Why you need to prepare travel insurance carefully when booking a ski holiday
After another incredible Winter Olympics has drawn to a close, many will be thinking that a holiday on the ski slopes is perfect for them. A ski holiday is the ultimate winter escape – crisp mountain air, stunning scenery, and the thrill of gliding down snow-covered slopes. But as a travel lawyer, I’ve seen how quickly that dream trip can go wrong.
Posted on 25 February 2026
*First published in The Yorkshire Post*
From serious injuries to disputes over cancelled bookings, ski holidays carry unique risks that every traveller should understand.
Why Ski Trips Are Different?
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.
Insurance: Don’t Assume You’re Covered
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.
Other Risks to Consider
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.
My Suggestions?
- Check your policy carefully – Don’t rely on assumptions. Unless you have specifically asked for ski cover, it is unlikely to be automatically included.
- Declare pre-existing conditions – Failure to do so can void your cover.
- Know your rights – If you’re injured due to negligence at your resort, you may have a claim against the tour operator.
- Keep records – Photos, receipts, and incident reports can make all the difference.
- Buy insurance as soon as you book - If issues arise before your trip, you will only be protected if an insurance policy was in place.
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
Nathaniel Martindale is a senior associate solicitor on the travel team.
Going on holiday? Make sure you have travel insurance.
From losing your savings because you can no longer make your holiday, to facing medical bills into the hundreds of thousands after an accident abroad, the consequences of not having travel insurance can be huge.
Travel and holiday accidents claims
Claims relating to injuries suffered whilst travelling abroad on holiday or on business trips