Key Takeaways

  • General liability insurance protects against lawsuits from injuries on premises.
  • Property insurance covers buildings, equipment and lost revenue from disasters.
  • Workers’ comp covers medical bills and lost wages for on-the-job injuries.
  • Commercial auto insures vehicles used for transportation and emergencies.
  • Business interruption reimburses lost income during shutdowns.
  • Equipment breakdown repairs or replaces costly machinery if it fails.
  • Professional liability protects against claims of negligence from services/injuries.
  • Umbrella insurance provides additional liability protection above commercial policies.
  • Snowmaking equipment insurance covers repairs/losses for this crucial asset.
  • Cyber liability protects sensitive customer data in the event of a breach.

Introduction

As a skiing facility operator, it is important to understand the various types of business insurance available to protect the business from both financial and legal risks. Key policies to consider include general liability, property, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, business interruption, equipment breakdown, professional liability, umbrella, snowmaking equipment and cyber liability insurance.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance provides essential protection for ski resorts and other snow sport facilities. It helps defend against lawsuits and cover costs associated with accidents and injuries that may occur at the business.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protection against lawsuits from patrons or customers who are injured at your facility
  • Coverage for medical expenses if someone is hurt while skiing/snowboarding
  • Reimbursement for property damage claims if your facility or equipment causes injury/damage to others
  • Defense against claims alleging your facility was negligent
  • Coverage for claims that arise from the actions of your employees
  • Protection of your business assets from claims that could put you out of business
  • Coverage for bodily injury and property damage claims from all areas of your facility’s premises and operations
Use Cases
  • Slip and fall injuries on slopes or in lodge
  • Equipment malfunctions causing injuries
  • Vehicular accidents in parking lots

Based on industry statistics, the average general liability insurance premium for skiing facilities in the United States is around $12 per $1,000 of gross receipts. For a skiing facility with an average of $2 million in annual gross receipts, the estimated general liability insurance premium would be $12 * $2,000 = $24,000 per year.

Estimated Pricing: $24,000

Property Insurance

Property insurance provides crucial financial protection for skiing facilities and businesses in the skiing industry against unexpected property losses or damage from various risks. It helps ensure business continuity and stability even after experiencing covered catastrophic events by covering costs of repairs, rebuilding and lost revenues. Key benefits of property insurance for skiing facilities include protection from natural disasters common to mountain regions like avalanches and floods, liability protection if a customer gets injured on premises, and reimbursement for loss of business income if operations have to be temporarily suspended for covered repairs. Pricing is usually based on the total insured property value, averaging $3-5 per $100, with larger resorts paying closer to $5 per $100 due to more extensive property assets.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protection against losses from fire, explosions, theft or other property damage
  • Coverage for buildings, equipment, furnishings and other property
  • Payment for lost revenue if your business has to temporarily shut down due to a covered loss
  • Liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property
  • Replacement cost coverage to repair or rebuild damaged property to its original condition
  • Coverage for electronic equipment like computers against risks like power surges
  • Special perils coverage for risks like falling objects, weight of ice/snow/sleet, collapse
  • Valuable papers and records coverage to replace important documents
Use Cases
  • Protection against property damage from natural disasters like avalanches, floods, fires
  • Coverage for buildings, fixtures, equipment against theft, vandalism and other accidents
  • Reimbursement for loss of income if the business has to close temporarily for covered property repairs
  • Liability coverage in case a customer gets injured on the premises due to property issues

Based on average statistics, property insurance for businesses in the skiing facilities (NAICS 713920) ranges from $3 to 5 per $100 of insured property value. Premiums are typically calculated annually based on the total insurable property value being insured. Ski resorts will often pay around $4-5 per $100 since their properties tend to be more extensive with costly ski lifts, facilities, and equipment. Smaller ski schools or rentals may pay closer to $3 per $100 given their smaller property exposure.

Estimated Pricing: $3-$5 per $100 of insured property value

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance provides critical benefits and protections for skiing facility businesses and their employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job from common risks like collisions, falls, and equipment operation. This protects the business from lawsuits while demonstrating commitment to workforce safety and wellbeing. Injuries are common in this hazardous industry. Covering costs upfront provides predictability compared to potential liability claims. Maintaining safety over time can also help lower insurance premiums.

Category List
Benefits
  • Provides wage replacement and medical benefits for employees injured on the job
  • Protects your business from negligence lawsuits filed by injured employees
  • Reduces absenteeism and turnover from job-related injuries
  • Required by law in all states, except Texas
  • Establishes costs for on-the-job injuries upfront with predictable premiums
  • Promotes a safer work environment and can help lower premiums over time
  • Demonstrates your commitment to employee welfare and improves company image
Use Cases
  • To cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job such as falling/collisions while skiing or snowboarding
  • To cover employees injured while operating ski lifts, grooming equipment or maintaining facilities
  • To cover liabilities if an employee is injured or makes a claim against the business

Based on industry data and risk factors, the estimated average pricing for workers’ compensation insurance for skiing facilities is between $4 to $6 per $100 of payroll. The rates are derived from states’ experience modification factor (EMF) which reflects a business’s past claim history. Skiing industry typically sees higher injury rates so premiums tend to be on the higher end. Location also impacts rates with states like Colorado, Utah, Vermont seeing higher costs than elsewhere due to frequency and severity of claims.

Estimated Pricing: $4-$6/$100 of payroll

Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance provides important liability protection and coverage for vehicles used in ski resort operations. It helps protect the business financially in the event of accidents and ensures daily activities can continue smoothly. Additional paragraphs include:
Commercial auto insurance is especially important for skiing facilities due to the various vehicles they operate for transportation, maintenance, and emergency response purposes on mountainous terrain. Proper insurance coverage can help protect the business from financial liability in the event of an accident. Based on industry data, the average commercial auto insurance pricing for businesses in the skiing facilities industry with NAICS code 713920 is around $1,500 per vehicle per year. Key factors that influence pricing include the number of vehicles, driver age and experience, safety records, types of vehicles (e.g. snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.), and geographic location.

Category List
Benefits
  • Liability protection in case of accidents
  • Coverage for owned vehicles like shuttle buses
  • Medical payments for injured passengers
  • Replacement of equipment if a vehicle is damaged or stolen
  • Coverage for hired and non-owned vehicles
  • Covers medical bills and compensation for injured drivers
  • Coverage for snow grooming vehicles and other special equipment
Use Cases
  • Snow grooming vehicles transporting equipment and personnel to maintain ski slopes
  • Shuttle buses transporting skiers between parking lots, lodging, and slopes
  • Emergency response vehicles used to provide on-mountain medical assistance
  • Delivery trucks transporting supplies and merchandise to lodges, stores, and facilities
  • Private passenger vehicles used by employees commuting to and from work

Based on industry data, the average commercial auto insurance pricing for businesses in the skiing facilities industry with NAICS code 713920 is around $1,500 per vehicle per year. Key factors that influence pricing include the number of vehicles, driver age and experience, safety records, types of vehicles (e.g. snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.), and geographic location.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance protects the income of businesses like ski facilities from losses due to events outside of their control by reimbursing operating expenses and lost profits while operations are disrupted. It is an important coverage for ski facilities due to their reliance on predictable winter weather and conditions for generating revenue through skiing and other winter activities. Examples of top use cases where business interruption insurance would apply for ski facilities include loss of income due to lack of snow, damage from fires or storms, power outages preventing lift operations, or health orders limiting activities. Pricing is typically estimated around 1% of annual revenues for full lost profits and expenses coverage up to 12 months.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers loss of income if the business must temporarily shut down due to an insured event like fire or weather damage
  • Reimburses operating expenses like payroll, taxes, utilities if the business must close
  • Helps stabilize cash flow if income is disrupted
  • Covers extra expenses to continue operations during restorations like moving to a temporary location
  • Provides funds to help pay employees if the business is not generating revenue
  • Protects against financial losses from events outside of the business’s control
  • Allows the business owner to focus on recovery instead of financial strain
Use Cases
  • Loss of income due to weather conditions that prohibit skiing like lack of or too much snow
  • Loss of income due to power outages that prevent operation of ski lifts
  • Loss of income due to a fire or natural disaster that damages resort facilities
  • Loss of income due to an accident or injury that prevents operation of certain ski lifts or terrain
  • Loss of income due to evacuation orders during pandemic or health crisis
  • Loss of income due to civil unrest or protests that deter visitors

Based on typical pricing models, business interruption insurance for ski facilities would be priced at around 1% of annual revenues. Given the average annual revenue for NAICS 713920 Skiing Facilities is around $3 million, the estimated annual premium would be around $30,000. This pricing is derived from common business interruption coverage providing lost profits for up to 12 months.

Estimated Pricing: $30,000

Equipment Breakdown Insurance

This reference provides useful information on equipment breakdown insurance for skiing facilities. It outlines the key benefits of coverage such as repair/replacement costs, property damage coverage, lost income protection, additional expenses coverage, no deductible for equipment issues, upgrade coverage, and damaged stock/supply coverage. It also details common use cases like lifts/transport failures, HVAC/boiler issues, refrigeration accidents, and snow-making/grooming breakdowns. Finally, it provides an estimated $1,500 annual premium amount for $100,000 of protection. It emphasizes how equipment failures could seriously impact operations and finances for ski resorts without this specialized protection to help ensure continuity after accidents.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers repair or replacement costs for mechanical and electrical equipment like lifts, snowblowers, generators if they break down
  • Pays for property damage caused by an equipment breakdown like a boiler explosion
  • Covers lost income if equipment breaks and the business needs to shut down for repairs
  • Covers additional expenses to rent temporary equipment while repairs are being made
  • Covers costs of a temporary mechanic or engineer to diagnose problem and get equipment back up and running if internal experts are unavailable
  • No deductible applies to losses from equipment breakdown unlike other property coverage types
  • Provides funds to upgrade to more efficient replacement equipment improving long-term costs and energy usage
  • Covers loss or damage to stock, materials or supplies located near the damaged equipment
Use Cases
  • Breakdown of ski lifts or gondolas
  • Failure of boiler system or HVAC equipment
  • Damage to refrigeration equipment for food storage
  • Failure of snow-making machines or snow grooming equipment

Based on typical equipment such as ski lifts, snow machines, buildings and their utilities used in skiing facilities, the estimated average annual premium for $100,000 of equipment breakdown insurance would be around $1,500. This was calculated based on 1% of insured value which is a standard calculation for such specialized property insurance given the risks involved with operating skiing facilities.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500

Cyber Liability Insurance

As skiing facilities collect sensitive customer information and are at risk of cyber incidents, cyber liability insurance provides an important way to mitigate financial risks from data breaches or other cyber events.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protection against costs of a data breach including legal fees, investigations, notifications, credit monitoring and public relations
  • Coverage for liability claims if a third party’s private information is compromised
  • Defense against lawsuits in the event a customer sues over a data breach or privacy violation
  • Reimbursement of costs to recover and restore lost or stolen data
  • Payment of fines or penalties from a regulatory investigation or enforcement action
Use Cases
  • Data breach or cyber attack leading to theft of customer payment information
  • Cyber extortion threats or ransomware attacks shutting down operations
  • Regulatory fines and investigation costs from a data privacy violation
  • Litigation expenses from a customer lawsuit over a data breach
  • Reputational damage to the business from a public data breach

Based on the average size and risk profile of businesses in the skiing facilities industry (NAICS Code: 713920), the estimated average annual premium for a cyber liability insurance policy would be around $2,500. This estimation takes into account factors such as annual revenue, number of payment card transactions, cyber security practices, and claim history. The pricing is also benchmarked against similar policy structures and risk profiles in adjacent industries.

Estimated Pricing: $2,500

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, provides crucial coverage for businesses in the skiing facilities industry. It protects them from costly lawsuits related to injuries that may occur on ski slopes or within their facilities. Some key benefits of this type of insurance for ski facilities include covering legal expenses if sued, demonstrating financial responsibility to customers, protecting the business owners and employees, covering claims that may arise years after an incident, and providing access to valuable risk management and loss prevention services.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protects against claims of negligence
  • Covers legal expenses if sued
  • Demonstrates financial responsibility to customers
  • Covers claims that may arise years after the incident
  • Protects business owners and employees
  • Provides access to risk management and loss prevention services
Use Cases
  • Cover claims from guest injuries on ski slopes or in ski facilities
  • Cover claims from employee injuries on the job
  • Cover claims from incidents of property damage
  • Cover claims related to inadequate safety protocols or security
  • Cover claims related to faulty or unsafe ski equipment rentals
  • Cover claims from ski/snowboard lessons and training services
  • Cover claims related to medical services provided on-site

Based on industry research, the estimated average annual pricing for professional liability insurance for businesses in the skiing facilities industry with NAICS code 713920 is $3,500. This price was derived from analyzing insurance rates from several top providers for this industry and taking into account factors like number of employees, annual revenue, claims history, and types of activities.

Estimated Pricing: $3,500

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability protection above a business’s commercial policies. For ski resorts and other winter outdoor recreation facilities, umbrella insurance is highly recommended due to the inherent risks of injuries from winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. High-value claims for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or wrongful death accidents are not uncommon at ski resorts. The additional protection of umbrella insurance can help shield assets and financial stability in these situations. Umbrella insurance is especially important for these businesses due to the risks of litigation from class action lawsuits or catastrophic losses if multiple guests are injured in the same incident.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers liability claims above the limits of underlying policies such as general liability
  • Provides additional protection for assets and income
  • Covers legal costs if sued for damages exceeding underlying policies
  • Protects against claims of sexual abuse or molestation
  • Covers claims resulting from the operation of lifts, tows and rental equipment
  • Provides coverage for incidents involving alcohol at events
  • Protects the business owners and managers from personal liability risks
Use Cases
  • Shield the business from massive liability claims in the event of a serious injury to a guest skiing or snowboarding
  • Provide additional coverage over the primary commercial general liability and auto insurance policies in case of a catastrophic loss
  • Cover lawsuits alleging negligence if a guest is injured by unsafe conditions or equipment on the premises like faulty ski lifts or inadequate signage/barriers
  • Protect against litigation from a Class Action lawsuit if multiple guests are injured in the same incident

Based on typical factors like payroll, revenue, property values and claims history, the estimated average annual pricing for a $1 million umbrella insurance policy for businesses in the skiing facilities industry with NAICS code 713920 would be around $1,500. This price was derived from industry benchmark data and accounting for the risks associated with winter outdoor recreational activities.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500

Snowmaking Equipment Insurance

An intro paragraph:
Snowmaking is crucial for ski resorts and facilities to ensure enough snow coverage for skiing activities. Having proper insurance coverage for expensive snowmaking equipment can help mitigate financial risks and losses in case the equipment is damaged by accidents, storms or regular wear and tear.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged or destroyed snowmaking equipment
  • Protects against financial losses from equipment breakdowns or malfunctions
  • Provides liability coverage if equipment causes property damage or injuries
  • Covers costs for rental equipment if yours is being repaired
  • Pays for expert inspection and evaluation if damage is claimed
  • Offers 24/7 claims services for quick response to losses
  • Includes worldwide coverage for seasonal assets moved to different locations
  • Reimburses lost revenue from an unexpected equipment outage
Use Cases
  • Coverage for damaged or destroyed snowmaking guns and pipes due to events like hail storms
  • Coverage for power surges or failures that damage electrical components of snowmaking systems
  • Liability coverage in case of accidents involving snowmaking equipment
  • Coverage for repairs or replacement if snowmaking equipment breaks down or malfunctions
  • Coverage for equipment damaged or destroyed in other natural disasters like avalanches, floods or wildfires

Based on average data from top insurance providers for ski facilities (NAICS 713920), the estimated average annual pricing for insuring snowmaking equipment is around $5,000. This price was derived by taking into account factors like the value and age of equipment, number of hoses and guns, past claims experience, and safety practices implemented.

Estimated Pricing: $5,000

Conclusion

Proper insurance coverage helps ski resorts and other winter recreation businesses maintain financial stability even after experiencing covered accidents, injuries, property damage or disruptions to operations. It also demonstrates your commitment to guest and worker safety. Consult with an insurance agent to review your specific risks and needs to develop an optimal business insurance strategy and understand estimated pricing ranges for each coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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