WinterSportsInsurance

Insurance for Every Winter Sport

Find the right cover for your specific winter activity — from resort skiing to mountaineering.

Skiing
Medium RiskAdd-on Required
⛷️

Skiing

Downhill skiing is the most popular winter sport for New Zealand travellers, requiring a specific snow sports add-on to your travel insurance policy.

Knee ligament injuriesFractures from fallsCollisions with other skiers
Snowboarding
High RiskAdd-on Required
🏂

Snowboarding

Snowboarding carries a slightly higher injury risk than skiing, particularly for wrists and shoulders. Dedicated snow sports cover is essential.

Wrist fractures (falling on outstretched hands)Shoulder injuriesHead/concussion risk
Heli-Skiing
Very High RiskSpecialist Cover Needed
🚁

Heli-Skiing

Heli-skiing accesses remote, unpatrolled backcountry terrain by helicopter. Not all ski insurance policies cover heli-skiing — check before you book.

Avalanche risk in uncontrolled terrainRemote location rescue challengesHigh-consequence falls
Off-Piste Skiing
High RiskSpecialist Cover Needed
🏔️

Off-Piste Skiing

Skiing or snowboarding outside marked resort boundaries on ungroomed terrain. Requires specific off-piste cover — not included in standard ski add-ons.

Avalanche exposureUnpatrolled terrain with no immediate rescueVariable and unpredictable snow conditions
Cross-Country Skiing
Low RiskAdd-on Required
🎿

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country and Nordic skiing on groomed trails or in backcountry settings. Usually covered under standard snow sports add-ons.

Muscle strains and overuse injuriesFalls on icy terrainCold and hypothermia in remote areas
Snowshoeing
Low RiskStandard
🥾

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing on groomed trails or gentle backcountry terrain is typically covered under standard travel insurance policies.

Falls on icy or uneven terrainCold exposure and hypothermiaGetting lost in backcountry
Winter Hiking & Tramping
Medium RiskAdd-on Required
🧗

Winter Hiking & Tramping

Winter hiking and tramping in alpine environments carries greater risk than summer hiking and may require adventure travel cover.

Severe weather exposureAvalanche risk on alpine terrainRiver crossings in flood conditions
Mountaineering & Ice Climbing
Very High RiskSpecialist Cover Needed
🧗

Mountaineering & Ice Climbing

Technical mountaineering using ropes, ice axes, and crampons is excluded from most standard policies. Specialist alpine cover is required.

Falls from significant heightAvalanche and serac collapseCrevasse falls on glaciated terrain