Fun on the piste? Certainly!

Lost your skis or snowboard? Run into someone from behind? Although snow sports are now considered to be relatively safe, it is always possible for something to happen. But who pays in such a scenario? Read on to find out how you can play it safe.

In essence, similar principles apply for snow and road traffic. If you pay attention, behave considerately and only hit the slopes when you are physically and mentally fit to do so, you will be able to claim benefits in the event of a loss. By contrast, if you are drunk or have an accident off-piste, you can expect benefit reductions. Anyone who is skiing or snowboarding should be aware of the following seven facts:

Accidents during your free time are covered either by your employer's accident insurance or by the accident coverage included in mandatory health insurance. Mandatory health insurance pays for people who are not in gainful employment and for those who work for the same company for less than eight hours per week. Accident protection must be included via the mandatory health insurance. People who work for more than eight hours per week for one employer in Switzerland are automatically covered for non-occupational accidents.

The situation is rather more complicated in the event of skiing or snowboarding accidents off-piste. However, similar principles apply as in road traffic: Should a car driver seriously flout traffic regulations and, for instance, ignore a red light, they will get a benefit reduction due to gross negligence. The same is true for snow sports: If you completely fail to observe the basic rules and race down the piste in daredevil fashion, you not only risk your life and the lives of others, but also benefit reductions. In extreme cases, the accident insurer may refuse to make any payments at all. Incidentally, most deaths occur off-piste – often due to avalanches, which are triggered by the individual in question in nine out of ten cases.

If, through no fault of your own, another person runs into you, mandatory accident insurance will pay your medical expenses. However, the insurer reserves the right of recourse against the individual who caused the accident, who is, if applicable, insured by their personal liability insurance. Incidentally, accidents usually happen on the piste. However, they are usually single-person incidents and rarely involve collisions with others.

When it comes to wearing a helmet, skiing and snowboarding are similar to cycling. It is not obligatory to wear a helmet for these sports in Switzerland. However, associations stress that helmets can reduce or even prevent head injuries. However, they must be worn correctly. Failure to wear a helmet alone does not give accident insurance the right to reduce benefits – but the same is not true if the skier or snowboarder has entered into additional risk. Risks include speed record attempts, speed flying or venturing off-piste and failing to observe the customary caution. Incidentally, Switzerland has the highest ratio of helmet wearers in Europe. This is evidence that the information campaigns are having an effect.

Many snow sports enthusiasts enjoy some mulled wine or a beer with a sausage after a great day on the slopes. Après-ski is now an essential part of the whole experience. But as the word "après" suggests, partying belongs after sport. In terms of insurance benefits, if you cause an accident while drunk, the situation differs from case to case. However, if you are traveling recklessly or too quickly under the influence of alcohol, you can expect to have your benefits reduced.

In the event of theft, your skis or snowboard are insured via the additional cover "Simple theft outside the home" in your contents insurance. The theft of rented equipment is also covered. The additional insurance "Accidental damage to sports equipment" pays for damaged or broken sports equipment – provided it is included in the contents insurance contract. It not only covers damage to your own property but also to rented or borrowed sports equipment. If you do not have such additional insurance, claims of this kind can be reported to your personal liability insurance.

Many snow sports enthusiasts complain about rowdy individuals and fear collisions with other skiers and snowboarders. But the majority of accidents on the slopes are caused by the individual alone; they are the result of travelling too quickly, taking risks or being insufficiently fit.