This section (along with the following sections) forms part of your terms and conditions. As chalets and Ski Lodges are a different type of holiday, please read these pages carefully so that you know what to expect.
A chalet is your mountain home for your stay. You can either book a room or rooms and meet other skiers, or take a whole chalet for yourselves and your party.
More informal and relaxed than a hotel (yes, you can come to dinner in your slippers), you return after a great day on the slopes to a delicious cake and afternoon tea or coffee and then a 3 or 4 course evening set menu with unlimited wine until coffee and no washing up or cleaning.
One of the attractions of chalet accommodation, aside from the informality is the individuality or uniqueness of the property and the rooms, making a chalet more akin to a second home. All our chalets and Ski Lodges are selected with care on the basis of general comfort, character, convenience and facilities. They vary in size and can be larger purpose-built properties, apartments within complexes or alpine houses.
It is indeed the case that chalets are often people’s mountain homes and as such they are very different from hotels. Occasionally beds may be against a wall, there may not always be a WC on each floor, room sizes may vary (even when priced similarly), not all rooms have lockable doors and bathrooms may be shared with other guests or resident staff. Chalet apartments within complexes may be accessed by stairs and or lifts. The majority of chalets have lounge areas although in some cases seating may be limited. If in doubt please call us.
As in your own home, from time to time things may go wrong and we do ask that you be patient as it may not always be possible to repair or replace items immediately due to the mountain locations involved.
Bed linen and hand and bath towels are provided in all European chalets and Ski Lodges. Bath and hand towels will be changed mid week in all Ski Lodges, 4+ and 5 rated chalets, all North American chalets and where Chalet Plus is purchased.
As we are limited in the number of photographs we can print in our brochure, you may be able to see additional photographs of our properties on our website.
Chalet and Ski Lodge hosts: Our hosts regularly clean your rooms and they are there to help make your holiday run smoothly. They have been chosen for their outgoing personalities and cooking abilities. The service they offer is not intended to be that of a hotel. In a small number of instances, chalet hosts may be sharing some of the bathroom facilities – this is noted in the description so that you are aware.
Mountain locations: Access to many chalets in the Alps is often up a hill or path. This is especially true for those properties close to the slopes. Where this is particularly the case we have mentioned it in the chalet text. If you are at all concerned please ask for details. Ski-in/out means to within 50 – 70 metres of the chalet in normal snow conditions.
For any mountain holiday, easy to carry bags and appropriate footwear are essential. Snow conditions may also make access to chalets more difficult at some times of the season and we may not be able to get transfer vehicles close to the chalet.
• Our Resort Managers are highly experienced people with excellent customer service skills. They are the team leaders who ensure that every aspect of your ski holiday exceeds your expectations.
• Our Resort Representatives and Snow Concierges look after you at the airport, save you time and effort by delivering your lift passes to your chalet and will advise you on ski school and book instructors for you. They are on hand throughout your stay and will be able to help you make the most of our varied après-ski programme.
• Our Head Chalet Hosts, Chalet Hosts and Ski Lodge Chefs follow our comprehensive training programme and in addition, complete Health and Hygiene training. They are selected for their culinary skills and their friendly, helpful personality and professional attitudes.
Want to join our overseas team? Go to the ‘Work for us’ section on skiworld.ltd.uk for information and positions available and to read more about doing a season – whatever your age!
All our chalet meals are freshly prepared according to our menus and are intended to be home-from-home style cooking which also incorporate some local ingredients so as to give you a flavour of the country you are visiting. In all our chalets we create a dinner party atmosphere by serving the evening meal for everyone at a set time. Afternoon tea is laid out and on a first come first served basis.
In all 2 – 4 rated properties, our chalet board consists of breakfast (fresh bread, choice of preserves, cereals, porridge, yoghurts, fresh fruit, fruit juice and unlimited tea and coffee, PLUS a simple cooked breakfast with eggs and 1 of the following: bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns, baked beans, pancakes and syrup), afternoon tea and cake and a delicious 3 course evening meal with unlimited free house wine until coffee is served. Once coffee is served, wine is no longer available.
In all 4+ and 5 rated properties (and those where Chalet Plus has been purchased), the standard chalet board is included and in addition an enhanced breakfast, pre-dinner drink and nibbles, a cheese board, superior regional wine (Europe) as well as other extras. Skiworld Prestige Service is provided in Chalet La Ferme.
Children: Please advise your children’s ages at the time of booking so that we can be prepared for their arrival. If you require a high tea for your children we ask that they do so throughout the week. This must be requested at the time of booking and please make sure it is noted on your invoice.
Dietary Requests: We will endeavour to cater for special diets or vegetarians where possible although the availability (or not) of specialist ingredients and foods locally may prevent us from doing so. We reserve the right to make an additional charge for some special diets due to the costly nature of certain specialist ingredients so it is important to discuss this with us at the time of booking. Please check your invoice to ensure any such requests have been recorded. Please also check with your chalet host or chef as soon as you arrive so that they can discuss your requirements with you.
MOUTH-WATERING MENUS
Ski Lodges offer a different type of holiday and are equally relaxed. They are larger properties where you enjoy an enhanced breakfast served until 10am (fresh bread, choice of preserves, cereals, porridge, yoghurts, fresh fruit, fruit juice and unlimited tea and coffee, PLUS enhanced cooked breakfast with eggs and 2 of the following bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns, pancakes and syrup, baked beans, sausages, pastries or ham and cheese), aperitifs and canapés, choice of dinner menu, after-dinner chocolates and more.
In our Ski Lodges dinner is usually served at a time to suit you between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. We also aim to arrange a table to suit your party size although this is dependent on table configurations and space. There is a choice of 2 starters, 3 mains and 2 desserts always with a vegetarian option. Final night meals in Ski Lodges could include a local dish, a popular favourite or themed evening.
WiFi
We are pleased to provide Wifi in all our Ski Lodges, in at least the communal areas, free of charge. Please note that it is not suitable for large amounts of streaming and in order to bar access to illegal sites, internet usuage may be monitored. Whilst we will do our best to ensure this service is continuous and uninterrupted, we cannot guarantee this.
BARS IN SKI LODGES
The perfect place for an aperitif, liquor or a cool beer after a great day on the hill, all our Ski Lodges have licensed bars selling drinks at very reasonable prices. As they are licensed, it is illegal for guests to consume their own alcohol in public areas.
PRIVATE NANNY SERVICE
We are delighted to be working with the highly regarded T4 Nanny service in Tignes and Val d’Isere. Please note that bookings for these qualified, experienced nannies is on a first come first served basis so early booking is recommended. For more information on activities provided, availability and costs please call our reservations team.
WALKIE TALKIE RENTAL
As a special service in our Ski Lodges, we are pleased to offer walkie talkie rental for the week at a small supplement. This must be booked in advance and is subject to availability. They are in packs of 2 with a charger pack. A deposit of 40 Euros is required per pack which is refunded on return of the equipment in working order. Lost or damaged units will mean that the deposit is retained.
CAR PARKING AT SKI LODGES
We have a limited amount of car parking at all our Ski Lodges. If you wish to use this, there is a weekly charge and you must book in advance with our sales team. Please ensure this is shown on your invoice. Parking spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis so early booking is recommended. Vehicles are left in parking spaces entirely at owners risk and Skiworld cannot accept liaibility for any damages or losses whilst cars are parked in these allocated spaces.
In Skiworld Ski Lodges the reception is usually open from 08.00 until 10.00 and 17.00 until 20.00. English papers are provided when available
TO HELP YOU CHOOSE
To help you find your ideal mountain home-from-home we have our own rating system. The ratings are not an official classification but are subjective and based on scores allocated by our senior managers and guest feedback. To give you a ‘true’ reflection of the property, we do not take location into account.
We have rated our properties in the following separate categories: European chalets, Ski Lodges, European self-catering apartments, NA chalets and NA hotels and condominiums. This is because they are all slightly different types of holiday. For example, chalets in Canada and the States are more spacious, they generally tend to offer more facilities than their European counterparts. In all cases chalet and Ski Lodge ratings allow comparisons with other chalets and Ski Lodges but they are not like for like comparisons with the ratings of full service hotels or condominiums.
2 - 4 CHALETS
Enjoy our excellent 3 course chalet menus with FREE unlimited wine until coffee.
Simple no frills and excellent value for money
More comfort in the ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms and meets most people’s perception of a ‘standard’ chalet
Increased levels of comfort and/or character, with more bathrooms, possibly all en suite and a higher standard of décor
4+ and 5 CHALETS
Enjoy a choice of FREE unlimited superior regional wines, an enhanced 4 course delicious menu along with extras included to make your holiday that bit more special.
Enhanced menus, most, if not all, rooms en suite, superior décor and in many cases a sauna and/or hot tub in the chalet or access to these and/or a pool
Enhanced menus, these are superior properties for their décor, comfort and facilities. Beautiful home-from-homes - some of the best you will find
Indicates something extra above the grade. This may be décor, character or facilities.
To help with your choice we have detailed the room breakdown for each and everyone of our chalets. We also provide room numbers and these are shown on your invoice so you can be sure of exactly what has been booked. Further information (in addition that that on our website and in our brochure) is available on request.
ACCOMMODATION ONLY
On certain dates and departures we are able to offer accommodation only holidays. We may not always be able to offer a reduction on these holidays compared to packages including flights. Please enquire at the time of booking. If we are able to offer a reduction on the flight price for accommodation only, we reserve the right to increase or decrease this reduction at any time prior to booking. Our reservations team will have the most up-to-date information. Accommodation only holidays do not qualify for group discounts, Ski All-in offers or similar offers and promotions.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON CHALETS AND SKI LODGES
Hot water: Please bear in mind that chalets are often privately owned homes. They have a reliable but not endless supply of hot water. Please stagger your bath/shower times if possible and consider other guests in the chalet.
Chalet rooms: As many of our chalets are family homes, room sizes vary and not every room will have a lock on it. Furnishing and storage space may also vary. Storage space is limited often to a small wardrobe (rarely drawers). Cabin beds are those built into or against a wall.
Austrian twins: Austrian twin beds in our chalets are a double base with two single mattresses and two single quilts. These are very common in Austria in hotels and Gasthofs as well as chalets.
Rooms with eaves or sloping ceiling: We notify you of these in room descriptions as whilst often characterful, they often have reduced headroom and skylight windows.
Extra beds: Some rooms in chalets can accommodate an extra bed. Please enquire at the time of booking. If this is the case these beds are likely to be fold-away beds or mattresses. Please note that the addition of a bed will also significantly reduce the space in the room and space around the dining table could also be cramped.
Bathrooms and shower rooms: Will comprise a bath or shower and basin. A WC will not always be included and may be listed separately.
Private facilities: Are not en suite but a bathroom for the use of that room nearby.
Chalet Plus is only available when a group books the whole chalet.
Drinks: In Skiworld chalets and Ski Lodges free unlimited wine is provided with your meal until coffee is served. Due to the licensing laws which govern Ski Lodge bars and Chalet Lores, drinks bought outside the property cannot be consumed in the building.
Satellite TV in chalets may have a very limited choice of channels – sometimes only BBC World Service or BBC 24. This is also the case with terrestrial channels.
WiFi: We are pleased to provide WiFi in all our chalets and Ski Lodges. WiFi is free of charge in Ski Lodges and Enhanced chalets or grad 4+ and 5. In standard chalets a small supplement is payable in advance. Pease note that this service is not suitable for large amounts of streaming and in order to bar access to illegal sites, internet usage may be monitored. Whilst we will do our best to ensure this service is continuous and uninterrupted, we cannot guarantee this.
Hot Tubs: Outdoor hot tubs cannot be used after 10pm. If a hot tub breaks down we always try to have it repaired as quickly as possible. However, as their repair is a specialist task, these people are often in high demand. Delays may also occur if parts need to be ordered. We always do our utmost to minimise such delays.
Smoking: In the interest of fire and safety regulations and for our owners, our chalets and Ski Lodges are all non-smoking.
Cots and high chairs: In North America, parents must bring their own for children under 2 years or we can supply details of local suppliers. In Europe a cot and highchair are provided for infants under 2 years of age paying the £79 ticketing charge. Please bring your own cot linen.
Slippers: We strongly recommend that you bring slippers or suitable indoor footwear for use in the chalet, as for the comfort of all guests, outdoor shoes are often not permitted indoors.
Staff days off: Staff in chalets and Ski Lodges have one day off a week (2 days on 10 and 14 night holidays). On their day off, breakfast and afternoon tea will be laid out for you. In the evening you are free to try a local restaurant. Please ask our resort team for their recommendations or ideas as they have often either visited restaurants themselves or had feedback from previous guests. Clients are requested not to help themselves to items in the fridge or cupboards as these items are part of menus for later in the wee. We do not supply wine on staff day off.
DVD and videos: Video and DVD machines in the USA do not accept British videos or DVDs. Most resorts have stores from which videos and DVDs can be hired.
Keys: We cannot guarantee that guests will have their own room or chalet keys or that the chalet will be locked during the day/evening. We are unable to accept responsibility for valuables. A small refundable deposit for chalet keys is required and if keys are lost there is a replacement charge of betweem 10Euros and 50Euros depending on your property. Your host will inform you of this on arrival. Many chalets have entry code systems.
CHECKING INTO YOUR CHALET OR SKI LODGE
For those on Skiworld transfers, check-in to accommodation will normally be on arrival in resort. Check-out is normally 09.00 hrs. Otherwise accommodation is usually available from 17.00 hours.
On arrival/departure day we try to provide changing/storage facilities for all clients (although this cannot be guaranteed). These may be shared with arriving/departing Eurostar passengers with whom there may be an overlap as they normally have the added advantage of being able to ski on arrival/departure day. We ask you to be patient during this transition.
If your arrival is late, your first evening meal may be a hot soup and/or a cold buffet. If your arrival is even later, we reserve the right to substitute this for a packed lunch on your day of departure. Our staff will wait up for you as long as they can, but if your arrival is very late they will leave directions to your room and refreshments out for when you do arrive.
If you are not arriving on a Skiworld transfer it is very important that you notify us of your estimated arrival time and, if possible, provide us with a mobile contact number. Should you fail to do this in advance, we cannot guarantee that your room will be ready for you.
EMPTY BEDS/SOLE OCCUPANCY OF A CHALET OR ROOM
Each chalet and each room sleeps a minimum number of people. If you would like to book the whole chalet for your group’s exclusive use, or a room for yourself and you do not have the minimum number, you can choose to pay for the empty bed to ensure you have sole occupancy of the room/chalet. Any beds or rooms below the minimum number (see individual chalet descriptions) that are unoccupied and not paid for by you will be sold to other skiers. Please check your invoice and the property description if in doubt.
The supplements for unused empty beds will be confirmed at the time of booking and may be restricted on peak dates. In Europe the supplement for an unused bed is usually between 40% and 100% of the basic adult brochure price. If a room supplement applies then this must be paid as would be the case if 2 people shared the room. Room reductions do not apply to rooms with empty beds. This applies when there is one person already in the room paying the normal price i.e. empty beds are limited to one per room. On peak dates such as 16th , 23rd and 30th December,11th /12th February and 31st March/1st April and 7th/8th April departures, the unused bed reduction may not apply and the full price is payable. In North America please note that these may also change and you will be advised of the up-to-date price at the time of booking.
If a group wishes to have exclusive use of a chalet, we reserve the right to limit the number of empty beds to less than 1 in 20. Please check with the sales staff. If you have already paid for the maximum number of empty beds and someone from your group cancels, we reserve the right to charge the full price for this room/bed or to re-sell it to another skier(s).
We reserve the right to increase or decrease these prices at any time prior to booking. You will be advised of the up-to-date price when you book.
Please remember that if a member of your group cancels and leaves a bed unoccupied, an empty bed charge applies (in addition to cancellation charges and a possible reduction of group free places).
SINGLE SHARES
We are one of the few companies to offer single shares in some of our European chalets and Ski Lodges. We offer you the possibility of sharing a room with another single booker and therefore of not paying the empty bed supplement. Please note that this is subject to demand and does not apply for every departure week of the season. Places are limited and on a first come first served basis. This facility is usually offered 4 weeks before departure and details of rooms available displayed on our website.
FLEXIBLE CATERED CHALETS
A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the holiday cost is payable at the time of booking. If booking within 10 weeks of departure full payment is required. In addition a caution deposit of £250 is required 4 weeks before arrival. This is usually paid by credit card and will be refunded 2 weeks after the end of your holiday as long as the chalet and its contents are returned undamaged.
When you arrive in your chalet please inform us if anything is broken or missing as you may otherwise be charged for this at the end of your holiday. We will do our best to replace or repair things brought to our attention as soon as possible.
All our chalets are non-smoking. Please treat the chalet and its contents with care.
Skiworld reserves the right to recover the cost of breakages or damage caused by you and your party regardless of whether these are accidental or not. If you have caused any damage you will be invoiced for the cost of replacement or repair and this amount will be payable by the party leader prior to departure or deducted from your caution deposit.
You must inform Skiworld if there are children and infants in the party and their ages (as of the final day of the holiday) must be supplied.
Saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms are used at guests own risk and we cannot accept any liability for accidents, injuries or illness sustained whilst using these facilities. Children must be supervised at all times.
If you are not using Skiworld flights or transfers and are making your own travel arrangements, you must inform Skiworld of your arrival time and provide 2 contact mobile numbers 4 weeks before departure. We will provide you with an emergency contact number should your arrival time be delayed or changed.
Chalets must be vacated by 9.00am on your day of departure and as we clean the chalet thoroughly keys are not usually available before 5pm on the day of arrival.
Additional options can be added to your booking up to 14 days before departure as long we have recived these requests in writing and they are paid in advance. Prebookable options may not be available in resort if not ordered before departure.
Group discounts and early booking offers or special promotions do not apply to flexible catered chalets unless otherwise stated.
We have a specialised team to help you not only choose the resort and accommodation to suit your needs, but also to help you organise your trip and make the most of our ski hire offers and discounts.
Our website will allow you to search by size of chalet and also to look for the most sought-after ski-in/out chalets or those with hot tubs and saunas. Whatever accommodation you are looking for, don’t hesitate to call if you need to discuss your requirements with us.
We have some of the very best group free place offers – you will find it hard to beat them especially with our great value prices. And don’t forget to check the website for special features, offers or information – especially our up-to-date independent snow reports provided by Weather2ski.
GROUP DISCOUNT
To view our most up to date groups discounts in Europe and North America, click here for the Groups Free Places Grid
European group discounts and free places only apply to 7 night charter flight based Skiworld catered chalet or Ski Lodge accommodation. They do not apply to weekend breaks, self-catering, hotel accommodation, accommodation only holidays, late availability prices or special offers unless otherwise specified.
We reserve the right to amend or withdraw group discounts at any time and to limit the number of such discounts across several groups in the same property at the same time. Discounts will be confirmed at the time of booking.
INSURANCE
It is essential that all group members have adequate insurance that covers all aspects of your ski holiday. It is the responsibility of the group leader to ensure that this is the case and to provide Skiworld with the details of these policies so that we can help in case of emergency.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR GROUP DISCOUNTS
All communication and payment must come from one party leader or agent and all amendments must be in writing from the group leader. In addition it is the responsibility of the group leader to ensure that all group members have read these important information sections and that they all have adequate insurance. The group leader must ensure that payment is made by one cheque, debit or credit card. If payment is made by more than one cheque, debit or credit card on group bookings enjoying free places, there will be a handling fee of £10 per cheque/card in addition to the normal credit card charges. (Visa or Mastercard carry a 2% charge and Amex payments 2.5%). Failure to pay the balance on the specified due date will result in free places or group reductions being withdrawn.
For European and North American holidays, the whole group must arrive on the same date, though you may book different methods of travel.
For bookings to Europe travelling on charter flights, names of those in the group as per their passport must be supplied at least 10 weeks before departure unless your group is of 20 people or more and this has been agreed with our groups department.
For scheduled flights, correct names must be supplied at the time of booking and cancellation charges of up to 100% may be applied by the airline if changes are made after this.
CALCULATION OF FREE PLACES
Discounts and free places are the maximum offered and only apply to chalet and Ski Lodge accommodation at full price. In North America they are applied to the 7 night basic holiday price only. They are calculated on the lowest basic price in the booking and do not include room or flight supplements, insurance, ski packs or other supplements. If different price categories are booked, the free places come from the lowest price category (once room reductions have been applied) including children.
Free places and group discounts apply to initial numbers booked and not to subsequent additions. If the group size reduces after booking, the number of free places will also be reduced accordingly and may be forfeited if all conditions are not complied with.
Half price places are calculated by dividing the basic price by 2 and then applying any reductions e.g. self-drive, accommodation only or applying any supplements e.g. room supplements/reductions. Children (or adults) paying half price and enjoying any discount (including any child reduction) count as half a person in the calculation of free places.
CANCELLATIONS
Please remember, if a member of your group cancels it may incur an empty bed charge, affect your group places and carry a cancellation charge (see Cancellations and Amendments by You). Having a standby list of people to come on your holiday is often the best solution. If you find a substitute they naturally take on the holiday cost of the person they are replacing and there may be an amendment fee for the name change or even a 100% cancellation charge for scheduled flight services. Please check with our sales team.
We have some superb offers for children and our chalets and ski lodges represent particularly good value. The price you pay includes breakfast, afternoon tea and cake and a delicious freshly prepared evening meal – all this helps you budget your holiday and enjoy the lovely informal home-from-home atmosphere of a chalet.
And our North American ski resorts have excellent mother-tongue ski schools – our regulars rave about them and that’s just the children! In many of these resort children can ski free - please call our team for more information.
CHILDREN PAY HALF PRICE!
We are pleased to offer half price places for children aged 2 – 11 years. These offers are valid ALL season including Christmas, New Year, Half Term and Easter. Early booking is recommended as these places go fast! Half Price Places in Europe and North America
Children under 2 years of age on the return date of travel are subject to an infant charge of £79 in Europe and £175 in USA and Canada which includes a cot and highchair. Please bring your own cot linen.
CHILDCARE
Please note that childcare, especially our private nanny service, is very popular and as places are limited it is very important that you check availability of children’s places at the time of booking and secure your place(s) immediately.
We are pleased to be working with T4 Nannies who provide our private nanny service. Our reservations team will be able to advise you as to exactly what to bring and how their service works. The cost is per nanny who can look after up to 4 children if all are over 2 years of age and up to 2 children if any are aged between 3 months and 2 years.
A non refundable deposit of £200 is required on booking with the balance due 10 weeks before departure. Cancellation charges are 100%. No refund will be given if the child(ren) develop an infectious illness and T4 Nannies are no longer able to care for the child(ren).
Should a nanny become ill and is unable to continue caring for the child(ren), every effort will be made to replace the nanny with another. Should this not prove possible a refund for any time missed will be given.
It is the parent’s responsibility to inform us/T4 Nannies of any dietary requirements, allergies or medication in writing. Costs of all food is to be met by parents.
Please note that T4 Nannies terms and conditions apply and are available on request. We act as an agent for this service and are not liable for the services they provide.
CHILD DISCOUNTS
Children in chalets in Europe
Skiworld is one of the few operators offering a discount on our brochure prices for all children aged 2 – 11 years ALL season.
Click here to view Child Reductions in Europe and North America
*Please note: Reductions apply to the basic brochure price and do not include supplements such as room or flight supplements. Room discounts do not apply when children enjoy reduced price places and these reductions do not apply to rooms in which children aged 2 – 11 are already enjoying half price places. Reductions cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Children enjoying half price places or reduced prices count as half a person in the calculation of group free places. The reductions only apply to holidays with charter flights in Skiworld catered chalets. Free places are limited to one per family. Infants are children under 2 on the return date of travel and this charge applies provided that no flight, coach or train seat is used and provided a cot is used in resort. All discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn or changed at any time. Please read important information to follow.
Calculation of Child Discounts
There are a limited number of free and reduced child price places and these are subject to availability and on a first come first served basis. For this reason we also limit the number of child discounted places on each booking. All reductions are subject to availability and may change at any time.
Child reductions in Europe apply to Skiworld chalet and ski lodge holidays including charter flights only. Children’s reductions in North America will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Where children enjoy a 50% reduction this is when they are sharing with 2 adults unless otherwise stated. All child discounts (Europe and North America) are applied after any room or transport reductions e.g. self-drive and all supplements e.g. for rooms, flights etc are paid in full.
Child reductions apply to the basic price and do not include supplements such as room or flight supplements. Room discounts do not apply when children enjoy reduced price places and these reductions do not apply to rooms in which children are already enjoying half price places.
Reductions cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Children enjoying half price places or reduced prices count as half a person in the calculation of free places (for groups for example). Child free places or half price places are limited to one per family.
Child discounts do not apply to late availability prices. Family room discounts or children’s discounts do not apply to self-catering accommodation, hotels, short break holidays or late availability holidays.
Please also note that children do not count towards occupancy when hiring a car.
CHILDREN’S AGES
The child’s age on the date of return must not exceed that stated when booking. Infants under 2 years travelling free or paying the flight ticketing charge of £79 in Europe or £175 in USA and Canada do not have a seat on flights or transfers unless they are classified as children, in which case the child prices apply.
COTS, HIGHCHAIRS AND HIGH TEA
In Europe a cot and highchair are provided for infants under 2 years of age paying the £79 ticketing charge. Please bring your own cot linen. In North American resorts there are baby equipment rental services, please ask our sales team for details.
We are pleased to be able to provide high tea for your children. Please advise us at the time of booking and check that this has been recorded on your invoice as this enables us to make the appropriate catering arrangements.
CHILDCARE FACILITIES IN RESORT
You may be able to pre-book locally run kindergartens and we will be happy to provide you with contact telephone numbers. These facilities will meet local regulations. Please note that we have not inspected these facilities and are therefore not able to guarantee the level of care provided.
Hotels & Apartments
We have carefully selected the accommodation we offer to be of a good standard for the price shown. For hotels in Europe we display the star rating of the relevant tourist authority. In North America, as no such rating exists we have used the judgement of our senior managers to assign a rating based on their knowledge of the accommodation and guest feedback.
For resorts where we do not have representation, you will have the services of one of our team in a neighbouring resort or our nearest local office. You will also be provided with a number in case of emergency. We do not operate ski leading services in resorts in which we do not have a representative.
PRICES
Our hotel and apartment prices generally do not include lift passes or ski hire. However, we frequently have special inclusive promotions which are displayed on our website (or call our team) and these represent incredible value. If you have already booked your accommodation and wish to add one or both of these, we still offer preferential pre-booking rates that are at least as good as anything you will find elsewhere – frequently better.
Prices in hotels in Canada and the USA are based on either 2 person or 4 person occupancy (please see the website for details or enquire at the time of booking). Some of our hotels prices are for room only, others B+B and some on half board. This will be specified at the time of booking and on your invoice.
Prices for self-catering are based on the number of people specified – usually full occupancy of all the beds available. As most apartments include a double bed, occupancy and prices are based on 2 people sharing this bed.
Please note that in many of our hotels and apartments we have an allocation at special rates and conditions. When our allocation is full, we may not be able to obtain more at the same rate or on the same terms and therefore a supplement may apply. Extra to allocation rooms also do not qualify for online discounts.
Hotel and apartment prices do not include Taxe de Sejour or Kurtaxe as these are levied locally and collected by the hotel or apartment agency. Where we offer a Representative service, we are sometimes able to collect this on behalf of the accommodation supplier.
The special offers and discounts detailed within Skiworld Saver boxes apply to accommodation rates only and do not apply to flight and transfer costs. All offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn by the supplier at any time.
ACCOMMODATION ONLY
On certain dates and departures we are able to offer accommodation only holidays. We may not always be able to offer a reduction on these holidays compared to packages including flights. Please enquire at the time of booking. If we are able to offer a reduction on the flight price for accommodation only, we reserve the right to increase or decrease this reduction at any time prior to booking. Our reservations team will have the most up-to-date information.
OTHER GUESTS
We do not have details of other guests booked into your accommodation or of any events such as conferences or wedding celebrations. We have no control over the behaviour of other guests and our reps will assist wherever possible if the behaviour of another guest is considered disruptive.
ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN
If you are arriving at our accommodation by car or on a flight or train not booked by Skiworld, it is very important that you notify us (ideally your Resort Manager) of your estimated arrival time prior to leaving the UK. Should you fail to do this in advance, we cannot guarantee that your room or apartment will be ready for you.
Check-in is usually between 17.00 and 19.00 and check-out of rooms is between 09.00 and 10.00 irrespective of your time of departure. Some hotels/apartments are able to provide a room for bags/cases etc. but please check with the reception on your arrival. Such facilities may be shared with other guests.
Please note: there may be specific times your apartment or hotel reception is open and we cannot be responsible if you fail to obtain your keys before the reception closes. Hotels may lock their main doors at a specified time. Please check with the hotel what time this is – especially if your arrival is likely to be late or you are delayed en route.
Many hotels ask for a credit card imprint when you check-in to cover incidentals.
SMOKING
Many properties are non-smoking. If you require specific information, please ask at the time of booking.
FACILITIES AND RATINGS
The use of some facilities in hotel and apartment complexes such as saunas, fitness facilities and Turkish baths may incur an extra charge. Where we have been informed of this it has been stated in the text. However, this is often charged by those running the properties and we are not always informed. If in doubt, please check at the time of booking. In many instances swimming hats are obligatory and there may be restrictions for children using leisure facilities.
We cannot guarantee that fitness suites provide the same range or type of equipment as a purpose-built gym.
Many hotels have annexes which are sometimes in a separate building a short walk away. Please bear in mind that whilst many annexes provide access to the facilities of the property through which they are sold, rooms may not be of the same standard as the main property. This is usually reflected in the price reduction.
Not all hotels or apartments/condos have parking facilities. Those in North America generally do but please enquire at the time of booking. Parking is usually payable locally and in some cases this must be booked in advance. Please check at the time of booking.
Cots must be requested at the time of booking and there is likely to be an additional charge for these. As they are provided by the hotel, cots may not meet British safety standards.
Triple rooms in hotels are often twin rooms with an additional single put-up or couch bed added. This sometimes restricts space. Purpose-built triple rooms are a rarity and more often available in chalets rather than hotels. If in doubt please ask our reservations team.
Quad rooms are more often available in hotels and condos in North America. They are based on 2 queen beds or sometimes a king bed and put-up beds in the same sleeping area.
Austrian twins: In Austria and Switzerland twin beds are often a double base with two single mattresses and two single quilts.
Room descriptions such as suites, apartments, junior suites etc cover a variety of room configurations. These vary hugely from country to country and it is not possible for us to provide a standard description to cover all. It is best to make specific enquiries when you book to ensure that the accommodation you choose meets your specific requirements.
FULL AND HALF BOARD ARRANGEMENTS
Meals usually start with dinner on the day of arrival and finish with breakfast on your day of departure – this may be a packed breakfast if your departure is early. Similarly, if your arrival is late (please notify us in advance) you may be provided with a cold platter on the day of arrival.
A table d’hote menu is usually provided for those who have booked meal arrangements in advance with limited or no choice of menu. Please note that sometimes hotels may allocate tables on a shared basis. An a la Carte menu is available at some hotels at a supplement payable to the hotel locally.
Please note that vegetarianism is still not widespread in Europe and that some hotels may only be able to offer a very limited choice. Some hotels may also charge a supplement for specific dietary requests. It is essential that you notify us at the time of booking so that we can advise you and that this request is noted on your invoice.
Christmas and New Year: During the Christmas and New Year period a minimum stay may be imposed and meals in hotels may carry a supplement due to special celebrations. Please note that formal dress is often expected at these occasions.
Bars in hotels may not be open after 11.00pm and children may not be allowed into hotel bars, particularly in North America.
APARTMENTS AND CONDOMINIUMS
Apartments may not be in the same building or next to each other and we cannot guarantee that groups booking will have apartments close to each other or even in the same building. Apartments are often privately owned and even in the same block vary in layout and size.
Apartment layouts may vary from those described in our brochure. Details will be confirmed at the time of booking.
In most European apartments a blanket and pillow are provided for each bed. Bed linen is often provided – please check the descriptions on the website or with us when you book. (Bed linen can be hired from agency receptions locally). In some cases towels, cleaning and end of stay cleaning (except kitchens) are also included. Again check with us or on our website. In North American Condominiums bed linen, towels and cleaning are included. (You may be asked to provide a deposit or credit card imprint to cover breakages, damage or incidentals.)
Most French apartments, while ingeniously designed, are quite compact and prices listed are for using the maximum number of beds, including 2 people sharing any double beds. To help with your choice, where possible we have included measurements. Please note that French law stipulates beds at height (bunks etc) should not be used by children under 6 years.
Apartments in all countries have kitchenettes which are compact and equipped with basic equipment and 2 or 3 hobs. Some also have worktop ovens. Kettles are rare. Basic items such as toilet paper, milk, tea and coffee are not provided unless a starter pack has been prebooked and paid for. Guests are normally expected to make their own beds on arrival. As there is such a variety, please check at the time of booking.
Baths may not always be full size baths and showers may not always have a tray or a curtain. Soap may not be provided. Cleaning is not normally provided during your stay.
STARTER PACKS
As a service to our customers we offer the option of pre-booking starter packs of basic essentials for your stay in your apartment in selected resorts in Europe. These offer the convenience of not having to shop as soon as you arrive or to have to carry some heavy items to your apartment. We cannot guarantee that these packs are cheaper than if purchased in resort and we reserve the right to amend prices up or down. You will be advised of the correct prices at the time of booking. These are only available when pre-booked. If not already in your apartment when you arrive, your pack will be delivered the same day.
Due to operational reasons starter packs are not available in Switxerland or Austria. Enhanced starter packs are available in Tignes, Val d’Isere, Les Arcs, La Plagne and Meribel only. For details of what is included in a basic and enhanced starter pack please see our website.
CAUTION DEPOSITS
In Europe and North America, apartment agencies require a returnable deposit on arrival (approx. £200 – £300 per apartment, up to £500 for larger apartments, according to type). Your deposit is held in case of extra cleaning, lost key or damage charges, or incidentals and is refundable by the agency after you depart.
This can usually be paid by credit card (occasionally travellers cheque) and is returned minus any charges incurred, after your apartment has been checked and/or your bill finalised. As many flights depart early in the morning, it may not be possible to have your apartment checked before you leave. If this is the case, your deposit may not be returned until after you have arrived home. If at all possible we would recommend organising a check of your apartment with the supplier on the Friday evening. Not all agencies will accept credit card payments – please check at time of booking, although this is the preferred option in North America.
On arrival in your apartment please check everything is present and in working order. Anything missing or broken must be reported to reception immediately or you may be charged for it. These deposits are held by the accommodation manager and not ourselves so we are unable to become directly involved in issues that may occur. Therefore it is important you check your inventory when you arrive and sign out with the apartment provider. Please leave your accommodation as clean as you found it.
We are able to offer a range of regional flight options and private express transfers to selected resorts. As these are subject to availability early booking is recommended.
As much as we enjoy the snow, we recognise that weather conditions in the mountains can be extreme. Road closures and delays are therefore not uncommon. Many insurance policies including annual policies that have a ski section do not cover you for costs associated with events such as travel delays or piste closure. It is a condition of booking that you are covered by a comprehensive winter sports insurance policy.
Very rarely we may be forced by force majeure situations (such as bad weather or the forecast thereof), which may not be in your resort, to terminate your holiday before the due date and/or make changes to your travel arrangements (inbound and outbound, including means of travel). In the unlikely instance that this does occur we regret that we will not be able to refund any portion of your holiday (unless our suppliers do), pay you any compensation or expenses you incur as a result. These may be claimable through your insurance subject to terms.
In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used or likely to be used on our website.
If we need to book transport specifically for your holiday (i.e. we have sold our allocation or you require a tailor-made option), you must provide a credit card authority and agree to pay the full cost before we can request the transport.
FLIGHTS – GENERAL
Holidays in this brochure are based on departures with no additional flight costs except where stated. In the European flight table these are shown as having a £0 supplement. We reserve the right to increase or decrease the supplements (such as regional supplements) at any time. The up-to-date price will be quoted at the time of booking and any changes to the grids in our brochure are displayed on skiworld.ltd.uk.
If you choose to fly from a different airport or on a different day or with a different airline to allow a desired stop-off, you may have to a pay a supplement. This will be detailed at the time of booking.
The availability of the transport seats and accommodation is limited. Once our allocation has been filled, we may have to purchase more capacity. If this is the case the advertised prices/supplements may not apply as we may not be able to obtain the same favourable rates or the same booking class (even within economy). If this is the case we will inform you of this at the time of booking.
In some instances, accommodation or routes for certain holidays may only be available on flights with extra charges. This may be because the accommodation is only available on certain days or onward connections may restrict choices of dates or times of travel. You will be advised of this at the time of booking.
Children
CAA regulations state that a child of 2 years or older (on the return date of travel) must have its own air seat and will otherwise be denied boarding by the airline. Children under 2 years (on the return date of travel) must sit on a parent’s lap and are not entitled to luggage allowance or catering on flights or seats on transfers unless these have been paid for.
Delays
The vast majority of our departures leave on time, but occasionally delays occur which are beyond our control. We liaise with aircraft operators and our policy is to endeavour to ensure that any delay is as short as possible.
Please be aware that we are often not advised by scheduled airlines of delays to flights either internal or international. For clients travelling in the US or Canada on connecting flights please call our Area Manager (details on your itinerary) to inform them of your revised travel details.
A new Europe-wide law came into force in 2005 relating to denied boarding, delays and cancellations of flights granting new rights to passengers. In certain circumstances passengers have the right to cancel their flight and receive reimbursement of the cost of their flight from their airline. Full details will be publicised at EU airports and will be available from affected airlines.
Please note that reimbursement of the cost of a flight that forms part of your holiday is the responsibility of your holiday airline and will not automatically entitle you to reimbursement of the cost of your holiday from us or your supplier if we are a booking agent. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in clause 6. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should refer your complaint to the Air Transport Users' Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk
Baggage
If the baggage allowance on any flight is exceeded there may be a charge for the excess or it may not be possible to load it on to the flight. The baggage allowance for scheduled, charter and low cost carrier flights is shown on your itinerary. Baggage allowances will not be pooled – each allowance is individual. Please read the appropriate sections below.
Boot bags count towards your overall weight limit on all flights as do skis on some scheduled flights. If you intend on taking skis, it is important to discuss this at the time of booking as these must be booked and paid for on charter flights and no-frills airlines and now on some scheduled flights. Space for skis is limited and on a first come first served basis.
Please note that we have no liability for baggage whilst in the care of the airline. This is the responsibility of the airline and it is important that you check to make sure the terms of your insurance policy cover you adequately.
IMPORTANT: If you are flying to/from Grenoble or Chambery airport, or on any Monarch flight, helmets and boots are not permitted in your hand luggage.
EUROPEAN CHARTER FLIGHTS
Our holiday prices are based on charter flights to Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble, or Innsbruck – whichever has a nil supplement in the price grid. We allocate a specific number of seats to each resort. This also applies to regional departures. Booking early ensures you have the full choice of all our flight routes.
Occasionally at the beginning and end of the season we may use other carriers such as scheduled airlines and low cost carriers. In these instances the rules for scheduled airlines apply.
PRE-BOOKING FLIGHT SEATS TOGETHER
Pre booking your seats means that the airline will pre-allocate your seats so all those in your party who pre-book will be seated together. We cannot guarantee however that you will not be separated by an aisle. Exact seat numbers will be allocated at check-in. All members of your party who wish to be seated together must pre-book this service. Currently this service is only available on our Monarch charter flights. Prices from £9pp.
Name changes
If a change of name is requested within 10 weeks of departure or once the itinerary or ticket has been issued (whichever is the earlier) a charge of £50 will apply. Prior to 10 weeks a £35 charge will apply. If your flight has been booked with a no-frills scheduled carrier such as Easyjet, a further charge may be incurred.
E-tickets
For all of our European flights you will be issued an itinerary only. E-tickets are arranged with the airline and a boarding pass will be issued at check-in on receipt of your itinerary. Where it is not possible to issue an e-ticket for late bookings, we reserve the right to charge a ticket on departure fee to cover the additional cost.
Baggage Allowance
On our European charter flights, your baggage should not comprise more than 1 suitcase or bag plus 1 boot bag, weighing no more than 20kg in total and 1 piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 5kg. Skis and snowboards may also be carried if booked and paid for in advance. Subject to availability.
Carriage of either skis or snowboards on charter flights
With ever larger numbers of people carrying equipment on flights, charter airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the extra weight (and therefore fuel) and handling of these oversized items. This has increased the risk of items being offloaded from aircraft.
In line with all other major winter sports operators, we ask that you register your skis/boards with us at the time of booking at a cost of £35 per board or set of skis on our charter flights. If you do not pre-book, there will be a £45 per board or set of skis charge at the airport and we cannot guarantee that your equipment will be accepted. Each plane has a limited amount of space for skis and boards and this is allocated on a first come first served basis. We strongly advise that you book your equipment with us at the earliest opportunity. Ski and Snowboard bags must contain skis and snowboards only and boot bags contain ski or snowboarding boots only (in case of delay or the necessity of offloading this equipment). Please note that snowboard bags count as oversized sporting equipment and must be paid for as board carriage, regardless of whether this is your only item of checked baggage.
Ski/ Board Carriage weight allowance:
Monarch = 12kgs
Jet2 = 20kgs
Flybe = 20kgs
Titan = 18kgs
Easyjet = 12kgs
If you have NOT paid for ski carriage, you are allowed to take a boot bag (on our European Charter flights) but this forms part of your 20kgs standard allowance. Please note that on Monarch flights boot bags are not allowed to be taken as hand luggage into the aircraft cabin and must be checked into the aircraft hold.
Should your skis or board which have been pre-booked fail to travel on your flight, we will arrange for them to be forwarded to your resort at no extra charge. No-frills airlines insist that skis or boards are booked in advance and their charges start at £25 per item each way.
Baggage allowance on European scheduled flights
With carriers such as Easyjet, you pre-paid allowance is 1 item of checked baggage weighing no more than 20kgs plus 1 piece of hand luggage no bigger than 56 x 45 x 25cm including wheels, which must fit comfortably into Easyjets baggage gauge. Please note that a boot bag is equal to one piece of luggage and can either be carried as hand baggage (subject to above size restrictions) or must be pre-paid as additional baggage if you want to check it into the hold. Supplements apply for additional bags, weight and for other sporting equipment. These must be booked and paid for in advance.
Carriage of either skis or snowboards on European scheduled flights
Ski and board bags are classed as oversized sporting equipment and must be pre-registered at a cost of £25 per item each way.
SCHEDULED NORTH AMERICAN FLIGHTS
Many forms of transport such as scheduled flights require that full names are supplied at the time of booking. They also have restrictions on changing names, dates etc before and after tickets are issued. Should you request a change we may have to pass on any cost charged by the carrier which may involve repurchasing a new ticket at a higher cost. It is therefore important that names are supplied to us in writing at the time of booking.
If the amendment means we have to send you new tickets, we cannot do this or refund any monies paid (if applicable) unless we have your old tickets and documentation. Where scheduled flights are booked please be aware that there are charges levied by the airlines for re-issuing lost tickets.
Connections
For flights to the US and Canada the connection times are booked in accordance with the airline’s recommended connection time depending on the airport through which you are transiting and the arrival and departure terminals. You must clear security at your first point of call in the US or Canada from the UK.
If you are concerned that the time recommended by the airline is not adequate, please inform us at the time of booking to enable us to search for longer stopover times – particularly if you are less mobile. In certain cases, when flight availability is limited, we may only be able to offer the minimum recommended connection time.
If you miss your flight for any reason such as a delayed flight or increased security, the airline is responsible for arranging your onward travel to your final destination.
Baggage allowance
The standard checked baggage allowance for transatlantic flights to North America is 1 piece weighing no more than 23kgs and no more than 62” in total dimension (height + weight + width). Please note that a ski bag or a boot bag is equal to one piece of luggage. Most carriers will allow you to pre-purchase additional allowance or oversized sporting equipment such as skis or board bags. Charges vary by airline, please call for details or visit the airlines own website.
On all scheduled flights, bags or sports equipment not pre-booked may not be accepted at the airport.
CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE
When you travel by air, water or on land, the relevant carriers Conditions of Carriage will apply to your journey. These will be incorporated into our contract with you. Your compensation in respect of death, injury, delay to travel and loss, damage and delay to luggage may be limited by these conventions (such as the Montreal Convention for travel by air and the Athens convention for travel by seas). Details of limits of liability and these conventions are on our website. In addition, copies of all such terms are available on request from us.
CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS
All travel arrangements including routings, timings, aircraft type and arrival airports/stations are provisional until confirmed on your itinerary and may change after this due to circumstances beyond our control.
Carriers and/or airports, port authorities and other competent authorities may make decisions resulting in delays, changes of route, of departure/arrival airport and rescheduling. When this occurs we are not consulted and we cannot accept liability for such decisions as they are for operational reasons. To maintain low prices and offer a variety of regional flight options, where necessary we share flights, transfer coaches and/or Reps with other operators. Occasionally this means an earlier or later departure.
We reserve the right to substitute airlines/aircraft and make necessary changes to your travel arrangements including a change of transport method in a force majeure situation.
TRAVEL ONLY
Clients must pay in full on booking, and dates cannot be changed once confirmed. No cancellation refunds are available. Clients are advised to take insurance, which provides a level of cover for cancellation, subject to terms.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Clients are responsible at all times for their own personal documents, for their baggage, belongings and ski equipment whether hired or not. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their property is taken from the point of arrival on to the transfer vehicle, from vehicle to vehicle at a transfer hub, and from the transfer vehicle to the accommodation and vice versa on departure.
TRAIN SERVICES
The availability of seats on our train services is limited. Bookings at the advertised supplements are on a first come first served basis. Once our allocation has been filled, we will inform you of this. We will be pleased to make a booking on your behalf for the train service required (subject to availability) but we cannot guarantee that it will be at the advertised supplement.
Groups
We will make every effort to seat groups together, however, with the Eurostar booking system it is not possible to guarantee this. Seating may be allocated in different carriages and different areas of the carriage. This is beyond our control. Seat allocations will be confirmed on your tickets.
Eurostar services
All Eurostar services depart from St Pancras. Please note for guests’ comfort all services are non-smoking. Eurostar direct services stop at Ashford International but do not stop at Ebbsfleet International. First class seats are available on request and the supplement will be confirmed at the time of booking. Dates in April may be on request. You will be advised at the time of booking.
Departure from resort will be in the afternoon and clients will usually have time for a meal in Bourg St Maurice or Moutiers before the train departs later that evening. This is to ensure that regardless of weather and traffic conditions, clients reach their departure point in good time. If this train service is missed due to circumstances beyond our control, it is too late for clients to secure alternative means of transport to the UK that night.
Carriage of skis/snowboards on trains
On Eurostar one set of skis or one snowboard per person is carried free.
TRANSFERS
We have provided approximate transfer times to your resort in this brochure and on the website. Please bear in mind that these are approximate as they cannot take into account prevailing weather or traffic conditions or the location and accessibility of your accommodation. This is especially true at peak dates such as New Year or February half term when other nationalities are also on holiday and therefore roads can be busy.
It is also important to remember that in some cases we stop transfer coaches for a break or to change driver – this is more likely if flights or road journeys have been delayed. In order to keep prices low we sometimes need to combine transfers to and from resorts or you may need to change coaches at a transfer hub. Whilst we aim to keep waiting times as short as possible and minimise journey times, this may mean your waiting time is longer. Please also note that you may not always be accompanied by a Skiworld Representative.
WCs on coaches: Please bear in mind that the cold weather may affect the WC on your coach despite our or our drivers’ best efforts.
North American transfers
We use scheduled transfer companies with set departure times. We always try and book you on a transfer as close as practicably possible to your arrival time although this is always subject to availability. This may mean a wait after your flight has arrived for the next scheduled transfer. At the beginning and the end of the season, there may be a longer wait for your transfer as our suppliers may reduce their services.
We do offer private transfers for an additional cost, please enquire at the time of booking.
Due to the flexible nature of holidays to North America with multiple arrival days there will not always be a Resort Representative or Manager at the airport for your arrival. Most transfers in North America are organised with local scheduled transfer companies who will have been given your flight arrival details. They will be expecting you. Details of transfers will be on your itinerary.
Although scheduled airlines have guaranteed departure and arrival slots, delays can occur due to bad weather conditions or technical faults. Our staff and transfer companies do everything possible to stay abreast of these delays and to reschedule your transfer times accordingly. However, this is not always possible.
In the event of a delay to any leg of your journey to North America, if you are able to advise the Resort Manager or in the case of a resort without a Skiworld Representative, the relevant transfer company (all contact details are provided with your departure documentation) from your connecting airport, it may be possible to re-arrange your transfer to match your revised arrival time in North America and therefore keep your waiting time to an absolute minimum.
CAR HIRE
Conditions of car rental state the nominated driver must be at least 21 years old (there is a supplement payable locally for drivers under 25) with a valid full British Drivers Licence (an international drivers licence is not required). A major credit card is needed as a deposit when you collect your vehicle.
Upgrades and changes
In the case of our holidays to North America, if you have not taken advantage of our preferential prepaid rates to secure the upgraded vehicle size of your choice, you will be offered the opportunity to do so locally (subject to availability). Please note that any upgrades or changes to car-hire packages which are negotiated locally will be subject to additional sales taxes (approx 30%) all of which must be paid for locally. Please note that Skiworld are not responsible for any extra charges incurred.
Car hire vouchers
If you have pre-booked car hire you must take your voucher with you as this is form of payment. Please treat this voucher as you would cash. If you cannot present a voucher at the car hire desk you will be required to pay for the hire car locally. No refunds will be given on unused vouchers.
Car hire prices
Car hire is based on 4 people sharing unless otherwise stated. Supplements may apply when booking car hire with less than 4 passengers.
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
All car hire prices for North America include CDW as unlike British insurance policies in which unlimited third party liability coverage is mandatory, laws in North America only require a bare minimum of third party coverage which could leave you seriously financially exposed in the event of a claim against you. CDW protects you against damage to the rental car (including theft and vandalism) regardless of who is at fault. Without CDW you would be personally responsible for any damage up to the full value of the vehicle.
CDW package does not include: State taxes/airport fees, personal accident insurance, extra liability, facility usage fee, additional drivers, infant/child seats (children up to 5 years are required by law to be transported in approved child seats), drivers under 25 supplement, fuel (payable on arrival), one way rental (charge varies depending on location), vehicle upgrades (supplements apply for larger vehicles or 4 door versions) or snow chains in California (State law requires cars to be equipped with snow chains in certain weather conditions and must be purchased locally for approx $40 these cannot be rented).
Alamo Gold
We strongly recommend Alamo Gold which covers State taxes/airport fees, personal accident insurance, extra liability, facility usage fee, ski rack (but not guaranteed to be a rack that will carry snowboards) and up to 3 additional drivers. It also includes a tank of petrol as well as extended protection which provides you with up to $1,000,000 third party liability coverage. The policy also covers the renter and family members up to $100,000 for accidental death due to negligent, un-insured or hit and run motorists. Alamo Gold however, does not include infant/child seats (children up to 5 years are required by law to be transported in approved child seats), drivers under 25 supplement, one-way rental (charge varies depending on location) or vehicle upgrades (supplements apply for larger vehicles or 4 door versions). Please see page ?? for more details.
Caution deposits
A credit card security deposit is required when the car is collected in the name of the lead driver, The car hire company may obtain an authorisation against the card at this time of approximately $500 per week / $100 per day. Please make sure that you have a valid credit card with you.
Luggage
We have indicated the approximate sizes of the cars available in North America here. The size of car you have booked will be detailed on your invoice. Please bear in mind that luggage space is limited and therefore pack with this in mind.
MAKING YOUR OWN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
If you are making your own travel arrangements and are staying in any of our European chalets you should arrive on the same day as our flight programme. If you are making your own travel arrangements and staying in one of our North American chalets or European self-catering apartments you must arrive on the day stated on your itinerary. No reductions can be given if you fail to arrive on the stated day. Please advise us of your estimated time of arrival.
PARKING
Many resorts have parking restrictions and parking charges and in some, parking must be booked in advance. It may be free to take a car into the resort to unload and leave it on the outskirts. Please ask our reservations team for details.