Skiing in the U.S. Without Insurance? Here's Why That's Risky
Why U.S. Skiers Need to Think About Insurance—Even at Home
The skiing and riding in the U.S. is world-class, from Jackson Hole to Lake Tahoe. But many U.S. citizens hit the slopes without realizing their standard health insurance might not cover ski injuries—especially when it comes to offpiste or backcountry terrain.
Even more concerning, some Americans hit the slopes with no health insurance at all. In either case, an accident could mean tens of thousands in unexpected medical bills. Evacuation from a mountain alone can cost $5,000 to $10,000—and that’s before you even get to the hospital.
Common Ski Injury Costs in the U.S.
- ACL or meniscus surgery: $20,000+
- Fractures or dislocations: $10,000–$25,000
- Evacuation or airlift: $5,000–$15,000
🧭 Two Great Options for Domestic Coverage
If you’re skiing domestically without adequate health insurance—or just want peace of mind—consider these two options:
1. Faye Travel Insurance (with Adventure Sports Add-On)
Faye offers domestic (and international) travel insurance with a digital-first approach. Their Adventure Sports Add-On is key for skiers and snowboarders, extending coverage to activities typically excluded by standard policies.
Activities covered include:
- Onpiste and park skiing
- Heli-skiing / heli-snowboarding
- Backcountry / Offpise skiing and snowboarding
- Cat skiing and snowboarding
According to Faye’s customer support, resort skiing, backcountry, and off-piste riding are considered materially similar to heli-skiing and snowboarding, and therefore are included when the add-on is active. This means you’re covered whether you’re skiing inbounds or exploring the backcountry:
Coverage Includes:
- Optional Accident & Sickness Medical Expense (Up to $50,000)
- Trip cancellation/interruption (up to 150% of the nonrefundable insured Trip Cost)
- Optional Medical Evacuation (Up to $500,000)
2. Blister+ Membership (Injury-Only Coverage Powered by Spot)
Blister+ offers access to Spot Injury Insurance, which provides direct cash payouts when you’re injured skiing, snowboarding, or biking.
This is not a traditional travel insurance policy—but it works in addition to (or instead of) health insurance, covering:
- $25,000 in accident medical coverage
- Injuries whether you’re skiing inbounds or in the backcountry
- Coverage anywhere in the world.
- Payouts apply even if your primary health plan denies the claim
You get paid directly to cover deductibles, copays, and any uncovered costs.
🎿 Compare
Here’s a quick comparison of what each option offers:
| Coverage Type | Faye (with Add-On) | Blister+ / Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Covers Resort Skiing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Covers Backcountry Skiing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Trip Cancellation & Delay | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pays Direct to You | ❌ | ✅ |
| Covers Medical Costs | ✅ (Up to $250,000) | ✅ (up to $25k) |
| $0 Deductible | ❌ | ✅ Included |
📌 Final Tips & Disclaimer
These insurance solutions offer flexible protection tailored to U.S. skiers. Whether you’re traveling out of state, hitting a remote hut tour, or just want a safety net in the park—having dedicated coverage can be a smart move.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and customer service conversations as of April 22, 2025. Insurance policies and coverage terms are subject to change. Always read the full Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or policy documents and contact the provider directly to confirm what is and isn’t covered.
Stay safe, and ski smart. 🏂⛷