As the northern hemisphere ski season winds down, new claims data from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has revealed that Japan has emerged as the number one destination for Aussie ski-related mishaps in 2026, outstripping the combined total of European and North American hotspots.
According to SCTI’s 2026 data, more than half (55%) of all ski and snowboard-related claims paid during the prime winter season to date, were associated with travel to Japan. This surge in claims has seen the land of the rising sun overtake traditional heavyweights like the USA, Canada, and the combined European circuit including Austria, Italy and Sweden.
The data highlights that it’s not just broken bones on the slopes causing headaches for travellers, but the extreme weather that makes the powder so famous.
Key SCTI claims insights from the 2026 season:
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Claims are up 125% from 2024 – this significant two-year surge highlights how rapidly Japan has dominated the market since travel fully reopened post pandemic.
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Claims from Japan have increased by over a third (33%) compared to the same period last year.
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Over half of all SCTI’s global ski claims so far this year originated in Japan.
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Heavy snowfall in Sapporo led to widespread train closures, resulting in a spike of claims for missed flights and transport re-bookings.
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One notable claim involved a traveller who suffered a broken arm while snowboarding, requiring immediate medical attention. And a costly, last-minute overhaul of their itinerary resulted in a single claim totalling over $16,000.
Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, said: “Australia’s love affair with Japan’s snow conditions is stronger than ever, but our data shows that the very conditions that draw skiers to Japan – the heavy, consistent snow – are also the primary cause of travel disruptions. We’ve seen everything from broken limbs requiring stints in hospital to entire itineraries being upended by train cancellations.”
“With Japan now significantly outranking Europe and North America in our claims data, it’s a timely reminder that travel insurance isn’t just for the high-speed accidents; it’s for the logistical challenges that extreme winter weather can cause.”
SCTI offers optional skiing and snowboarding cover which can be purchased as an add-on to the International Comprehensive travel insurance policy.
