It is essential that you purchase suitable insurance cover for your course; remember YOU need to check the policy wording to make sure it gives the cover you need. If you are coming from overseas this will mean a full travel insurance package, if you are coming from France then this will mean a package that covers curtailment, valuables etc.

For a 4 week course like this, you may find your options are a bit more limited as most wintersports insurance policies cover a maximum of 14 days on snow. Specialists such as Ski Club GB, True Traveler, World Nomads and Bupa are worth a look.

Things to consider: 

Off-piste/Backcountry cover

Frustratingly not all insurance companies have the same definition for “off-piste” or “Backcountry” which means that you must do thorough research to ensure that you’re covered. On a Nonstop course you’ll be skiing throughout the resort both on groomed (piste) and on ungroomed (off-piste) slopes (which may or may not have trail names). Some of those areas will be in amongst the trees. Additionally, you’ll be skiing with a guide in the “backcountry” which is ungroomed and unpatrolled terrain outside of the resort boundaries.

What will you receive if you lose your equipment?

It’s important to take into consideration two factors. One, what is the total amount paid out in the event of loss of baggage (e.g. £2000) and two, what is the single item cover amount? Your skis are considered one item and if they are worth £500 and your single item cover is only £250 you will be in for a shock when you claim for the full amount! The total amount is what the company will go up to, comprised of the combined amount of all single items claimed for.

What is the cancellation cover?

It is worth noting how much you will get back should you have to cancel your course (before it has started). Some will pay 50% some will pay 100%. Make sure you understand exactly how much your policy will cover and in what scenarios.

It is important that all our participants understand that Nonstop cannot provide any refunds in the event of an injury that prevents them completing their course.

How much will you get back should you get injured while abroad and not be able to complete the course?

This part is vital and needs careful consideration. One company we asked said they would pay £75 per day! Sounds good hey? But they followed it up by saying £75 a day up to £450. So basically you get money for a total of six days. If you get hurt on the first day that leaves 3 weeks you will not receive money for. Some companies will cover you for more than this but it will come at a cost. The more cover you want, the more you will have to pay for it.

Once you have taken out travel insurance, please send a copy to snowsupport@nonstopsnow.com so that we have it on file in case we need to help you out in a medical emergency.

Packing for life in the mountains can feel overwhelming — especially when you want to be prepared without overloading your luggage. But don’t worry — we’re here to help. And once you arrive, you’ll quickly figure out what works best to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, both on the slopes and around town.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a full gear checklist with practical tips in our Equipment Guide — plus a snapshot of the essentials below, whether you’re bringing your own kit or planning to buy in resort.