Winter is coming and travel insurance comparison site Compare the Market has revealed the top international ski destinations for Aussies ahead of snow sport season.
And it wasn’t the white mountains of Whistler or the Swiss Alps that took the top spot!
Japan is at the top of the ski destination list, which shouldn’t be surprising given the variety of slopes available and the ease with which people can get there from Australia.* Furthermore, the country has cemented itself as the top snow sports destination for two years in a row, based on Compare the Market analysis, and is eyeing making it three in a row.
Canada and New Zealand round out the top three snow sports destinations, keeping pace for the second year in a row.
The top international snow sports destinations according to Compare the Market’s travel insurance search tool:
| Rank | Country |
| 1st | Japan |
| 2nd | Canada |
| 3rd | New Zealand |
| 4th | United States |
| 5th | France |
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager for General Insurance and travel insurance expert, Adrian Taylor, said it’s not surprising that Japan took out the top spot for snow-related sports once again in 2023, given that recent Compare the Market crowned Hakuba the world’s best ski destination for snowfall, number of ski runs and accommodation options.
“Travel to Japan has really snowballed in the past few years,” Mr Taylor said. “With 466 ski resorts, the country offers plenty of variety for snowboarders and skiers alike, at all levels.
“Not to mention that it’s a relatively short flight to Japan compared to its counterparts in Europe and America, making it the perfect destination. It has a blend of great ski slopes and a different culture that people can experience in one neat package at a relatively cheaper cost than some other destinations on the list.”
However, while it’s easy to start planning your next snow getaway, travel insurance with snow sports included as an additional extra is paramount, according to Mr Taylor.
“Whether this will be your first ski outing onto the green runs or you regularly hit the black diamonds, one thing you should never forget to pack for your trip is travel insurance with snow sports included as extras,” Mr Taylor said.
“People often take out travel insurance, but they may not know that with most insurance providers they need to include activities such as snow sports or even cruising as an extra on their policy. Without this distinction, your standard comprehensive travel insurance policy may not cover you for any accidents you have on the mountain, and it can ruin your whole holiday. And, without Medicare to cover you for slips and trips overseas, you could be left to foot an astronomical medical bill if you don’t have adequate cover in place.
“And while people travelling overseas for skiing may be relying on the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements to have themselves treated if something does happen, Australia has agreements with only 11 countries, and the only one of those on our snow sport destination shortlist is New Zealand.
“Furthermore, travel insurance with snow sports cover can also assist with other unforeseen issues, such as equipment theft or unused passes and hired equipment due to inclement weather.”
*Disclaimer:
The countries listed above are based on data collected from Compare the Market’s travel insurance search tool between 1st January 2022 and 31st December 2023 and may vary from other sources. The research analysed only travel insurance policy quotes that included snow sports cover.
-ENDS-
For interviews and more information, please contact:
Noémi Hadnagy | m: 0433 377 252 | e: [email protected]
Compare the Market is a comparison service that takes the hard work out of shopping around. We make it Simples for Australians to quickly and easily compare and buy insurance, energy, and home loans products from a range of providers. Our easy-to-use comparison tool helps you look for a range of products that may suit your needs and benefit your back pocket.
