Skiing in the Alps 2026: Avalanche, Fractures and Helicopter Rescue — What Your Insurance Must Cover

Skiing in the Alps is exhilarating. It is also statistically one of the most injury-prone travel activities. Helicopter rescue alone can cost EUR 5,000-15,000. Here is what your policy must include.

The Real Risk Numbers for Alpine Skiing

Approximately 300,000 ski injuries occur in the Alps annually. The most common: knee ligament tears, wrist fractures, shoulder dislocations, and head injuries. Helicopter rescue is the standard emergency response and costs EUR 5,000-15,000 per activation.

What IATI Covers on the Slopes

IATI covers skiing and snowboarding at all levels, including off-piste skiing (within resort boundaries and with a guide). Coverage includes: medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, helicopter rescue, mountain rescue team costs, and repatriation.

Off-Piste and Backcountry Skiing

IATI covers off-piste skiing within resort areas and guided backcountry skiing. Unauthorized unguided backcountry skiing in closed zones is excluded. Always check resort boundary maps and ski with a certified mountain guide for backcountry routes.

Which Alpine Countries Are Covered

IATI covers skiing in all major Alpine destinations: France (Chamonix, Méribel, Val d'Isère), Switzerland (Verbier, Zermatt, St Moritz), Austria (St Anton, Kitzbühel, Innsbruck), Italy (Courmayeur, Cervinia, Cortina), and Andorra.

Ski Equipment and Luggage

IATI covers theft of ski equipment (within covered theft criteria: locked vehicle, supervised parking) up to EUR 1,000. For high-value equipment, the Premium plan provides higher luggage limits. Always declare high-value items at purchase.