Frequently Asked Questions
SKI RELATED
I’m travelling alone. Will this be ok?
Many of our customers are single travellers and get a great deal out of joining a group of like-minded people with a mutual passion for skiing.
I am an absolute beginner – how do I know if the resort is suitable for me?
Many of the resorts we feature are suitable for beginners, with a choice of blue, red and black runs. You can find more information on the individual holiday factsheet.
It's my first ski holiday. How should I prepare?
If you've never skied before then we highly recommend a few sessions on one of the UK's dry ski slopes. This will give you a good head start on the slopes.
What should I pack?
Apart from the obvious, there are a few things we recommend taking with you on the slopes:
1. Rucksack for drink / snack / phone
2. Sunscreen and lip balm
3. Layers / thermals for under ski wear
4. "Snood" or neck warmer (less likely to unravel and fall in the snow than a conventional scarf)
5. Money belt
6. Travel insurance details
Will there be snow?
We have chosen resorts for their excellent snow records throughout the season. You can check the latest snow forecast specific to your chosen destination here:
www.snow-forecast.com.
How much is ski carriage?
Ski carriage varies depending on which airline you fly with but it starts at £30 each way. Please give us a call on 0207 099 4816 for more information, or check on the airline website.
How do I book my lift pass?
We can pre-book this for you. Give the team a call on 0207 099 4816.
How do I book my ski hire?
We can pre-book ski hire but if it's your first ski holiday we recommend you book locally to ensure you get the right sized boots and equipment. Occasionally, at busier resorts, availability can be an issue so we will alert you in these cases.
Are ski lessons offered?
All of the resorts we work with offer ski lessons and we can reserve a space at the local ski school for you in advance. If you're unsure as to how many lessons you need we can make a provisional reservation which will be payable locally. Call us on 0207 099 4816 for more details.
Do you offer ski guiding?
This service varies from resort to resort. In Austria we offer free ski guiding for intermediate and above skiers but there is usually a fee for this in other resorts. Please refer to the individual holiday factsheet for full details.
Can I ski on the day of arrival / departure?
It's no problem to extend your lift pass by a day or two in the majority of resorts. You will need to check out by 11am at most resorts but your hotel will usually be happy to store your luggage.
What meals are included?
Each holiday has its own unique board basis so please refer to the individual holiday factsheet for details.
Are helmets included with ski hire?
Helmets are available at all of our resorts and we highly recommend them for children and beginners, as well as anyone who wants extra safety on the slopes.
Do I need to buy ski insurance before I go?
We highly recommend that you buy ski and travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday so that you are covered for cancellation immediately.
I don’t want to pay the Single Supplement…
Unfortunately most hotels charge a supplement for sole occupancy of a room. However, we have some great offers in some of our UK hotels whereby no single supplement is charged. Availability is limited so it pays to book early. Alternatively we can pair you up with a room share partner.
We offer different incentives and packages for group bookings. Please ring our Reservations Team on 0207 099 4816 for details.
Do you offer discounts for children?
Generally yes although it will depend on the individual hotel policy. Please ring the Reservations Team for information.
TRAVEL RELATED
Are all of the holidays hosted?
Our larger holidays and some of our UK breaks are hosted by a dedicated Club Ski Holidays tour host who is on hand to ensure the smooth running of your holiday. Club Ski Holidays Tour Hosts are a cut above your typical holiday rep with a lightness of touch that enables you to get the best out of your holiday without being in the least bit interfering. We make sure you get the best out of the destination even though you are there for a relatively short time and we do this through our local knowledge.
Club Ski Holidays Tour Hosts normally offer much more of themselves than you would expect including making sure your nights are sociable and fun often well into the small hours if that is your whim. During the daytime the level of participation and presence of Club Ski Holidays tour hosts varies according to the nature of each holiday and its destination.
Can I join the holiday on different dates?
Should you wish to arrive early or extend your stay, contact our Reservations Team to enquire about availability and extra night supplements. It is not possible to join a group once the holiday has commenced.
I don't live in the UK - do I have to start my holiday from the UK?
You can join our programme from wherever you are in the world direct to your chosen destination - we offer flight exclusive prices on all holidays to give you this flexibility.
When will I receive my flight tickets and travel documents?
Flight tickets will be sent as soon as the airline issues them, or between 10 and 14 days before departure, whichever is sooner. Some airlines will not release their flight tickets until 7 days prior to departure. Travel documents, including Cuban Tourist Card if applicable, will be sent via email or post 10 - 14 days prior to departure.
How much deposit do I have to pay?
For holidays in Europe including a flight we ask for a deposit of £175. For flight exclusive European holidays the deposit is £150 and for all long haul holidays £250. Our UK breaks can be booked with a deposit of just £50.
When is the balance due and how can I pay it? Do you send a reminder?
The balance for all holidays is due 8 weeks prior to departure. We don't send a reminder but your balance due date will be on your confirmation invoice. We are happy to accept payment in instalments, providing the balance reaches us 8 weeks prior to the holiday. You can pay by credit or debit card, cheque or direct bank transfer to:
Club Free Spirit
HSBC
Sort Code 40-05-16
Account no 32109174
Do you charge for credit and debit card payments?
We don't charge when you pay the deposit by credit or debit card. But for any subsequent payments by credit or debit card, including the balance payment, we charge 3% which covers our bank charges. You can avoid this charge by sending us a direct bank transfer or a cheque.
Can I fly from a regional airport in the UK?
Yes. We offer a flexible flight service with departures from all over the UK. Generally London airports are included in the holiday price and regional departures are available at a supplement but please call us with your specific requirements.
Where do I find information on luggage allowances?
This will be sent with your travel documents 10 - 14 days prior to departure but please don't hesitate to call us before this for specific information.
Can I buy my own flight?
Yes. We offer a non-flight discount on all of our holidays. Please don't forget to advise us of your flight times and numbers so we know when to expect you. If your flight arrives at the same time as our group flight we can often offer you a place on our airport transfer; please call us for more details.
Can I book extra nights?
Yes. We offer a full tailor made service so not only can you book extra nights before and after the holiday, you can enhance your holiday with add-on itineraries as well as options including car hire. Note that our group transfers depart and arrive on the start and finish days of the holiday and arriving or departing on a different date means that you will need a private transfer.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. It is a condition of booking with us that you have a comprehensive ski-suitable travel insurance policy to cover the duration of your holiday. We do not sell travel insurance but can recommend The Post Office amongst other suppliers.
How do I make amendments to my booking?
Amendments generally incur a fee of £25 per change. Call or email us to discuss your specific requirements.
What are your cancellation terms?
Our cancellation terms can be found here:
www.clubskiholidays.co.uk/TermsAndConditions.aspx