Japan may still reign supreme for Aussie skiers, but another destination is carving out a bigger slice of the action.
According to 1Cover Travel Insurance, Canada has seen the strongest surge in ski cover sales this season, up more than 50 per cent year-on-year.
The insurer says while Japan remains Australia’s top ski destination, Canada’s appeal is climbing fast, thanks to a favourable exchange rate, shorter queues and lower lift pass and accommodation costs. Together, 1Cover says they’re making Canada a compelling alternative for travellers seeking world-class slopes without the high prices.
“Japan remains the top ski destination for Australians, but Canada is showing the fastest growth, with a notable rise in snow sports cover as travellers look to protect themselves against costly mishaps on the mountain,” 1Cover Travel Insurance COO Natalie Ball says.
“Even as travel to Japan remains strong, the yen’s recent strengthening and rising tourist taxes have softened its budget-friendly reputation.
“Meanwhile, a favourable exchange rate has made Canada more financially accessible, helping to narrow the cost gap between the two destinations. And while long-haul flights can add to upfront costs, competitive holiday deals can offset these expenses.”
But it’s not just the snowfields drawing attention; it’s the risks, too. 1Cover warns that skiing and snowboarding are among the most common triggers for major insurance claims, with overseas medical evacuations and hospital stays easily costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“When you’re travelling overseas for snow sports, travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential,” Ball says.
“We encourage all travellers to pack travel insurance, particularly if they’re planning to ski or snowboard. Medical injuries and health emergencies are far more common on the slopes than many people realise, and the costs of overseas medical care can be staggering.”
Just ask Sydney’s Jack Khamu, who was airlifted from Whistler after a 200-metre fall left him with serious injuries. His AU$300,000 recovery bill was covered by 1Cover, a reminder that insurance is just as essential as your ski pass.
“A dream trip can turn into a nightmare in seconds, but the right insurance can make all the difference between financial ruin and getting home safely,” Ball remarks.
In October, a new government-backed study revealed some risky habits among Aussie travellers, with a quarter of under-30s heading overseas without travel insurance and nearly half willing to take risks for the sake of a memorable experience. Read more about that here.
Karryon Unpacks: Canada’s closing the gap on Japan with better value and big snow energy. But if you’re hitting the slopes, don’t forget, insurance is your ultimate safety net.
