This part of your insurance can help if things go wrong during a trip where you are doing winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It can help with:
- Problems with your own or rented winter sports gear if it gets lost, stolen, or damaged.
- The cost of your ski pass, lessons, or hired gear if you can't use it because you're ill or injured.
- Extra costs if the ski lifts close because there isn't enough snow or the weather is bad.
- Extra costs if you can't get to or from your ski resort because of an avalanche or landslide.
Important information:
- The cover is only valid outside the UK.
- Remember to always wear the right safety equipment and be careful when doing winter sports.
- Check that your activity is covered (e.g. off-piste skiing without a guide is not covered).
- Contact Zurich Assist if you need urgent assistance with your winter sports trip.
What kind of winter sports gear is covered?
This includes things like skis, ski poles, snowboards, helmets, boots, ice skates, snowshoes, and special winter clothes that you own or rent.
How much money can I get back if my own winter sports gear is lost, stolen, or damaged?
If you need to replace your own gear, the amount you get back depends on how old it was:
- Less than 1 year old: You'll get back 90% of what you paid.
- Up to 2 years old: You'll get back 70% of what you paid.
- Up to 3 years old: You'll get back 50% of what you paid.
- Up to 4 years old: You'll get back 30% of what you paid.
- Up to 5 years old: You'll get back 20% of what you paid.
- If your gear is over 5 years old, it's not covered.
What if I rent winter sports gear and it gets lost, stolen, or damaged?
We may cover the costs you have to pay to the rental company for the loss, theft, or damage. We may also help with the extra cost of renting gear if your own is lost or delayed by the airline for more than 24 hours.
What do I need to do if something happens with my winter sports gear or the ski resort?
You will usually need to provide some information and documents to make a claim, such as:
- A police report if your gear was lost or stolen, and you need to report it within 24 hours of finding out it's missing.
- A Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline and a letter from them if your rented gear was lost or damaged by the airline. Make sure to keep all luggage tags.
- A damage report and an estimate for repairs if your gear was damaged. Keep any damaged items as they might need to be looked at.
- Any rental agreements and luggage tags if you rented gear.
- Written confirmation from the place you bought your ski pass that you can't get a refund for the parts you didn't use.
- A written note from a doctor saying that your injury or illness stopped you from using your ski pass, lessons, or hired gear.
- Written confirmation from the ski resort management about why the facilities were closed and the dates it happened.
- Original receipts or proof that you owned the items.
What if I can't use my ski pass or hired gear because I get injured or ill?
If you can't use the ski pass, ski school fees, or hired winter sports equipment that you paid for in advance because you get hurt or unexpectedly ill, this part of the insurance can pay back the unused portion. You'll need a written note from a doctor saying that your injury or illness stopped you from using it. You also need to show that you cannot get a refund for what you didn't use.
What if the ski lifts close down?
If the lifts at the ski resort you booked close completely for more than 24 hours because there isn't enough snow or the weather is unexpectedly bad, this insurance may help pay for transport and a lift pass to get to another ski area. If there isn't another place to go, you might get some money back. You will need a written confirmation from the ski resort saying that the lifts were closed and for how long.
What if I can't get to or from my ski resort because of an avalanche or landslide?
If an avalanche or landslide blocks the roads to your pre-booked ski resort or if public transport is cancelled, this insurance may help with reasonable extra costs for a place to stay and for travel.
Is there a part of the claim I have to pay myself?
Yes, there is an excess of £50 per claim applied for baggage claims and Winter Sports cover including Ski Pack, Piste Closure, and Avalanche/Landslide Closure.
Keep in mind
For medical emergencies, please call Zurich Assist for help. Then, always fill out the in-app or online claim form to submit a claim—even if you’re not sure whether it’s covered. That way, we can keep a clear record and take a closer look at your situation. Just remember to keep any relevant receipts or official documents, like a police report in case of theft, to help support your claim.