British skiers are being urged to carefully check the fine print of their travel insurance, as failing to do so could leave them unexpectedly uninsured while hitting the slopes this winter.

With many ski resorts across the Alps now open, and demand for adventure holidays booming, experts say the risks are higher than ever. The UN World Tourism Organisation has identified the UK as Europe’s largest adventure tourism market, accounting for almost one in five of the world’s adventure travellers.

Hannah Mayfield, money expert at travel insurance comparison site PayingTooMuch, warns that even travellers who buy winter sports insurance could still find themselves uninsured in some instances.

“Seasoned skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts know they need specialist insurance,” she explained. “But do they really know what they’re actually covered for?”

In general, ski travel insurance safeguards you against snow-related risks such as lost, stolen, or damaged equipment, ski passes, rental fees, unused ski school or instructor fees, and even incidents like avalanches and landslides, as well as cover for baggage, cancellation, medical emergencies and repatriation.

But Hannah warned that it’s often the fine print that trips travellers up.

“Altitude limits are a big one. Some policies cut out above 3,000 or 4,000 metres, which rules out resorts like Chamonix, Zermatt and Val Thorens,” she said.

“Off-piste skiing is another; unless you’re with a qualified guide, you may not be covered. And even equipment theft can be tricky, as claims are often rejected if skis are stolen from a communal boot room rather than a locked and secure space.

“The harsh reality is that if you fail to read the terms of your policy and what you’re covered for, you could face out-of-pocket expenses or medical bills that can be staggering if you have an accident.  A helicopter rescue can cost thousands, a broken leg abroad may run over £10,000, and repatriation to the UK can top £30,000.”

A Snow Sports Survey also revealed that one in six skiers breaks a bone on the slopes, while almost a third of Brits head to the mountains with no insurance at all.

These are the most important things to watch out for, according to Hannah:

• Altitude limits: Some policies can stop at above 3,000–4,000m, excluding popular Alpine resorts, so check your ski resort’s altitude mountain range before you buy your cover.

• Off-piste exclusions: Often only valid if you’re skiing with a guide. Stick to designated slope areas and avoid straying off-piste, as venturing outside of these zones can be risky, especially for those without the necessary experience. Always check mountain altitudes and terrain conditions to ensure you’re in a safe zone.

• Equipment theft: Not covered if stolen from communal boot rooms. Ensure the safety of your equipment by investing in a sturdy padlock to secure it when left unattended overnight or at bars and restaurants on the slopes. This simple measure can help prevent theft and ensure your gear stays protected.

• Air ambulance rules: Some insurers may only pay out if they have pre-approved the evacuation, so it’s worth checking.

• Staying safe on the slopes: While après-ski is a fun tradition, it’s important to stay safe, as excessive drinking or partying can lead to accidents. In some cases, it may even invalidate your insurance cover if an incident occurs while under the influence.

• Extra activities: Also check which activities you’re covered for, such as dog sledging, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, as all policies vary.

“Don’t just compare policies on price alone,” Hannah warns.  “The cheapest option may not provide adequate cover, making it worthless if you need to make a claim.”

“If you’re looking for cover that’s tailored for specific activities like skiing and snowboarding, make sure to search or compare winter sports travel insurance, which is specifically designed for that type of holiday. Always check altitude limits, off-piste rules, equipment cover and other activities before you buy. Spending a little more time upfront could save you thousands of pounds later.”