Booking an annual ski trip can mean taking chances. The problem is, winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are not cheap. On top of the expensive gear you buy to stay safe and warm, you also have to pay to access the mountain whether it be by tram, gondola or the traditional ski lifts. That can range from $300-$1,000 for a week of all-mountain access.
Skiers know that the best prices come the earlier you book your trip, but you also put yourself at risk for unfavorable conditions. We all know Mother Nature doesn’t adhere to any sort of schedule. As the East Coast and Europe is well aware of this year, she can be hot then cold. Wet then dry. If you are booking your ski vacation months in advance, you run the risk of flight delays, cancellations, and a potentially lame winter vacation.
Note: We cover both International Domestic ski trips are eligible for travel insurance coverage, even if you are only headed to a mountain a few miles away for the weekend.
Travel insurance can provide you with a few different options for a few different scenarios. Here are a few we’ve highlighted for you.
1. There is no snow
The East Coast and parts of the Alps are off to a rough start this season. If you are spending $1,000 on lodging, $500 on flights, and $400 on lift tickets for your annual ski trip, the last thing you want to do is show up to a dry mountain. A travel insurance policy that has the Cancel for Any Reason Benefit is going to allow for you to ease the blow of lost expenses should you decide to cancel your trip. If you’re not in the mood to cancel, mountain biking is always an option.
2. Avalanche closes the canyon to your resort
Living in Utah allowed for me to realize one thing, avalanches are no joke. My last ski season spent in the Beehive State showed me just how little snow you need for road closures due to an avalanche. If you arrive to your destination, pumped about the recent powder accumulating on the mountain, only to find out you’ve no access to the resort, you may not be put out just yet. Some canyons are more dangerous than others, and when one canyon’s closed, another may be open. You can always head to a different mountain. If the resort won’t credit you for that day, travel insurance can reimburse you so you potentially break even versus losing out.
3. Major snowstorm keeps you from getting to your destination
Major snowstorms can cause for carrier delays, cancellations, and crush the hopes of gliding through several feet of fresh powder. If you can’t get there, it isn’t the ski resorts issue when their conditionals are optimal. It’s yours. But you’ve already taken off work, and your expenses have already been paid, so what do you do?
You use your travel insurance. If a major storm system causes the cancellation of your flight, or a cessation in services for more than 12 hours, you can be refunded for all prepaid expenses. That way you can rebook your trip for when you can actually access the fresh powder.
If you are planning to purchase travel insurance for your upcoming ski trip, be sure to purchase a policy that works for your needs. Always read your certificate and reach out to get any questions answered that you may have.
If you are new to travel insurance, check out 4 of our best practices for purchasing travel insurance.
