France, Finland and Austria are the top three destinations for Brits travelling abroad to hit the ski slopes this winter, according to data from Comparethemarket.com. Between September and November 2022, the three countries were the most popular destinations for people taking out single-trip travel insurance policies for winter sports, with the average premium costing £46.48.

France, Finland, and Austria host some of the most popular ski resorts in Europe, including Val Thorens, Ylläs, and Kitzbühel. However, Brits seeking winter sports face travel chaos this year, as many ski resorts across Europe have closed as unseasonably high temperatures cause snow melt.

According to Helen Phipps, travel insurance expert at Comparethemarket.com, Brits impacted by the closure of ski resorts are likely to be covered by winter sports travel insurance.

Helen Phipps, director at Comparethemarket.com, said: “It’s frustrating that so many people are being forced to adjust their winter sports holiday due to resort closures across Europe. However, travel insurance is designed to support you if something goes wrong before or during your holiday. Add-ons, such as winter sports cover, provide more comprehensive cover than a traditional policy if you’re planning to hit the slopes.

“Winter sports policies are likely to provide cover if a lack of snow, too much snow, or an avalanche results in the closure of sports facilities in your resort for more than 12 – 24 hours. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider to find out more about your specific policy and exclusions. For example, trips outside the published ski season for your resort are likely to be excluded.”

Top winter sports travel destinations (September 2022 – November 2022)