Montana Firm Offers Ski Pass Insurance

Montana Firm Offers Ski Pass Insurance

The firm, Skier Insurance Services based in Kalispell, Mont., says that this product is the first of its kind in the United States and that it offers a chance for avid skiers to recoup part of their lost investment from a season ticket that can run as high as $1,200 at pricier ski areas.

"This is a protection for people who buy season ski passes. Generally speaking, a consumer who buys one of these season passes faces a financial exposure. Most ski resorts don't offer refunds on these ski passes," said Ron Iverson, president at Skier Insurance.

The policy costs six percent of the price of the season pass a customer wants to insure. If insureds get injured or sick and miss 30 consecutive days on the slopes, they can file claims for the price of the unused days of their season ticket. The policy also includes $15,000 coverage for emergency evacuation from a mountain and up to $10,000 in accidental death coverage.

Mr. Iverson said this policy, which is underwritten by National Union, a member of the New York-based American International Group, can be used for every resort in the United States and Canada except for those located in New York State and Oregon.

Overall, the policy can be applicable to some 800 ski resorts, Mr. Iverson said. So far this skiing season, Skier Insurance has some 150 clients who have purchased this coverage.