Holiday Info and FAQs

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To help answer some of the questions you may have about your ski or snowboarding holiday here is a list of the most frequently asked questions that should answer most of your queries.

If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please give us a call on

0871 951 1010

Will I require extra cover on my travel insurance?

Yes you will. If you already have travel insurance check your policy to see if you are covered for Winter Sports. If not you can purchase one of our specialist ski policies online at :

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Do I get extra luggage allowance as I am skiing?

The normal luggage allowance is either 15kg or 20 kg per person depending on which airline you are flying with. It may be possible to pay for extra allowance at the time of booking; Ski & Snowboard carriage will carry a supplementary charge per bag.

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What’s the difference between a local and an area lift pass?

A local pass will allow you to ski in the immediate vicinity of your resort whereas an area pass will allow you to use the lifts in the surrounding resorts which make up the ski area that your pass covers.

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What type of clothing should I take?

Basic clothing requirements for a ski holiday include the following:

  1. Waterproof ski jacket & trousers or one-piece suit.
  2. Thermal vests, Base layers or t-shirts.
  3. Essential Warm headwear.
  4. Sunglasses - ideally designed for skiing.
  5. Ski goggles.
  6. Thermal socks.
  7. Waterproof ski gloves
  8. High Factor Sun block.
  9. Back pack for carrying water, food etc.

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When will I receive my tickets?

We send your Tickets by first class post approximately 2 weeks prior to departure.

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What should I do if I wish to cancel my holiday or make any changes to it?

Any cancellation or changes to your holiday must be put in writing to us. Where applicable you will be subject to the Tour Operators cancellation charges.

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Is my passport valid or will I require a visa?

You will need a valid British passport for all our ski & snowboard destinations usually with at least 6 months validity. Any additional queries regarding passports or visa's should be forwarded to either the Passport Office ( 0870 521 0410 ) or your relevant Embassy.

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When must I pay the balance of my holiday?

Full payment is due 12 weeks prior to departure. Please make all cheques payable to HOLIDAY DEALERS or if paying by credit cards then a 2% charge is applicable. No charge for payments by Visa Debit cards or Maestro.

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Can you send me a brochure?

Unfortunately we only hold a limited number of brochures for internal company use. Please contact your Tour Operator if you wish to receive a brochure.

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Can I pre-book Airport Parking?

Yes we can obtain major savings for you, go to the Airport Parking link on the web site to book online.

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What should I do if I have a complaint about my holiday?

In the unlikely event that there is a problem with your holiday, please put your complaint in writing to us. This must reach us within 28 days of your return date.

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How do I know which resort is best suited to me?

We feature so many resorts that it is hard to pick one particular suited to anyone individual. Each resort has its own attractions and each country its own allure. Skiing in Europe has long been popular with the British because we can drive to the destinations and the French cuisine and wine are very popular. But the advent of the cheap long-haul flights have opened up the US and Canadian ski-resorts to the British skier and the service, standards, value for money and wide open spaces keep people going back for more. It’s your choice, but to help you make it please contact our specialist sales team for their advice.

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When is the best time to go skiing?

There is no best time to go skiing. As most resorts are reliant totally on the weather and, in particular, snowfall, it is impossible to tell in advance the type of conditions you will experience in resort. Some skiers like the warm sunshine of spring skiing while others prefer the guaranteed snow, but colder conditions of December and January. And then there are the school holidays and Christmas holidays that attract many because of the wonderful, bustling atmosphere, and also detract those who prefer a quieter time with fewer children around. Speak to one of our travel consultants who are more than willing to advise you on what times of year would be more suitable to you.

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Is it guaranteed to snow while we are there?

No, snow is never guaranteed but as the locations we have chosen generally have good historic snow records. Remember that most resorts have snow-making machines that assist in the skiable terrain being open longer throughout the season. Please see our Snow Reports section on our home page for ski conditions at all of our resorts.

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How old do I have to be to ski?

Anyone can ski from around 3 years of age upwards. Of course, the older you get, the more you should examine your insurance policy to make sure you are covered.

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How long do I have to go skiing for?

For as long as you’d like. Some hotels insist on minimum stays during their busy periods and others don’t. The Residences in France do tend to insist on a minimum stay of 7 nights but 7 nights is a good period of time for those on their first ski-holiday. This gives you enough time to get settled on the slopes and also enjoy the surroundings of the ski-resort. Other properties do allow shorter stays for those with little time to spare, while many North American hotels will allow you to stay for any duration you would like. Please contact our call centre for specific details on each individual property.

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I can’t ski, so can I go on a skiing holiday without having lessons here first?

Of course you can. Each resort has trained ski instructors and we can arrange ski lessons for you. Learning in resort means you can learn to ski on snow, which isn’t the case in most of the UK, and also means that once you feel confident you can head off onto the slopes after your lessons.

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Can I take my children with me?

Yes. The children love skiing and you’ll soon see that by arranging lessons for them, they’ll be overtaking you on the slopes.

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What if there is a non-skier in the party?

Ski resorts are designed for skiers but many are now offering things for those non-skiers amongst us such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice-climbing to name but a few. Remember, you are in the mountains so most activities for non-skiers will be in the outdoors and will be in cold temperatures. Of course, the non-skier can enjoy the comforts of your hotel, depending on its facilities of course. Many resorts now have spas and most have a wide range of unique shops to pass the time of day in. Please contact our travel consultants for further advice on which resorts would suit a non-skier.

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What are the different types of accommodation we can stay in?

The terminology used to describe a property can differ from place to place and yet describe the same type of property. Let’s start with the Hotel. A Hotel is generally a property that offers the minimum of a standard room with beds and a bathroom. The rooms will generally get cleaned daily and towels are inclusive in the price. Most hotels have a bar, 24 hour reception and a restaurant.

Then we have the Residence. A Residence is generally an apartment with several rooms and a living area. Residences usually come with a kitchen of sorts, a bedroom and separate living area. Linen and towels are usually included in the price, but they are generally only changed once per week and end of stay cleaning usually has to be paid for. Check-in times at Residences are restricted and late arrivals are usually kept to a minimum. Residences rarely have any restaurants or bars.

Chalets are a very popular form of accommodation in Europe. A chalet is usually a type of accommodation where guests have their own rooms inside a larger property. Chalets generally include half board for every guest and meals are prepared by a representative at the property. Meals are usually organised so that guests mingle with other guests not in their party. Meals are five courses and include wine. The representative has one night off a week where you are free to eat out in resort.

Condos are very common in North America and are similar to an apartment. Basically each Condo is individually owned within a resort or building, and is looked after and managed by a management company. Each Condo is individually designed, within the standards of the management company to ensure quality control. Condos usually consist of one or more bedrooms with a living area and a kitchen area. Condos give a real "home from home" experience.

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Can I do a two-centre holiday?

Yes you can. Either in Europe or North America this is possible. Just choose your destinations and we can do the rest for example Aspen & Las Vegas and Whistler & Vancouver.

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Can I break up my trip by spending a night or two at a gateway city?

Why not? Thousands of people visit Whistler each year without setting foot in Vancouver. Many travellers head to Stowe and Killington and their only experience of Boston is the airport terminal. And would you believe that a large percentage of visitors to Lake Tahoe, fly home without seeing the sights of San Francisco. Born2ski can arrange and tailor-make your holiday to suit you, and if you want a couple of days of shopping and sightseeing in North America’s unique cities, then we’ll arrange it for you.

Alternatively in Europe we work with Campanile Hotels who have properties all across France and provide a wide range of stopover possibilities for those looking to drive to the mountains.

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Can you book ski-hire and lift passes?

Yes we can pre book these for you with great savings on paying in resort and also securing your equipment for peak dates. Please go to the relevant sections within this website. We offer various types of ski & snowboard equipment for different grades of riders and skiers. We can also offer various types of lift passes within resorts that encompass greater areas such as the Three Valleys in France and the Lake Tahoe Interchangeable Pass in California and Nevada. We can make significant savings for you especially in North America and Canada, give us a call.

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Can you book flights as well?

Yes we have access to competitively priced flights to both Europe and North America.

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Can you book ferries and the Snowtrain?

Yes we can. Please see the section on the web site or contact our call centre for prices and availability with companies such as SeaFrance, and P&O. We also offer Eurotunnel and the Snow Train service with Eurostar.

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Can you book transfers?

Yes, please contact our call centre for details of all private and scheduled transfers. Or book online with the link on the Home page.

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Can you book car hire?

Yes, we can book car hire in Europe and North America with suppliers such as Alamo and Hertz or book online from the link on the Home page.

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Do I need Insurance?

Although not a requirement it is, however, highly advisable to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances whilst travelling abroad. Skiing in particular, however experienced one is, does offer up some unpredictable situations and sometimes accidents do occur.

If you decide not to travel with any travel insurance you can obtain a form E111 from any Post Office. Once completed, the form will entitle you to medical treatment in EC countries. It is, however, still advisable to take out travel insurance as few countries will pay the full cost of medical treatment. Please be aware that the E111 does not provide cover for other aspects such as cancellation, personal liability or personal belongings cover.

In the USA in particular, medical care can be extremely expensive for those without insurance cover.

We can offer numerous single trip or Annual policies with Ski Cover and Off piste cover. Go to the Insurance tab on the home page.

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USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION

ABTA Information on benefits and financial protection:
www.abta.com/benefits.html

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Advice on travelling abroad: www.fco.gov.uk

Department of Health Information on health requirements/vaccinations: www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/

Passport Agency Information on UK passports:
www.ukpa.gov.uk World Travel Guide Information on pa ssport/visa requirements and other general travel information:

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Holidays booked through Born2ski are governed by Born2ski Ltd terms and conditions. If you require further clarification of these terms and conditions please ask your sales clerk at the time of booking.

1. Booking Conditions

Your legal contract is with the tour operator (or airline) specified on your confirmation receipt. Born2ski Ltd acts only as your agent. It is essential that you have read and understand their booking conditions. These can usually be found in the back of the tour operator’s brochure, please contact us if you require a copy of the booking conditions.

All timings are provisional and are subject to change under your tour operator’s terms and conditions. Any complaints regarding your holiday must be received in writing within 28 days from the date of return. It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint to the tour operator without delay and complete a report form in resort.

Special requests will be notified to the tour operator but under your tour operators booking conditions cannot be guaranteed.

If you wish to make any changes to your holiday, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any changes or cancellations must be received in writing from the person who made the booking. Any amendment or cancellation will result in charges.

The lead named passenger is responsible for ensuring the total balance is paid.

2. Deposit & Balance

If your holiday is booked inside 12 weeks of departure, the full cost of your holiday is due. Outside of 12 weeks a deposit plus insurance premium (if applicable) must be paid.

Please note that Born2ski Ltd will not send you a reminder when your balance is due.

If full payment is not received by the balance due date, we will notify the principal who may cancel your booking and charge the cancellation fees set out in their Terms and Conditions.

3. Insurance

It is important that you travel with adequate travel insurance for all members in your party. For competitive rates please contact our sales department 01924 274359 If you have declined our insurance we accept no liability for any costs incurred prior to travel or during your holiday, which arise from failure to obtain adequate cover.

4. Passport

If you wish to travel abroad you must hold a ten-year passport, even for a day trip. Apply in good time to the UK passport office 08705210410. For non-UK residents you should contact your consulate or embassy. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. Some countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period (usually six months) beyond date of entry to the country.

This is a requirement of the country concerned, not the UK passport office. Any questions should be addressed to the relevant consulate or embassy.

5. Visa Requirements

You may require a visa to enter the country you are travelling to.

For all visa enquires contact the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit. If you are a British Dependant Territories citizen, British overseas citizen, British subject, British National overseas, or a British protected person, you may need a visa that is not required by British citizens.

6. Flight Times and Changes

All flight timings are provisional and could be subject to change. You'll be informed of any major changes to your flight or other part of your holiday.

7. Credit and Debit Card Charges

For all bookings, credit card charges are as follows:

Mastercard or Visa - 2.0%
AmericanExpress/DinersClub - 3.0%
Debit Cards (e.g. Switch/Maestro) – NO CHARGES

8. Other Service Charges

Born2ski Ltd will make the following charges in addition to any tour operator charges:

Amendment: £10 per-person for booking amendments

Cancellation: £20 per-person except where the cancellation charge is 100%, when no charge.

9. Your Money is financially protected

We are deal with fully bonded members of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). In the unlikely event of your ATOL protected operator's insolvency, your money is protected under the terms of this licence, and if abroad you will be repatriated.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL Scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking

10. Property Descriptions

We believe that our property descriptions are accurate and complete, however, tour operators provide this information to us either electronically or we take it from their brochures. Although we make every effort to keep up to date with any alterations, we do not accept any liability arising from any inaccuracy or omission in the property descriptions.

All bookings are handled by Holiday Dealers Ltd (ABTA No K7969) who are retail agents for ATOL holders. All holidays listed on this website are subject to availability at the time of booking. Should the holiday you have requested not be available our travel consultant will offer you an alternative.

Please read our Terms & Conditions of sale carefully before booking.

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Useful Links

ABTA Information on benefits and financial protection:

www.abta.com/benefits.html

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Advice on travelling abroad:

www.fco.gov.uk

Department of Health Information on health requirements/vaccinations:

www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/

Passport Agency Information on UK passports:

www.ukpa.gov.uk

World Travel Guide Information on passport/visa requirements and other general travel information:

www.wtgonline.com

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