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Skiing and Snowboarding Travel Insurance Coverage

US Residents Can Protect Against Skiing Injuries, Ski Resort Closures, Damaged Gear & More

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At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans cover losses resulting from skiing and snowboarding trips. Higher-tier plans offer coverage for more extreme skiing and snowboarding activities.
  • Emergency Medical Coverage may assist with medical costs and transport if you're seriously hurt while skiing or snowboarding.
  • Our travel protection plans include transportation if your condition is severe, acute, or life-threatening and adequate treatment is not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply.
  • Gear and baggage protection helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged ski gear and luggage.
  • An optional Cancel for Any Reason upgrade is available on some plans (additional cost and state restrictions may apply).

Are you dreaming of peaks in Italy, Austria, Switzerland or France? Or are you planning to stay in the United States to hit the slopes in Breckenridge, Vail, or Palisades? No matter where you’re headed for wintry fun, it helps to always be prepared for the unexpected when skiing and snowboarding. A travel protection plan that includes ski trip insurance coverage for Europe, the US, or any other snowy destination can help protect your adventure. Travel insurance benefits for skiing may help with everything from stolen ski gear to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my ski trip?

Unexpected issues can mess up even the most carefully planned ski trips. For example, those seeking fresh powder flock to Japan each winter to hit the slopes, but what happens if a blizzard hits and puts a halt to your fun? A travel protection plan that includes ski insurance coverage for Japan may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. Getting evacuated off a snowy mountain in a foreign country is not cheap and with a sport as risky as skiing, travel insurance can be even more important.

Travel insurance and non-insurance services for skiing and snowboarding trips: What may be covered?

Whether you’re on a black diamond at Chamonix Mont Blanc or on the bunny hill in the Dolomites, navigating steep (and even not so steep) terrain can be tricky. It only takes one bad fall or collision to end up with a broken ankle, a dislocated shoulder, or a wrist fracture. Since unexpected situations can happen on the slopes, we’ve designed our travel protection plans to include travel insurance coverage for skiing and snowboarding trips. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For injuries that happen when skiing

  2. Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation on or off the slopes

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Damaged or stolen ski gear or luggage that is lost

  4. Trip DelaysInterruptionsCancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather keeps you from going on your ski trip

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all mentioned coverages. Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

All plans include adventure travel insurance coverage for skiing, as well as several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records and pre-departure telehealth services.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my ski trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even when your main goal is to go skiing, you may want to enjoy other fun winter activities like snowmobiling or snowshoeing. That’s totally fine, because you may be covered for losses resulting from more than 250+ other sports, activities and experiences when you purchase a travel protection plan.

  • Standard Plan – This is the most basic plan, but includes travel insurance coverage for incidents while skiing (cross country/nordic skiing on marked trails, dry slope, heli, on piste or off piste within resort boundaries, power assisted, and snowblading.) Snowboarding (dry slope, heli, and on piste or off piste within resort boundaries) is also included. It includes up to $125,000 in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 for trip cancellation.
  • Explorer Plan – This plan includes everything in the Standard plan, plus even more activities – including more extreme skiing and snowboarding activities such as acrobatics, free-style, jumping, flying, stunting, backcountry/outside of resort boundary/alpine ski touring, by helicopter/snow cat, racing, and skiing and snowboarding in a terrain park within a resort. Skiing with a miniwing (speed riding) is also covered, as is serving as a ski or snowboard instructor or guide (paid or volunteer.) It also has higher limits of coverage for most benefits.
  • Epic Plan – This covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including glacier walking (up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters) and ice climbing (up to 26,247 feet/8,000 meters). It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
  • Annual Plan – If you’re planning multiple trips throughout the year, this plan may be for you. Just buy once and stay protected all year. It includes adventure travel insurance coverage for skiing, as well as all of the other activities covered in the Standard Plan.

NOMADS TIP: For even more trip cancellation flexibility, check out the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ benefit. It can be added to Explorer and Epic plans. Available at an additional cost for U.S. residents, except in New York.

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Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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A person skiing

What may not be covered when on your skiing trip?

Save the cocktails for apres-ski. Travel insurance for skiing trips won’t cover you if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some other things that aren’t covered include:

  • Horseback riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
  • Horseback riding or travel within 100 miles of your home
  • Injuries to your horse
  • Riding horses in a competition or for salary/compensation 

Top safety tips we recommend for your skiing trips

  • Unattended baggage, ski gear or personal items
  • Damage to ski equipment while you’re using it
  • Not following ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued by the US government prior to departure
  • Participation in activities not listed in our 250+ sports, activities and experiences
  • Ignoring your doctor if they have advised in writing that you are not medically fit to travel
  • Traveling or skiing within 100 miles of your home
  • Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
  • Skiing or snowboarding in a competition or for salary/competition
  • Pre-existing Conditions. However, you could be eligible for the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver if you purchased the Epic or Explorer plan during the time-sensitive period and were medically able and not disabled from travel, based on the assessment of a physician, to travel at the time of purchase when you buy the plan. A definition of a pre-existing condition can be found in your plan document.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for skiing and snowboarding. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Can skiing and snowboarding be covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?

    Yes, the Standard and Annual plans include travel insurance coverage for losses related to incidents that occur while skiing (cross country/nordic skiing on marked trails, dry slope, heli, on piste or off piste within resort boundaries, power assisted, and snowblading.) Losses related to snowboarding (dry slope, heli, and on piste or off piste within resort boundaries) are also included. The Explorer Plan includes everything in the Standard plan, plus even more activities – including more extreme skiing and snowboarding, including acrobatics, free-style, jumping, flying, stunting, backcountry/outside of resort boundary/alpine ski touring, by helicopter/snow cat, racing, and skiing and snowboarding in a terrain park within a resort. Skiing with a miniwing (speed riding) is also covered, as is serving as a ski or snowboard instructor or guide (paid or volunteer.) If you want higher limits of coverage, you’ll want to consider the Explorer or Epic plan.

  • What happens if there’s no snow and I can’t ski on my trip?

    We can’t control the weather, but a travel protection plan may help. For example, if you have a travel protection plan that includes ski insurance coverage for your trip to Europe, and your ski resort in the Dolomites closes all or part of its facilities for at least one day due to lack of snow or inclement weather that causes a cessation of services, you may get $250 per incident as a ‘travel inconvenience’ (up to plan limits). You must have purchased the Explorer or Epic plan within the time sensitive period in order to be eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply.

  • What happens if the ski slopes close during my trip?

    Your travel protection plan from World Nomads may help ease the disappointment. For instance, if you have a travel protection plan that includes ski insurance coverage for your trip to Japan, and at least 50% of the trails or slopes at your ski resort in Niseko are closed for at least eight consecutive hours for various reasons, subject to terms and conditions, you may receive reimbursement for your ski lift ticket. Read your plan for details of this “Trip Interruption” benefit available on the Explorer and Epic Plans.

  • Can I purchase a plan after my trip starts?

    Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan that includes adventure travel insurance coverage for skiing online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Insurance for U.S. residents takes effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage for skiing, you’ll need to purchase your plan at least the day before you need coverage.

  • What should I do if I get hurt while skiing?

    If you get hurt while skiing, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help cover the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance team is also included for support anytime, anywhere when you purchase a travel protection plan.

  • Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?

    Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add additional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased.

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?
    When you purchase travel insurance coverage for skiing trips, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 consecutive hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for reasonable essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance service that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

Need destination inspiration for your next ski trip?

While there are great places to ski here in the United States, there’s an abundance of great places around the world to also check out. Check out a couple of our favorite locations and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Five Great Ways to Experience Germany in Winter

Skiing in Japan: The Best Resorts to Check Out Now

Skiing in Italy’s Dolomites

Four Reasons to Visit Turkey in Winter

Bluebird Colorado: A Local’s Guide to Skiing in the Rockies

Austria Essential Skiing and Snow Tips

Four Winter Wilderness Adventures in Central and Eastern Canada


20251014-4898509. TThis is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Standard Plan: $2,500
  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Epic Plan: $15,000
  • Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Standard Plan: $125,000
  • Explorer Plan: $150,000
  • Epic Plan: $250,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation

We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.

  • Standard Plan: $400,000
  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Epic Plan: $700,000
  • Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.

  • Standard Plan: $1,000
  • Explorer Plan: $2,000
  • Epic Plan: $3,000
  • Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.

Protect your health

  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
  • Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Bedside Companion Travel
  • Emergency Medications

Protect Your Trip

  • Trip Cancellation
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
  • Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
  • Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
  • Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)

Protect Your Stuff

  • Baggage Delay
  • Passport and Visa Loss
  • Lost or Stolen Bags
  • Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
  • Baggage Return After Evacuation

Non-Insurance Services

  • Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
  • Translators Available
  • Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
  • Portable Health Records
  • Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
This is a general summary for US residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefits limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact 24/7 Emergency Assistance:
Telephone: +1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada

Contact the team