A dream family ski trip in Canada went off-piste when 15-year-old Elke suffered a serious accident on the slopes. What followed was a stressful medical emergency far from home, but with the help of 1Cover Travel Insurance, the family received support, reassurance and the help they needed to get Elke safely back to Australia. Elke's total claim came to a whopping $11,000, a cost the family, thankfully didn't have to wear.
Genevieve and her family have always been avid skiers. So it made perfect sense to take her youngest daughter to Banff, Canada, and meet her son at the tail end of his ski instructor course for a memorable winter holiday.
“We were having a great time,” Genevieve recalls. “We’d been skiing and snowboarding in Whistler and then headed over to Banff for the last few days of the trip.”
While riding down a run together, Genevieve was skiing ahead when she noticed her daughter, Elke, had suddenly disappeared behind her.
“I thought it was strange because my kids nomally ski faster than me."
Moments later, another skier passed her with worrying news.
“Someone skied past and said, ‘If that person’s with you, they’re really hurt,’” recalls Genevieve.
Genevieve rushed back up the slope to find her daughter lying on the ground, clearly injured and in pain.
“She was crying and white. She’d clipped the front edge of her board, went straight down and put her arm out,” Genevieve explains. “She snapped her collarbone when she landed and felt the pain straight away.”
Stranded mid-run with her injured daughter, Genevieve faced one of the most stressful moments of their trip.
“The hardest thing was waiting for ski patrol. I just kept thinking, ‘Come on, I need someone professional here to help me.’” Eventually, rescuers arrived and quickly realised the injury was serious.
“They saw her and went, ‘Yes, something’s seriously wrong.’ They gave her pain relief straight away and put her into the rescue sled to take her down the mountain.”
From there, Elke was transported to hospital in Banff. Where she recieved X-rays and a thorough medical examination. Reports showed that Elke had fractured her clavicle and would need surgery. Thankfully, it could wait until her return home to Australia.
“I remember thinking, ‘Thank goodness I don’t have to face surgery here,’ notes Genevieve. “It really took a lot of stress away.”
Realising that Elke’s medical costs could escalate quickly, Genevieve contacted 1Cover to let them know what had happened.
“I sent an email letting them know Elke was in emergency,” she says. “Within about 20 minutes someone called me.”
1Cover’s emergency responder immediately reassured her.
“Before she said anything else, she asked about Elke. She called her by name and asked if she was okay. Straight away I felt like, no matter what happens here, my insurance has got us covered,” says Genevieve. “It gave me such a sense of relief.”
Throughout the experience, the 1Cover team stayed in touch and helped guide the family through the process.
“The communication was just unbelievable. Nothing was ever a problem,” says Genevieve.
Elke, post accident, enjoying her time in Canada prior to her return flight home
After doctors confirmed Elke was fit to travel, she was discharged from hospital with 1Cover making arrangements to ensure she could fly home comfortably.
“We had economy seats but they upgraded us to premium economy so she could be comfortable,” says Genevieve. “She could lie down and sleep when she needed to, which was really important because she was strapped up and in pain.”
Just days after returning to Australia, Elke underwent surgery to repair her collarbone.
Despite her frightening ordeal, Elke’s recovery was smooth, and she was soon back to her regular activities.
“She recovered really well,” Genevieve said. “She’s back playing AFL and touch football. You wouldn’t even know there’d been an injury.”
Looking back, Genevieve says the experience reinforced just how important travel insurance is, especially for ski holidays.
“You take out travel insurance and sometimes think, do I really need the extra ski cover?” she said. "But it doesn’t add much, and if something happens it can save you so much money.”
Her message to other travellers is simple: “Tick the box and get travel insurance. Don’t be without it. It’s crazy.”
Because even experienced skiers aren’t immune to accidents.
“Elke had been skiing for 13 years,” Genevieve said. “Accidents just happen.”
Skiing and snowboarding in Canada offer incredible scenery and world-class terrain, but conditions can change quickly and accidents do happen. Stay safe on the mountain with these tips:
Slopes can get busy, especially at popular resorts like Whistler Blackcomb and Banff Ski Resort. Watch for other skiers and snowboarders, obey signage, and keep a safe distance to avoid collisions..
It's easy to get carried away, but stick to runs that match your ability level. Pushing beyond your skill level, especially on unfamiliar terrain, increases your risk of injury.
If you’re new or returning after a break, consider a lesson. Professional instructors can help you build confidence and improve technique safely.
Comfortable, non-slip shoes and weather-appropriate clothing will make getting around safer. Keep essential items like medications, sun protection, and a small first-aid kit handy.
Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid fatigue; many accidents happen late in the day when energy levels drop.
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The wonderful reality of skiing in North America is that it caters to everyone, whether you’re a newbie, or a family looking to bond.
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