If you are the owner or operator of a ski resort, you know that providing your guests with a safe and enjoyable experience is of the utmost importance. However, accidents and unpredictable events can still happen, so having the right insurance coverage is essential.
Ski resort insurance programs are designed to protect your business from financial losses resulting from property damage, liability claims, or other incidents.
This article will explore the different types of ski resort insurance coverage available, including general liability insurance, accidental medical insurance, commercial property insurance, business interruption insurance, and more.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $100,000 | $100,000 | $5,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
| Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | Excluded | Can be included | Can be included |
| Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included |
General liability insurance is an essential insurance policy for ski resorts as it covers legal costs and damages from bodily injury or property damage claims by third parties. This coverage can also extend to incidents that occur on the premises or as a result of the ski resort's operations.
Slip and fall accidents–Ski resorts are often in mountainous terrain, which can be icy, snowy, or slippery, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents.
Property damage–Amenities in a ski resort can damage a customer’s belongings
Product liability–Ski resorts may be held responsible for injuries caused by products they sell, such as ski equipment or food and beverage items
Add-Ons to General Liability Insurance for Ski Resorts
Liquor Liability Insurance–Ski resorts that serve alcohol may require liquor liability insurance. This ski area insurance add-on covers for legal costs and damages arising from incidents related to the sale and service of alcohol
Snowmobile liability coverage–If a ski resort offers snowmobiling as an activity, snowmobile liability coverage can help protect the resort against legal claims and lawsuits resulting from snowmobile accidents
Occurrence and claims-made policies are two types of liability insurance that provide coverage for different periods and circumstances. An occurrence policy covers claims arising from incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is made, while a claims-made policy only covers claims made during the policy period. Occurrence policies may offer broader coverage but are more expensive, while claims-made policies may be more affordable but require additional coverage for prior acts or extended reporting periods. Ski resorts should evaluate their risks and work with an experienced insurance company to determine which policy is best for their needs.
Accidental medical insurance for ski resorts covers medical expenses related to accidents that occur while skiing or participating in other winter sports activities. This type of insurance can cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and ambulance transportation costs.
Direct medical insurance is the first insurance policy that pays for medical expenses related to an accident. Excess medical insurance is a secondary policy providing additional coverage beyond the primary one.
Events insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers the risks associated with holding events such as ski resort concerts and festivals.
Weather-related cancellations of events
Cancellation due to low ticket sales or lack of interest
Damage to event equipment or property
Liability claims from event attendees
The cost of events insurance for ski resorts is typically based on a range of factors, including the size and type of event being held, the location, the number of attendees, and the level of coverage needed. Other factors that may impact the cost of event insurance include the level of risk associated with the event, the number of previous claims made by the resort, and the overall financial health of the resort.
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| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | The Hartford | Hiscox | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $340,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $35,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/$10,000 | Excluded | Included |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Excluded | Included |
| Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Excluded | Included |
| Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
| Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded |
Commercial property insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for the physical assets of a business, such as buildings, equipment, and inventory, in the event of damage or loss due to various perils, such as fire, theft, and natural disasters. Ski resort commercial property insurance can help ski resorts in various situations, such as:
Damage or loss to buildings, equipment, and inventory due to natural disasters such as storms, and fires
Theft or vandalism of property or equipment.
Business interruption due to damage or loss to property that causes temporary closure of the resort
Loss of income due to damage or loss to property or equipment
Business interruption insurance–Business interruption insurance is an add-on to commercial property insurance that provides coverage for lost income and expenses incurred due to the temporary closure of a business
Equipment breakdown insurance–Equipment breakdown insurance is an add-on to commercial property insurance that covers repairing or replacing equipment due to mechanical or electrical breakdown
Replacement cost refers to replacing damaged or lost property with new property of like kind and quality without any depreciation deduction. On the other hand, actual cash value takes into account depreciation and is the property's value at the time it was lost or damaged. Replacement cost coverage is generally more expensive than actual cash value coverage.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | The Hartford | Hiscox | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General liability aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 |
| Commercial property coverage limit | $50,000 | $320,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Optional policies can be added? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds for free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BOP discount? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage for small to medium-sized ski resorts. It combines two essential coverages–property insurance and general liability insurance–into one policy, offering cost savings compared to purchasing the coverages separately. BOP for ski resorts can help in the following situations:
Property damage caused by fire, theft, or natural disasters
Bodily injury or property damage claims made by third parties due to the operation of the resort
Lawsuits filed against the resort for advertising injury or slander
BOP for ski resorts can be customized with add-ons to increase coverage, such as:
Data breach coverage–This add-on protects against losses from data breaches, cyber-attacks, or identity theft. Ski resorts that handle customer data, such as credit card information, may find this coverage helpful
Employment practices liability insurance–This covers claims related to wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or other employment-related issues
Business interruption insurance for ski resorts is designed to cover lost income and extra expenses if the resort is forced to shut down temporarily due to a covered loss, such as damage to property or equipment from a natural disaster. Some of the costs that may be covered under business interruption insurance for ski resorts include:
Equipment failure–If a critical piece of equipment such as a ski lift, snow-making machine, or grooming vehicle breaks down and causes a shutdown of operations
Power outages–If a power outage occurs and the ski resort is unable to operate lifts, make snow, or provide other essential services to guests
Property damage–If a fire, vandalism, or other incident causes damage to the ski resort's property or facilities and forces a temporary shutdown
Contingent business interruption insurance–This type of insurance covers losses resulting from disruptions in the operations of suppliers, vendors, or other third-party businesses that a ski resort depends on
Civil authority coverage–This coverage applies when a ski resort is forced to close due to an order by civil authorities, such as a mandatory evacuation order
Commercial auto insurance for ski resorts is an insurance policy that provides coverage for vehicles used by the ski resort for your operations, such as transporting guests, employees, equipment, and supplies.
The costs covered by commercial auto insurance for ski resorts may include:
Auto liability coverage–Covers the cost of medical expenses in case your ski resort’s vehicle causes an accident involving third parties
Collision coverage–Pays repair costs if the commercial vehicle got damaged in a collision with another vehicle
Comprehensive coverage–Pays repair costs if the commercial vehicle got damaged due to fire, theft, vandalism, lightning, and other covered perils
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage–If the covered commercial vehicle got involved in an accident caused by another vehicle, this pays the expenses the driver at-fault can’t pay because he/she is uninsured/underinsured
The add-ons to commercial auto insurance for ski resorts may include:
Rental reimbursement–This covers the cost of renting a vehicle while the ski resort's vehicle is being repaired due to damages from an accident or incident
Roadside assistance–This provides emergency roadside services, such as towing, jump-starting, or fuel delivery, in case the ski resort's vehicle breaks down
Personal injury protection–This covers medical expenses and lost wages for the ski resort's employees or passengers in case of an accident or injury while using the vehicle
Hired and non-owned auto liability–This covers the cost of damages and injuries caused by vehicles that the ski resort hires or uses but does not own, such as rental cars or employees' personal vehicles used for work purposes
Excess liability insurance is a type of insurance that provides additional coverage beyond the limits of a primary liability policy. For ski resorts, excess liability insurance provides additional protection against claims or lawsuits that may exceed the limits of your primary general liability insurance.
Trailer interchange insurance covers the repair or replacement of trailers that your ski resort borrowed or hired under a trailer interchange agreement. This is sometimes available as an add-on to commercial auto insurance.
Debris removal coverage–This add-on covers the costs of removing debris that may result from an accident or incident involving the trailer
Pollution cleanup coverage–This add-on covers the costs of cleaning up any pollution caused by an accident or incident involving the trailer
Workers compensation insurance is something you, as a ski resort owner, need to consider. This type of insurance benefits your employees who become injured or ill while performing their job duties.
Workers compensation insurance for ski resorts typically covers the following costs:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Disability benefits
Rehabilitation costs
Death benefits
As a ski resort owner, you should know that workers compensation insurance can be beneficial in situations where your employees are injured or become ill while performing their job duties. This includes accidents on the slopes, injuries from equipment or machinery, and illnesses from exposure to hazardous materials. Without workers compensation insurance, you may be held liable for the costs associated with the employee's injury or illness.
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General liability insurance | $70 | $840 | $0-$500 |
| Excess liability insurance | $72 | $864 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Commercial property insurance | $75 | $900 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Business owner's policy | $145 | $1,740 | $1,500 |
| Tools and equipment insurance | $78 | $936 | $500-$1,000 |
| Commercial auto insurance | $80 | $960 | $500-$1,000 |
| Trailer interchange insurance | $82 | $984 | $500-$1,000 |
| Workers compensation insurance | $90 | $1,080 | $2,000-$5,000 |
The average ski resort insurance cost is $70 per month or $840 per year for a $1 million general liability insurance. Factors that affect the cost of premiums are claims history, business history, deductibles, coverage limits, location, and annual revenues. Here’s another table showing the cost of $1 million general liability insurance from companies we recommend:
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $25 | $300 | Small to mid-sized businesses seeking comprehensive coverage |
| CoverWallet | $30 | $360 | Comparing ski resort insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $33 | $396 | Experienced specialists |
| Tivly | $39 | $468 | Comparing ski resort insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $50 | $600 | On demand coverage |
| Hiscox | $60 | $720 | Small to mid-sized ski resorts seeking comprehensive insurance coverage |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
When it comes to finding the best insurance companies for ski resorts, there are a few key factors that you should consider, including coverage options, cost, and customer service. Here are some of the top insurance companies to consider for ski resort insurance. Read some of the reviews below to know their pros, cons, and average rate for a $1 million general liability insurance.
Best overall
Issues an online proof of insurance instantly
Fastest general liability insurance for art therapists
Great customer service and reputation
Excellent rates
Outstanding value for money
Get a 10% discount if you buy two or more policies
Couldn’t find any
NEXT is a technology company that emphasizes its focus on making the lives of its clients easier through artificial intelligence and analytical techniques. Thousands of policies are assessed to develop actionable insights that provide policy benefits to clients.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses seeking comprehensive coverage
Average cost: $25 per month
Our rating: 10/10
CoverWallet provides access to multiple insurance carriers, allowing ski resorts to compare quotes and find the best coverage at a competitive price
The company partners with multiple insurance carriers to provide customized insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes
CoverWallet has received positive customer reviews and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau
The company offers quick turnaround times for policy approvals and claims processing
Some ski resorts may prefer to work directly with an insurance carrier rather than a broker
CoverWallet is an internet-based insurance broker that enables owners of small businesses to obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies simultaneously. CoverWallet itself is not a provider of business insurance.
Best for: Comparing ski resort insurance quotes online
Average cost: $30 per month
Our rating: 10/10
The Hartford has a long history of providing insurance to businesses and has a strong reputation for customer service
Easy to track your claims online
Up to $5 million in coverage limits
Agent required for the purchase process
If you need a specialist agent's help to make your decision, The Hartford is a fine choice. They have a high policy limit allowing you to cover more if needed. A higher coverage limit will usually increase your monthly premium.
Best for: Experienced specialists
Average cost: $33 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Simplifies the process of finding an insurance provider for businesses
Provides a wider range of options for businesses to choose from
Helps insurance providers find customers who fit their solutions
Increases efficiency for agents and brokers
Can save time and effort for both businesses and insurance providers
The platform may not be suitable for businesses with particular insurance requirements
Tivly is a platform that operates as an intermediary between businesses and insurance providers. The platform aims to simplify the process of connecting businesses with an insurance company that can cater to their specific requirements. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing ski resort insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $39 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Thimble offers on-demand insurance policies, allowing customers to only pay for coverage when needed
Thimble's customer service team is responsive and helpful, providing support via phone, email, and chat
Provides excellent 24/7 expert support and enjoys exceptionally high customer satisfaction ratings
Thimble is currently only available in select states, which may be a limitation for some customers
Thimble is a U.S. company that provides on-demand insurance coverage for small businesses and independent workers. The company uses technology to enable customers to purchase insurance by the hour, day, or month.
Best for: On-demand coverage
Average cost: $50 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Strong financial stability and credit rating
High customer satisfaction
Hiscox offers worldwide coverage, which is excellent for businesses in multiple countries
provides risk management resources to help customers reduce risk exposure and prevent losses
No Alaska coverage
Hiscox is a global insurance company that provides a wide range of insurance products. The company was founded in 1901 and has since become a leading insurer in Europe, the United States, and Asia.
Best for: Small to mid-sized ski resorts seeking comprehensive insurance coverage
Average cost: $60 per month
Our rating: 9/10
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
It really can't get any better than this... wow
Not all those who wander are lost.
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