanches and how to rescue someone in the event of an avalanche is crucial when skiing in the backcountry.

Navigation skills: Knowing how to navigate and find your way back to the ski area is important in case you get lost.

First Aid: Having basic first aid knowledge and supplies can be lifesaving in the event of an injury.

Equipment knowledge: Knowing how to use and adequately maintain backcountry ski gear, such as touring bindings, skins, and beacons, is essential for backcountry skiing.

Professional guidance: Taking a backcountry ski guide course or going on a guided trip with an experienced guide can provide a wealth of information and hands-on experience.

It's also important to stay up-to-date with the latest snow and weather conditions, to have the proper equipment, and to always ski with a partner or group for added safety.

The great news is all our policies cover you off-piste within ski area boundaries provided you observe local safety guidelines and by calling 0330 880 5099, we can cover you outside of the ski area boundaries in the backcountry provided you are guided by a local qualified professional

Winter sports Activities list

Please note the definition of " Off Piste" within the policy wordings for the Bronze Plus, Silver Plus and Gold Plus policies is "Off piste is skiing outside the ski resort boundaries or in an area marked prohibited from entry"

Photo: Zach Dischner Under licence.