There's nothing like the thrill of carving through fresh powder on a pristine mountain. And for many adventure seekers, shredding the legendary runs of Whistler, exploring the vast terrain of the Alps, or experiencing the legendary slopes of Hokkaido are bucket-list experiences. But what happens if you face a flight cancellation, lost equipment, or an injury on the mountain?

See how Adventure Travel Insurance protects you and your winter sports trip, then then find the right plan from Detour.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Ski and Snowboard Trips

No matter how well planned, skiing and snowboarding trips can go astray due to unexpected challenges. Your flight gets delayed or cancelled. A collision or fall causes a sprained knee or a broken wrist. If you're planning to ski or snowboard in remote backcountry terrain with limited access to medical facilities, the need for protection becomes even more critical.

Travel insurance can reimburse you when things don't go as planned. If an unforeseen event occurs – like a canceled flight or lost equipment – you can get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Insurance helps you recapture experiences from bucket-list skiing and snowboarding trips.

Pro Tip: Stay updated with the latest U.S. government travel advisories and updates when traveling internationally, especially to remote mountain destinations.

What's the Skiing and Snowboarding Coverage You Need?

Ski trip travel insurance should be on your pack list, whether you're hitting the slopes in Colorado or tackling the backcountry in Japan. Coverage is crucial regardless of your skill level and will vary based on the plan you choose. Here are some of the ways Detour covers winter sports enthusiasts:

• Trip cancellation or interruption: Ski trips to distant destinations are significant investments, and you'll want protection if you need to cancel or your trip gets delayed for any of the following reasons:

  • Illness or injury before the trip
  • Family emergency that requires cancellation or delay
  • Plane or transportation cancellations or delays

• Emergency medical: A collision with another skier or an unfortunate fall can result in serious injuries. Adventure travel insurance can:

  • Cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and medication
  • Provide evacuation from remote locations and transport to a proper medical facility
  • Cover specialized treatment for common winter sports injuries like fractures, sprains, and concussions

• Baggage protection: Skis, snowboards, boots, and other winter gear are expensive. Travel insurance can reimburse you for:

  • Damaged equipment during transit
  • Lost or stolen gear and personal belongings

• Sports equipment rentals: If your rented skis or snowboard are stolen or damaged in transit, this coverage helps to keep you on snow during your trip.

How Adventure Travel Insurance Protects Your Winter Sports Trip

You’ve planned your dream snowboarding trip to the Swiss Alps for years and can’t wait for the pristine powder, incredible terrain, and week of perfect runs. But on the first day, you wipe out doing tricks at the terrain park and severely sprain your knee. The nearest medical clinic is at the mountain's base, but you'll need specialized care at a hospital in the valley.

Without travel insurance, you're facing hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars in medical costs, transportation to the hospital, and missed lodging. But with the right policy, your treatment, medical transport, and extra nights recuperating at the lodge are covered.