Ski Trips Strain Family Budgets, Insurance Companies Offer Support

Sending children on week-long school ski trips is becoming increasingly challenging for many parents as prices climb towards 10,000 Czech crowns (approximately $450) per week. In response, more families are turning to health insurance companies for financial assistance, with some offering contributions of up to 2,000 crowns ($90). Schools report that cost is a crucial factor in parents’ decisions about enrolling their children in these courses.

The General Health Insurance Company (VZP) has seen a surge in popularity for their ski trip contribution program. Introduced in January, it has already benefited around 41,500 children. The company anticipates peak demand in February and March when reimbursements are processed after course completion.

Other insurance providers are also joining the effort. The Ministry of Interior Health Insurance Company offers 1,500 crowns for sports activities, including ski courses and lift passes, and the Czech Industrial Health Insurance Company contributes 500 crowns.

Despite these supports, schools struggle to attract participants. Petr Špok, a teacher and course organizer at a vocational school in Čáslav, notes that some students lack interest while others can’t afford the trip. This year, their six-day course in the Krkonoše mountains, including lift passes, will cost about 10,000 crowns.

Some schools opt for foreign slopes, seeking more reliable snow conditions. The Mendelova Elementary School in Prague 4 regularly takes students to Austria. Despite price increases, they don’t struggle to fill spots. Parents now pay nearly 12,000 crowns for a six-day course with five days of skiing, half-board accommodation, and additional meal costs.