As MPI’s new video ‘Are you covered off piste?’ depicts, just one metre on the wrong side of the piste marker will result in higher rescue costs if you have an accident. And without the correct insurance – no cover!

In the eyes of some insurance providers – and the rescue services – ‘off piste’ means precisely that. Whether it’s a millimetres or kilometres, anywhere outside the markers means the unwary skier faces a significantly increased financial risk if things go wrong.

At MPI our policies automatically cover skiers on or off piste because we understand what happens on the slopes. We know that should an accident occur, the last thing the injured want is an issue over rescue and medical costs.

Some insurance providers attempt to attract customers with policies that either exclude off-piste skiing completely or offer it at an additional premium. Naturally, many ‘piste-only’ skiers will be lured by the perceived ‘cheaper’ alternative. But while it may be attractive to save a few pounds before the trip, this could turn out to be a false economy.

Mountain rescue costs vary, depending on the location of the accident and the emergency resources needed. But a typical piste rescue is about €350 while an off piste rescue starts around €650.

So when you are buying your Ski Insurance always remember:

‘It’s not the cost that matters but it’s the cover that counts’