When it comes to ski insurance, two teams face off: those who never get it ("anyway, insurance just brings bad luck... it's always when you get some that something happens to you"); and those who always get it ("you never know! Belt, suspenders and parachute!").
Spoiler alert: both teams are wrong! Being insured is important; but being over-insured serves no purpose. Passe Montagne explains why, and above all helps you choose the insurance best suited to your needs (before you opt for an expensive season insurance in a moment of panic).
Ski insurance? What for!
Fair warning: this paragraph talks about some not-so-nice things that can happen to you with skis on your feet… If you're easily impressionable, skip straight to the next paragraph! But remember that preventing the worst won't stop you from enjoying the best, fortunately 😉
Imagine. You've just arrived at your favourite resort. First run, a missed edge, a big fall — you end up in the scenery. You try to get up, but your right collarbone refuses (bad luck: you're right-handed). Unfortunately, you notice that one of your skis has cracked from the impact. The ski patrol arrives, and the verdict is in: you need to be evacuated to the nearest hospital.
Here is the (non-exhaustive) list of costs associated with this simple missed edge:
Rescue and evacuation costs (up to several thousand euros out of your pocket if a helicopter is deployed!)
Medical and hospitalization costs
Your week ski pass will have been used for only 30 minutes (return on investment: zero)
Same for the ski equipment you rented (which is now damaged)
You won't be attending the ski lessons you booked
You might even have to go home early (goodbye to that costly holiday rental)…
Feel like hyperventilating at the sight of those hard-earned euros disappearing? That's exactly where ski insurance comes in: they were designed precisely to limit the damage, or even eliminate entirely the risk of losing a lot from a badly negotiated turn.
Do you really need ski insurance?
Now that we've scared you, it's time to reassure you: you are probably already insured (at least partially) when you put on your skis.
Important note… even when insured, upfront costs often remain the skier's responsibility in case of an accident. With Passe Montagne insurance, you benefit from coverage with no upfront costs, so you can ski with complete peace of mind.
Do you have home insurance? Your liability insurance probably already covers all or part of the rescue and repatriation costs on the slopes. Take a look at your policy to be *sure*.
Do you have good health coverage? It may also cover your skiing, at least on-piste (less certain for off-piste, as is often the case; worth checking).
Did you pay for all your holiday purchases with your bank card? Premium bank cards cover the costs mentioned above fairly well (rescue costs, hospitalization, equipment damage, trip cancellation, etc.); including off-piste for some. Ask your bank if you have trouble interpreting the fine print; insurance documents can sometimes be a bit hard to digest…
Do you have an accidental life insurance policy (GAV) or a death/disability insurance? Similarly, any costs linked to a possible disability may already be covered (make sure to check the disability threshold from which you are covered).
You see! No need to panic — you're already covered by multiple policies. The most tedious part of the insurance game begins now: that's where you'll need to draw up a lovely spreadsheet to compile and compare indemnification caps, deductibles and exclusions (including the infamous off-piste) from all your policies. This is generally the stage where skiers give up and choose to get an additional ski insurance to avoid the hassle… A bit of a waste of money, but we respect that choice (after all, time is money too).
Four questions to ask yourself to choose the right ski insurance
You've reviewed all your insurance policies (well done!), and you've reached the conclusion that you need ski insurance (drat…). How do you choose the right one? Here are 4 questions to guide you to the right decision.
1/ What is your ski level: beginner? Intermediate? Expert?
If you're a beginner skier, you'll likely spend your time on gentle green slopes. The probability of ending up with a broken leg is fairly low (but not zero! Zero risk doesn't exist). Depending on your risk aversion, you might consider that basic insurance would be sufficient to cover your first snowplough turns.
You're no longer a beginner, but not an expert either? you probably spend most of your holiday on blue and red runs. In other words: the slopes most frequented by the vast majority of enthusiastic skiers (who are prone to falls; that's how you learn!). The likelihood of ending up flat on your back is relatively high. It might be worth considering good ski insurance…
Are you an expert skier? You're one of those who rarely fall… but when you do, you don't do things by halves! Get good insurance; you'll still be the end-game boss, promise.
2/ What are your favourite "snow" activities? Alpine skiing, freeride, freestyle…
Do you never leave the groomed and marked ski area during your sessions? Then there's no need to opt for ski insurance offering incredible off-piste cover. Focus on on-piste ski coverage (rescue costs on the slopes, hospitalization costs, etc.).
Do you always answer the call of the powder? Do you only ski on fat skis and/or touring skis? Be very careful when comparing ski insurance exclusions: you absolutely need insurance that covers off-piste skiing!
Do you spend your days in the snowpark? No special recommendations here: freestyle areas are part of the marked ski area. You are therefore covered when you string together table-to-rail and rail-to-table runs. On the other hand, falls are inevitable when practicing freestyle (that’s how you learn the trade…). Don’t skimp on coverage.
3/ Do you also take part in other “mountain” activities? Climbing, mountaineering…
If you are a member of a climbing or mountaineering club, there’s a good chance you are licensed with the FFME or FFCAM. And therefore that you are already covered for all your mountain activities, including on-piste and off-piste skiing (though check the options you ticked when joining one of these federations…). In that case, no need to arrange additional insurance — keep your euros for après-ski!
Do you climb or do mountaineering outside a club… but buy lots of gear? You might be better off opting for an Au Vieux Campeur Club Card. Not only will you be insured for all your mountain activities (including skiing); you will also benefit from discounts, access to equipment tests, cheaper rates at certain mountain huts, etc. A quick comparison of the card’s coverage with your other insurance options is still essential (after all, free shipping is nice; but being well covered in case of a serious incident is better). But at least you know this option exists.
4/ How many days a year are you on the ski slopes?
This question is mainly intended to help you choose between daily, weekly or seasonal insurance.
Passe Montagne ski insurance, for example, costs you €3.50/day or €29/season (winter 2025/2026). if you ski 1 to 8 days per winter, you are better off going for daily cover.
Let’s take 3 examples:
– You love skiing; but only when the sun is shining, your five friends are all free at the same time, AND you remembered to put your skis in the car. We know someone like this. With 4 to 5 days per winter on average, take out daily insurance.
– Is a ski week a year your thing? You arrive on Saturday, start on Sunday and leave Friday evening? 6 days. At €3.50/day, that’s €21 for the week. Passe Montagne daily insurance remains the best option for you.
– Have you already calculated that winter 25/26 has 24 weekends, and worked out that you’ll be going at least every other one? Take out seasonal insurance! Even if you end up skipping a weekend here and there (due to a nasty cold, an unexpected birthday, bad weather), you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered for the entire winter — and you can enjoy last-minute sessions without worrying about the cost.
There you go! You are now ready to choose the best ski insurance for your next ski sessions. To summarize:
Yes, it is important to cover your turns on the slopes (and off-piste if you practice freeride); if something goes wrong, your trip could end up costing you a lot…
No, you don’t necessarily need to take out specific insurance when buying your ski pass; it all depends on the level of cover provided by your other insurance (bank card, home insurance, health insurance, personal liability etc.)
Your choice of insurance should be based primarily on how you ski: beginner or expert? Alpine skier or freerider? Occasional or regular skier?
So yes, it takes time to compare everything. But once you’ve understood how it works, it becomes much simpler. Have a great ride, and stay safe!
Passe Montagne ski insurance coverage, in brief:
Rescue, search and medical transport costs (no upfront payment)
Reimbursement of medical and hospitalization costs
Repatriation (for you and any insured family members)
Reimbursement of ski pass and ski/snowboard lessons
Equipment damage (seasonal insurance only)
