Off Piste Skiing & Snowboarding

Here at DOGTAG, we get that for most experienced skiers and snowboarders their intent may be to spend some time off-piste, soaking in the thrill of what ungroomed powder can provide. But for an insurer, this can be risker business.

Here at Dogtag, our belief is that if the conditions allow it, why can’t our customers enjoy the beauty the mountains have to offer? And that protection should simply be included in our standard level of winter sports cover.

So, if you choose a Dogtag policy and pick our Winter Sports upgrade, then you’ll automatically be covered for in-resort off piste-skiing. Simple!

What Do You Define As ‘Off-piste’?

We define “going off-piste” as venturing off the groomed trails and enjoying the huge powder areas between the runs. Our off-piste cover even covers skiing between the trees within the resort area. Of course, as long as it’s within a patrolled area.

Now, if you decide to explore outside the resort into unpatrolled areas, we define this as ‘Back Country’.

We have separated ‘Back Country’ into two cover levels:

• For Back Country with a Guide, as well as choosing the Winter Sports cover upgrade, you’ll also need to select Sport+ instead of Sport as your activity cover level
• For Back Country without a Guide then you’ll need to select Extreme as your activity cover level as well as the Winter Sports cover upgrade.

Always be aware that you should never go into areas that have been roped off or where the resort authorities have posted any kind of no-go notice.

Be Aware of The Law And Local Guidance:

In many parts of North America, going out into ‘back country’ contravenes local law and you may, at worst, face arrest if you are caught doing so. Normally there are plenty of warning signs around to guide you, but in certain destinations we would urge you to stick to the course.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you obey local advice, information and instructions given by the resort authorities and that you abide by any signs and information you encounter on the mountain. Now, the source of this information will vary resort to resort and country to country and we recommend doing your homework before you travel. It’s particularly important as ignoring such signs or advice may invalidate your cover, should you later need to submit a claim.

It is advisable to never to ski off-piste alone.

How does Helicopter Rescue work?

Ski patrollers are generally very well trained and experienced. They are professionals when it comes to assessing injuries at a quick glance and managing the evacuation of anyone who needs to be taking off the mountain. Ski patrollers immediately decide what is the most appropriate course of action in terms of seeking medical help in the first instance, while out on the mountain, regardless of who insures you.

Serious injury cases can involve helicopters and if it’s medically needed, it will be covered, but more often, a combination of sled and ski lift is more immediate and appropriate. Other factors such as weather are also taken into account. Again, it is not uncommon to be asked for proof of insurance whilst on the mountain.

Stay safe,

The DOGTAG Team

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