01937 558822 | info@maxski.com | ATOL 6698

PLIC (Party Leader Information Centre)

Although we are always on hand to answer any queries you may have before, during and after your trip, the information found on this page should answer many of your queries and allay any worries you may have.

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3 – Frequently Asked Questions

It is the Party Leader’s responsibility that all group members have the correct documentation to travel, both passport and visa. If you or any member of your party is not a British Citizen or holds a non-British Passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country(ies) to or through which you are intending to travel.

All members of your party should hold a valid passport. Some countries require a passport to remain valid for a period after the date of entry to that country (around 3-6 months). You are advised to check the requirements of the destination at time of booking.

It is advisable to take photocopies of all passports both for you whilst on the trip and to leave behind a copy with your UK based point of contact.

You will need to supply Max Ski with the passport information of all those travelling. Ideally we would like this as soon as possible.

Currently, you can still apply for a Collective Passport which can be used for the majority of European countries, although there is a small cost to this (£39) and which needs to be completed 12 weeks prior to departure:

https://www.gov.uk/collective-group-passports/countries-you-can-visit#

Be aware of some of the conditions of travel on these types of passport however, especially if any member of your group has to travel separately, or if the named party leader can no longer travel and a new leader has not been appointed and/or named on the collective passport.

It is common for school/college trip parties to have one or more students who are non-British or EU nationals. If you are unsure as to whether your student needs a visa or not, then please follow/use the links included below to find out whether one is required or not. As long as enough time has been allowed for processing of the visa, then it should not be a problem.   

Embassy links – Europe (for our most frequently used destinations):

http://italy.embassyhomepage.com/ – Italian Embassy

http://austria.embassyhomepage.com/ – Austrian Embassy

http://www.uk.diplo.de/Vertretung/unitedkingdom/en/Startseite.html – German Embassy

Embassy links – North America & Canada

http://canada.embassyhomepage.com/ – Canadian Embassy

https://uk.usembassy.gov/ – US Embassy

If you are a GBR citizen, you must apply for an ESTA before you travel; entry to the USA will not be permitted without one. A charge of $14 applies.

All qualified Visa Waiver Program travellers are required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to departure to the USA. This application must be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to departure, and can be applied for by following/using this link:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

All eligible countries for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can be found on the above website. Please do check all specific visa requirements for all passengers you plan on taking with you on your Max Ski Trip.

Other useful contacts:

For all up to date passport information, we recommend you visit:

If any of your group are non-EU nationals, it is worth visiting the British Council website too:

https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/partner/list-travellers

Max Ski cannot accept responsibility for any cost or fines incurred due to non-compliance with the above nor can we accept any liability if you are refused entry into any country due to failure on your part to carry the correct documentation.

Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS)

A number of countries have introduced legislation which stipulates that full passport details must be provided in advance for all passengers travelling by air. This legislation is applicable in the USA and many European countries, including the UK.

You will need to provide us with all passport information of those travelling. You can either email copies/information to us or collate information through a Google Form. It is critical that we receive this information in a timely fashion, not only to get it to the airline on time, but also so that it can be checked for any errors in advance. Any name mis-spelling or a wrong name can incur a name change fee, which can in some instances be a whopping £110. Please be sure to check, as we don’t want you to have to pay anything you don’t need to.

Some flights will not issue boarding passes before you fly. A Max Ski representative will most likely assist you though check-in.

Security measures are thorough and with a large group, it can take additional time to get through all measures. We will allow for between 2-3 hours for this process, prior to departure. If you have arranged for your own transport to the airport, Max Ski will not accept responsibility for missed flights due to a late arrival, either planned or otherwise.

This does vary across flight providers so we will let you know what the restrictions are in advance of your trip. Most airlines (not all) will allow for a discrepancy on individual weights of bags, if the total group weight does not exceed the total individual baggage allowance allocation. Any excess is usually charged for each additional kilo (prices can be expensive).

There will also be hand luggage restrictions (size, weight and dimensions). Again, this varies according to your flight provider. Any sharp objects or liquids exceeding 100 ml will be confiscated (including any prescription medicines), so please ensure that all party members secure these in their hold baggage. As a precautionary measure, we would also advise all party members to pre-pack any necessary liquids in a clear, plastic, sealable bag, which should contain no more than ten items. Only one plastic bag per traveller is now allowed and any items over the allocated ten can be confiscated. Snags like this through security can slow your whole party down, so anything that can be done in advance is readily encouraged.

You and your group are of course welcome to take your own skis and boots. Please be aware however, that charges will apply and vary considerably, depending on the airline. Please be aware that some carriers will not accept pre-booking of ski carriage. We will let you know of the conditions and prices prior to your trip. Should this be something you wish to take up please get in touch as soon as possible.

Please note that ski/snowboard boots are generally not included in ‘ski carriage’ but should be contained within your standard baggage allowance.

This matter is often disputed for safeguarding and security reasons. The general advice is that hold baggage should be labelled with the individual’s name on and the name of the destination hotel, which should be clearly visible. Max Ski are unable to provide luggage labels in advance, but it remains your choice to avail yourself of any labels available at the departure airport. We do recommend, however, ‘labelling’ your group’s luggage in a distinctive way e.g. a bright coloured ribbon. This will make it easier to identify at the airport. Max Ski can provide coloured ribbons at no extra cost if you so wish.

As is usual, short-haul airlines will not provide complimentary in-flight catering. Drinks, snacks and duty free can all be purchased on board the flight if required. Long haul flights to the USA & rest of the world will include meals.

It is not always possible for your transfer coach to wait right outside the terminal building, both in our European destination airports and in the USA. Your Max Ski rep will call the coach driver upon arrival, which may mean that you and your party may have a short wait whilst the coach arrives; please use this time to check your baggage and use the facilities prior to your onward journey. On the rare occasion where you are not accompanied by a Max Ski representative, we will furnish you with the correct driver details so that you may communicate directly with them.

We use a number of reputable coach companies for airport transfers and for the longer coach journeys to resort. On long haul journeys the facilities on board usually consist of a DVD player, a toilet and a drinks dispenser. Please note that the toilet is usually only for emergency use, so where possible, please encourage all travellers to use the regular comfort stops as a first option. It is recommended that you bring your own supply of DVD’s for the journey and if your vehicle is fitted with a drinks dispenser, it is usual for the driver to charge for any drinks consumed from them.  

Please encourage regular litter sweeps of the coach which you can then regularly dispose of. Pillows and anything to make the journey more comfortable are also recommended, however please just be aware of the luggage limitations and of the fact that bags won’t be able to be accessed until the final destination stop. If a large number of your group plan on taking skis and/or snowboards, please let us know in advance, as we may need to arrange for a trailer.

If you are leading a small party, it may be likely that you will be sharing with another group. We will endeavour to match you up geographically to minimise any disruption or additional unreasonable travel time to your group and we will of course notify you of this in advance. We would ask that all groups sharing coaches show courtesy and consideration to one another.

Departure times will be an estimated based on road, weather and travel conditions. Therefore please note times are subject to change.

Please be aware that routes to your final destination are at the discretion of the coach companies, but routes to Italy could include travel through France, Germany and Switzerland.

Drivers will require regular stops, as required by law, which will be scheduled along the route. Please ensure that your party take enough currency should they wish to purchase snacks and meals, as these are not included in your trip cost.

Your driver should be familiar with procedures at the port of embarkation. Ferry companies and ports have different times for check in; most will recommend that you are through passport control and ready to check-in at least one hour before sailing and in peak periods (February half term & Easter) two hours before.

We will inform you of the provisional departure and Channel crossing times, but please note that these are subject to final confirmation from the Channel crossing operator. Due to demand for peak crossings, your first choice of crossing may not always be available, despite us having requested it in advance.

In the unlikely event of a breakdown, your coach driver will contact his company in the UK for instruction. Where repair can be actioned quickly, a replacement vehicle will not be provided. If there is to be a prolonged delay, a replacement coach will be sub-contracted to carry out your itinerary.

Our aim is always to make your trip run as smoothly and as hassle free as possible. Occasionally things do happen which are outside of our control: weather, natural disasters, industrial action or air traffic control, all of which could affect your journey. Please rest assured that the Max Ski team will be working to ensure your journey gets back on track as soon as possible. Please be patient as we try to rectify the situation and come up with solutions for you and your party. These events are few and far between, however Max Ski’s experience in repatriating groups after (for example) the ash-cloud in Iceland, as well as several industrial disputes over the years, means that your group is in capable hands.

We will send you out a Google Form for you to complete prior to the departure of your trip. On this Form, each passenger should complete the medical and dietary needs sections. If your group did not complete the Google Form, it is your responsibility to please inform us of any special requirements. We need this information so we can notify the relevant hotel and/or coach company, therefore allowing for any reasonable adjustments. These details should also be reconfirmed at the time of travel.

Please ensure you read this section of your travel insurance policy in detail prior to travel.  Any change in medical condition, regardless of age, must be declared at the time of incident. If this later results in cancellation and the change in health was not reported to the Insurer at the time, the Insurer will not award the claim.

For trips to EEA countries, each person travelling should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), formerly the E111 card. Applications for these can be picked up at the Post Office or can be done online:

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

Expiry dates should also be checked before travel. The EHIC card entitles the holder to medical attention in state run hospitals only.

It is a requirement that all medical centres and hospitals in North America obtain written consent from a parent or guardian prior to treating a minor. Many resorts require our groups to bring their own ‘loco parentis’ or ‘consent to emergency care’ forms with them, completed and signed by each parent on behalf of their children. As a supervisory adult, you may be expected to sign these forms when you get to the hospital.   

As skiing and snowboarding are inherently risky activities, even with all the risks mitigated, there is still the chance that you or a member of your party could end up in hospital abroad. It is therefore imperative that you have adequate travel insurance cover before you travel. This will be a condition of booking. The policy you choose should be examined thoroughly before you travel, in order to ensure it covers you for all the required eventualities and that you then print off a copy and take it with you to resort.

If a member of your group should suffer a serious illness or injury involving hospitalisation whilst you are away on your trip, you should immediately contact your insurance company. It should also be noted that many private clinics will not actually treat the ill or injured party until proof of insurance has been demonstrated.

Your insurance company will normally require the following information:

  • Your policy reference number.
  • A contact telephone number.
  • Location of the hospital/clinic and the treating doctor’s telephone number.
  • Name, address, usual GP and age of patient.
  • Details of the booked travel arrangement.
  • The medical problem.

Following your call, the Medical Assistance Company will undertake the following:

  • Contact treating doctor/medical centre for details of the illness/injury.
  • Guarantee hospital/medical costs where necessary.
  • Establish the necessity for repatriation. This will be on the recommendation of the treating doctor, not the patient or their family.
  • Arrange repatriation as specified by the doctor. The Medical Assistance Company will arrange ambulances/flights/nurses etc, as necessary.
  • Where repatriation has been organised, the group leader will be contacted by the Medical Assistance Company for them to pass relevant details.
  • The Medical Assistance Company may require the contact details of the Next of Kin.

Please remember that it is the duty of a supervisory adult within your party to stay with the sick or injured child, who may have to remain in hospital after the group has departed. Max Ski representatives will not be able to undertake this role for legal reasons.

Useful notes if you make a claim

  • Keep receipts and appropriate documentation, such as doctor’s fees and prescription charges. Claims cannot be made without them. Please also ensure that you have adequate means to pay for such treatment up front.
  • Police reports must be obtained to claim for lost or stolen property. Local police should be contacted quickly to obtain a statement and ensure that investigation is started whilst you are still in the country.**
  • Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • You must notify the insurance company of a claim no later than 31 days after your return. Regrettably we cannot make claims on your behalf; they must be submitted by the Party Leader.

** If articles are lost or stolen whilst in the care of the airline, a claim must be made directly with the carrier at the airport on landing. You will need to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) form at the airport. Please ensure that you do not leave the airport before completing this form and handing it back for official processing.

This will vary according to a number of factors. It will depend on the age of your group, the chosen destination and sometimes the hotel itself.

Generally speaking, pupils will be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms (3+) unless we are otherwise advised and accompanying staff in twin. Single rooms, which are subject to availability, can sometimes be subject to a single supplement.

Some other points of which you may wish to be aware are as follows:

  • Certain hotels still have rooms with double beds but the majority will be in single beds.
  • ‘Continental twins’ is a term commonly used on the continent. This is a double bed base frame with two mattresses; individual bed linen and duvets are used.
  • Please bear in mind that there may be other schools in the same hotel as your group. We will always try to work with your requests in terms of rooming, but when it is peak season, it may not always be possible to accommodate your specific requests.
  • Where possible, we will try to arrange it so that other members of the public are not on the same floor as your students, however please consider that this may not always be possible, especially during busy periods.
  • Towels and soaps are provided so pupils will not need to take up valuable luggage space and weight with them.
  • We suggest you assess the rooms for any damages as soon as you occupy them and report them to the hotel staff and to us, as soon as possible to avoid any potential damages payments on departure. It is also advisable to do this check on your day of departure too.
  • If your trip is to the USA, the occupancy rules are different. Hotels are strictly based on a four student occupancy or two adult occupancy of a room with two queen beds. Supplements are payable for under-occupancy at all times, which will vary according the hotel selected. Single rollaway beds are available in some hotels which will allow you to increase the occupancy and therefore reduce the supplement payable for under-occupancy. Supplements do vary, but we will advise you of these.
  • Any damages caused to the room, either intentionally or unintentionally, must be paid for by the Party Leader, prior to departure. Please retain all receipts for future claims.

We will send you a rooming allocation document to complete near the time of your departure.

Most hotels have phones in the rooms. Please be advised that phoning home from them can be more expensive than usual, so if you would like this option removed from the room, we advise that you speak to one of the hotel reception staff.

Rooms are serviced on a regular basis in hotels, but it would be helpful to hotel staff for pupils to keep their rooms relatively tidy.

Check-in times are always flexible with the hotels we use and the hotel staff are very accommodating with regards to various arrival and departure times. In the event that you don’t depart until the evening, you will normally be able to leave your baggage somewhere within the hotel, or on the coach, once you’ve checked out of your room.

Many European cities have introduced a European city tax, which have been introduced by local governments to improve tourist infrastructure within the cities. Max Ski have covered this charge prior to your arrival, so you will not need to pay for these separately.

Prior to your trip with us, we will send you out a Google Form on which your pupils will have the opportunity to tell us of any food allergies, intolerances and preferences. Please be sure to check the information on this Form in order to ensure it is correct. If you choose to inform us of all your party’s preferences via an alternative method, then that is fine, however we will still need advance notice in order that our hotel partner can prepare adequately for your stay.

Some hotels will try to provide food that we are used to in order to prevent wastage, whilst some try to offer a range of local dishes which aren’t too elaborate. This may not always be to the pupils’ liking, so it is advisable to talk to them about this prior to departure.

Although we continue to work with our hoteliers on dietary requirements, in our experience, special dietary requirements are not always fully understood. If you have a particular problem then please work with us to find a solution and make suitable suggestions to the hotel. It may, in exceptional circumstances, be advisable to take some food items with you. Although we will advise the hotel of any special dietary requirements in advance, please do re-confirm this with the hotel staff and Max Ski rep when eating.

If you wish to take your group out to a local restaurant/pizzeria one evening as a treat, please let your Max Ski rep know at least 24 hours before, so that they can inform the hotel and prevent unnecessary wastage.

Depending on your arrival or departure time, your meal could involve a hot or cold buffet, or a packed lunch/breakfast.

Eating on the mountain

If you have been quoted for an on-mountain lunch for your group as part of a full-board package, we will allocate your group with a restaurant and a meeting time. We will try to stagger you meal time with other schools so as to reduce the queue and waiting time. This, however, is not always possible as ski instructors often work the hour that your group will be taking its lunch, especially during busy periods at February half term and Easter. We ask for your patience as we help pupils through our ticketed lunch system.  

In the USA lunch will usually cost somewhere in the region of $12-18. Your Max Ski rep can arrange a voucher system for you in advance, should you wish to reduce the amount of cash you would like your pupils to carry. Please advise us whether you would like to take advantage of this system.

Ski fit will take place as soon as possible upon your arrival. In some cases, this may mean a trip up the mountain to one of our ski shops on the day of your arrival, if time and lifts permit. Where this is not possible, on the first morning of your ski trip, we will take the earliest ride up the mountain to ensure we can get everyone set in time for ski lessons. As there may be more than one school having to do this, we ask for your patience as we help everyone get the equipment which is right for them. Please note that you and your pupils should have a long pair of ski socks to hand for ski-fit, in order to ensure the best possible fit for your ski boots.      

Prior to going on your trip, we will have asked you to complete our Google Form which asks for shoe size (in UK size), height (in centimetres) and weight (in kilograms). You will also be asked for ski-experience in either weeks (for Europe) or ‘Type’ (for North America). Again, if you choose not to complete this Form and instead use your own method, this is absolutely fine, however, we will still need this information from all those going skiing. We will send all of this information to the relevant ski-shops in advance of your arrival so that they can get in all of the necessary equipment and/or set-up equipment in advance. This is also very useful information for planning for the number of instructors required, so we thank you in advance for your co-operation.

In addition to providing the above information, some American/Canadian resorts require you to complete a ski-fit form prior to your arrival, as well as a ‘loco parentis’ and a Release from Liability Waiver form, which we will send you to you prior to your trip. After the ski-fit in such resorts, individuals should retain a copy of the receipt they receive which will be used to check all equipment against the computer log as it is handed back in.   

The equipment on hire to you will be of a standard package and will include skis, boots, poles and helmets. If any individual wishes to upgrade their package, then this must be discussed with the ski-shop and any difference in price will be charged to the individual concerned. Any breakages or losses of equipment must be reported as soon as is practically possible and a charge will be levied by the ski-shop in order to replace or repair the item. This charge must be paid at the time by the individual concerned or party leader, however please be sure to retain the receipt for follow-up insurance claims.

All ski schools will insist on the compulsory wearing of helmets for the duration of the lesson. Please see our Ski Helmet Policy document for more information.

All loan equipment will have a barcode or handwritten number on it. Your Max Ski representative and/or ski-hire shop owner will make a note of all of these numbers, which can be consulted on a daily basis to assist with locating misplaced equipment. In some cases, names labels will also be provided.

Your lift pass requirements will be discussed with you prior to your trip with us. Once you arrive in resort, these will be issued to you by your Max Ski Representative. Max Ski will have paid a 5 Euro deposit for all your lift passes. If one of your party wants to keeps theirs as a souvenir it will cost 5 Euros.

Please be aware that ski pass operators do not offer any duplicate lift passes. Any lost lift passes will be charged at full market value for a replacement, so please remind pupils to leave all lift passes in their ski jackets on a day to day basis. As the system is electronic in Europe, there should be no need to remove them to gain access to any of the lifts.

Ski tuition in all countries will be provided by the local ski schools and all instructors will be English speaking. Standard lesson packages are four hours long, split equally either side of a one hour lunch break (subject to weather conditions). We will always try and request preferred ski times, although we aim to have most lessons start around 10am. During peak periods however, we may ask you to be flexible with your start times. Where your group split is small, there may be a requirement for your group to join with members from another school to make a complete group. Should you wish to employ another instructor purely for your group, then we can try to sort this out for you but the additional cost will be that of the schools to meet.

Ski tuition is based on groups of 10 pupils of the same ability and snowboard instruction is based on groups of 8 for the same ability. Skiers and snowboarders taking lessons will not be mixed, and pupils participating in the different sports are not to join on to other groups at will.

On the first morning, students will take part in a small ‘ski-skills’ test in which they can demonstrate their skiing ability. Please note that often students will say they are experienced but in reality, they may not be as skilled as they say. The instructors will initially split the groups according to what they observe. We trust the professional judgement of the ski schools we would ask that you advise your students of the format for group selection in advance, thus managing their expectations about perhaps not being with their friends. In exceptional circumstances, individuals can move groups if their ability proves to be far in advance/less than the majority. Ratios and progression of the whole group are also a key factor to consider in these scenarios.  

During busy periods, it can sometimes be difficult for instructors and pupils to identify one another. For safety and security, we will offer you the option of being able to physically identify your students through a method which could include armbands, ski-school vests, helmet covers or tags, for example. It will remain your decision against your Risk Assessment as to whether you choose to take it up or not.

Certification.

It is usual for all group members, who have taken part in ski lessons all week, to have their achievement marked and commemorated in some way.

Each resort will have its own system and customary way of doing things, but broadly speaking, an ongoing ‘assessment’ of individual progress will be noted and encouraged by the group ski instructor over the course of the week. This may also culminate in a final assessment or on-piste challenge. Each person under instruction will receive a commemorative certificate/card against which individual progress and level has been recorded and which can be used again and in different resorts. These cards will be handed out to everybody at the end of the week in a presentational format. The ski instructors usually like to hold this ceremony and it can be done either on the mountain or back at the hotel. The location and timing will be discussed with you advance.

Customs and social etiquette on the continent do differ from our own. The Italian custom, for example, may be something which you may wish to advise your students about in advance, as it involves kissing on both cheeks, which your students may not be used to. Gifts for ski instructors to thank them are not expected or demanded, however many students do like to do this; this remains at your discretion as Party Leader.  

Temperatures and conditions on the mountain can vary from anything between -20 degrees celsius to +20 degrees. Please bear in mind that conditions can change in an instant so preparation is key. Please also note that from time to time there may be certain lifts or runs closed and some evening activities may become unavailable e.g. ice skating or night skiing, as a result of adverse/poor weather conditions.

Max Ski have a Ski Equipment & kit list document, which you may wish to consult for further information and advice.

Wherever you choose to take your Max Ski trip with us, we will endeavour to make your trip as memorable as possible, for all the right reasons. Please do tell us if something is not to your liking or has not gone according to plan. We will strive to put things right for you as soon as we can. Your satisfaction and the enjoyment of your students is our priority.

We sincerely hope that you and your pupils have a fantastic time away with us. Thank you so much for choosing to ski with Max Ski; whether you are a returning client or a new one, every school is as equally important to us. Upon your return if you would be so kind as to complete our online trip questionnaire that would be very helpful. Your comments and feedback are extremely important to improving our service.

Please let us know if you have any questions at all.   

4 – Terms & Conditions

These Booking Conditions, together with any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Max Ski Ltd. To confirm a booking, the party leader (who must be over the age of 18) guarantees and accepts that they have the authority to accept the following terms and conditions on behalf of all party members and will be our sole point of correspondence and contact. Please read them carefully as they set out and explain the responsibilities and obligations undertaken by all parties when booking with us.

When you make a booking, a contract will exist as soon as we receive your completed Booking Form and deposit. This contract is made based on all the Terms and Conditions laid out within this document.  

These Booking Conditions (sometimes referred to as ‘Terms & Conditions’) and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law and reinforce the protection provided by the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with exclusively by the Courts of England and Wales only. You may, with our consent, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you permanently reside in those places and if you wish to do so. Please note, changes to these Booking Conditions will only be valid if expressly agreed by us in writing.

In these Booking Conditions  the term “You” and “your” are references to all persons named on the booking including anyone who is added or substituted at a later stage. The term “us”, “our” or “the company” refers to Max Ski Ltd.

We provide full financial protection for ski packages. For flight-based tours this is through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6698 In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk

We will provide you with the services you have bought (or a suitable alternative). When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive trip from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. The price of any flight-inclusive holiday includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. 

When you buy a package that doesn’t include a flight, protection is provided by the way of a bond held by ABTA – The Travel Association, 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ www.abta.co.uk .

All prices that we advertise are correct at the date published and prices on our websites are updated regularly. Although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the Website information and prices, we cannot guarantee it and we, therefore, reserve the right to change advertised prices at any time and to correct any errors in advertised and confirmed prices. Prices are obtained from suppliers in advance and may have changed by the time you come to book your trip; before you confirm your booking, we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen tour including the cost of any supplements, upgrades or additional facilities which you have requested. Our trip prices are based on the costs of transport, accommodation, etc. Exchange rates are available on request and are dependent on current market rates.

We reserve and maintain the right to change any of our prices from time to time. In the unlikely event of an administrative error leading to an incorrect price being displayed, we reserve the right to correct it (including after booking has been confirmed). 

Adult and Student Prices

We endeavour that student prices will be applicable to pupils up to the age of 18 years of age, however, student ages and prices remain at the discretion of the individual supplier; we reserve the right to pass adult and student prices to you as we are charged. If your party consists of students over 18 years of age, please advise us at the initial enquiry stage because an adult supplement is applicable for clients over 18 years of age at time of travel. Additional adults in excess of the free places offered can normally be accepted at a supplement charge quoted by our office.

Local Taxes

Many European destinations are introducing a tourist tax that is payable on arrival at your resort. These taxes have been introduced by local governments to improve tourist infrastructure. All tourist taxes will have already been included in your quoted price and will be paid for by Max Ski directly. You will not have to pay for this additional cost when in resort.

Flight Prices

Flight prices may change within this period and therefore, at this time, we ask for your timely cooperation so that the flights can be obtained for the best price. Flights and flight prices are subject to change, and fares can vary significantly on popular routes. If you decide to add on additional students at a later stage, and the flight price has gone up significantly, we reserve the right to amend the trip cost for later add-ons in line with these increased costs.  

Once the final price of your arrangements has been confirmed, no amendment will be made to it unless it is to make a correction to an error, or if our costs change as a result of an increase or decrease in transportation costs or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports or as a result of any changes in the exchange rates which have been used to calculate the cost of your arrangements. Max Ski will absorb any additional amounts up to the increased cost value to 2%; only if the amount of the increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your arrangements (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges), will we make an additional charge. The price of your travel arrangements is calculated using exchange rates quoted in the Financial Times Guide to World Currencies, in relation to all currencies.

If any additional charge is greater than 10% of the cost of your arrangements (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges), you will be entitled to choose one of the options (a), (b) and (c) as set out in clause 8. If you do not inform us of your choice within 14 days from the issue date printed on our additional charge invoice, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the additional charge. Any additional charge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the arrangements or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the additional charge invoice, whichever is the later. We will not levy an additional charge nor make a refund within 30 days of departure.

Refunds

Any client refunds will be made in accordance with ABTA guidelines.

Air Passenger Duty

The UK Government announced on 1 April 2016 that there were to be some further changes to the Air Passenger Duty (APD) system. It will no longer be charged for children aged 16 years and under (expanding just from those 12 and under) on economy class seats travelling from 1 April 2016 onwards. The APD cost is included within your package price quoted. Please note there will be no refund or reduction to anyone under 16 on day of departure.

All prices that we advertise are correct at the date published and prices on our websites are updated regularly. Although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the Website information and prices, we cannot guarantee it and we, therefore, reserve the right to change advertised prices at any time and to correct any errors in advertised and confirmed prices. Prices are obtained from suppliers in advance and may have changed by the time you come to book your trip; before you confirm your booking, we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen tour including the cost of any supplements, upgrades or additional facilities which you have requested. Our trip prices are based on the costs of transport, accommodation, etc. Exchange rates are available on request and are dependent on current market rates.

We reserve and maintain the right to change any of our prices from time to time. In the unlikely event of an administrative error leading to an incorrect price being displayed, we reserve the right to correct it (including after booking has been confirmed). 

If you wish to cancel or amend all or part of your booking (for example your chosen departure date or type of accommodation), the party leader must advise us in writing by recorded letter or email as soon as possible. A cancellation or amendment is only effective when received in writing. Please note that certain travel arrangements (e.g. flight tickets; entry tickets) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangement.

Amendments

Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet any requested change or addition. Where we can meet a request, all changes and additions will be subject to an administration fee of £40 plus any applicable rate changes or any extra costs incurred by ourselves and any extra costs or charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers; all costs related to these changes will be passed directly back to the client. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made.

Trips by coach: Additions and changes to your party are usually possible up until the day before departure; however you must always check with us first by contacting us. Any alterations made by you within 12 weeks of departure will be subject to charges mentioned above.

Trips by air: For trips by air, it is the party leader’s responsibility to ensure that all names are given in full and exactly as shown on the individuals’ passport. We do not accept any responsibility for incorrect/abbreviated names submitted to us and any subsequent amendments will be dealt with as a name change and will incur the applicable charges outlined above. This information is required when first deposits are paid to secure flight seats. Most airlines do not allow name changes after tickets have been issued or in the case of some carriers once names have been received. In this instance, the charge is usually the full cost of the flight, but airlines do vary considerably. If your invoice settlement is overdue at the time of requesting a name change this must be paid in full before the change can be made. Any charges or payments must be made before any amendments can take effect.

Cancellations

Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown in below (the cancellation charge detailed is calculated on the basis of the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges, which are not refundable in the event of the person(s) to whom they apply cancelling.)

If the number of adults in your party accounts for 20% or more of your party or if any cancellation reduces the number of paying members for a particular trip (including free places), we reserve the right to re-cost the price of your tour and the invoice will be adjusted accordingly for all remaining group members.

Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned. No refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.

If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you) providing we are notified, that the changes are still possible with our providers, and you pay an amendment fee and meet all costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out will apply:

Period before departure within which written notice of cancellation is received by us Amount of cancellation charge shown as % of tour price
More than 84 days Deposit
Day of departure-84 days 100%

If you choose or are forced to return home early, we cannot refund the cost of any services you have not used. If you cut short your Trip and return home early in circumstances where you have no reasonable cause for complaint about the standard of accommodation and services provided, you will not be entitled to any refund for that part of your Trip not completed, or be liable for any associated costs you may incur.

We start planning the trips we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and update the content in our published information both before and after bookings have been confirmed, and there may be rare occasions where we have to cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. Most changes will be considered minor such as but not limited to changes to the overseas airport, airline, aircraft, ferries or coaches used, changes to departure times of less than 12 hours or the withdrawal of certain facilities.

Very occasionally, circumstances may dictate that we have to make a significant change which could include a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you are away; a change of resort area for the whole or a major part of the time you are away; a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of 12 or more hours; and a change of UK departure point.

If we have to make a significant change or we have to cancel your trip, we will tell you as soon as possible, and if there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:

  1. accepting the changed arrangements or
  2. purchasing an alternative Trip from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available (if the chosen alternative is less expensive than your original one, we will refund the difference but if it is more expensive, we will ask you to pay the difference) or
  3. cancelling or accepting the cancellation, in which case you will receive a full refund of all monies you have paid to us.

If we have to make a significant change or cancel on or after the date when the balance of your Trip cost becomes due we will pay you compensation as set out below subject to the following exceptions:

  1. compensation will not be payable and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned options can be accepted where we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care.
  2. no compensation will be payable if we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to cancel (e.g. if you fail to pay on time).

In all cases, our liability for significant changes and cancellations is limited to the above mentioned options and, where applicable, compensation payments set out below. We regret we cannot pay any expenses, costs or losses incurred by you as a result of any change or cancellation.

No compensation is payable for minor changes or where we make a ‘significant change’ or cancel on or before the date when the balance of your Tour cost becomes due.

Notes on below charges: Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. 

Period before departure within which a ‘significant change’ is notified to you or your Travel Agent Compensation per paying person
More than 70 days Nil
35-70 days £5
15-34 days £10
14 days or less £15

We regret that we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by events or circumstances amounting to ‘”force majeure”. In these booking conditions “force majeure” means any event the consequence of which we or the supplier of the service(s) affected could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include but are not limited to war or threat of war, riots, civil strife on any scale or events arising out of political instability, or actual/threatened terrorist activity or security incidents arising from them, industrial dispute or strikes, man-made or natural disaster, nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions (actual or threatened), airport closures, airspace closures (as well as other air traffic management decisions which may give rise to long or overnight delays or cancellations of one or more flights), the inability of airline(s) to operate flights as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU (including the loss or restriction of air traffic or transit rights or the right of airline(s) to enter any airspace), epidemic, pandemic, significant risks to human health, such as the outbreak of any serious disease at the travel destination, Foreign Office advising against travel to a particular destination and significant building work taking place outside of your accommodation (such as resort development) and all similar events beyond our control.

We will take reasonable skill and care to properly perform our contractual obligations to you and if you prove that we or any of our suppliers have failed to perform our duties with reasonable skill and care and that you have suffered loss as a result, you may, subject to these terms and conditions be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation (or both) from us:

(1) We will not be responsible or pay you compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description which results from:

  1. the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected;
  2. the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or
  3. Force Majeure as defined in clause 9 above or unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or
  4. an event which either ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers and subcontractors could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled.

In the event of (b), (c) and (d) above, we will nevertheless provide you with reasonable assistance should you require it but reserve the right to pass on any charges we incur. 

(2) The services and facilities included in your Trip will be deemed to be provided with reasonable skill and care if they comply with any local regulations which apply, or, if there are no applicable local regulations, if they are reasonable when compared to the local standards or customary practice of the service or facility in question. The fact that services or facilities do not comply with local or UK guidance or advice shall not mean that the services or facilities in question have not been provided with reasonable skill and care.

(3) We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause as follows:

  1. loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money,
    Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions, (including money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you is limited to the excess amount payable under the Insurance policy we offer per person affected. You are required to have taken out adequate insurance at the time of booking.
  2. Claims not falling under (a) above or involving injury, illness or death
    The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is twice the price paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party proves you have not received any benefit at all from your booking.
  3. Claims in respect of international travel by air or sea, or any stay in a hotel:
    1. The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited to the same extent as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, Directives and Regulations, which include but are not limited to The Warsaw/Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel) and The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices or obtain them on the Internet. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ are incorporated into this contract and will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge and agree that all of the terms and conditions contained in those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract.
    2. In any circumstances in which a carrier is liable to you by virtue of the Denied Boarding Regulation 2004, reimbursement, in such cases, is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your trip cost from us.  If any payments to you are due from us, any payment to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount.
    3. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from any supplier or the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.

(4) It is a pre-condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to ourselves and our supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in clause 10 of these conditions failing which no payment will be made.

(5) Where any payment is made, that the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to ourselves or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require.

(6) Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss or expense or other sum(s) of any description which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you; or any business losses.

(7) We will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our contractual agreement as set out in our confirmation invoice. For example any excursion you book, or any service or facility which your accommodation or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.

If a problem arises, we want to be the first to hear about it. Our Max Ski Representatives can deal with most problems on the spot, so please do not wait until you get home before reporting a problem. You have a legal obligation to report it as quickly as possible to our Representative and the Supplier in question so that efforts can be made to rectify it to your satisfaction. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your return by writing formally to our office: Max Ski Ltd, The Riding Centre, Coldhill Lane, Saxton, North Yorkshire, LS24 9TA. Please keep your letter concise and to the point.

If you do not follow this simple complaints procedure your right to claim any compensation will be limited to £100. We undertake to acknowledge receipt of your letter within 14 days and within 28 days to send you a full reply or an explanation for the delay. In any event we undertake to send you a full reply within 56 days. Please also read clause 3 of these conditions.

Adequate and valid travel insurance is vital. It is a condition of booking that all members of your party are appropriately insured for winter and adventure sports. Some policies can exclude winter or adventure sports so you must check your cover to ensure that it includes, for example, medical expenses; repatriation; mountain rescue; cancellation, curtailment and legal expenses cover. We recommend you take out adequate insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed and that you carry this insurance policy with you at all times. 

We do not offer or recommend specific or general Insurance policies, products or services, as we are not authorised to by the FSA (Financial Services Authority).

Whilst we are able to provide basic advice to clients regarding passports and visa requirements, (and indeed do so in our ‘On Track’ document), you must contact the appropriate Embassy, Consulate or British Foreign Office for the exact requirements of the country (ies) to or through which you are intending to travel. Requirements may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure.

The party leader is entirely responsible for the completion of passport and visa formalities and other personal arrangements which may be necessary such as visas for non-British citizens. We cannot accept responsibility for any cost or fines incurred due to non-compliance with the above nor can we accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. For all passport information, contact the UK Passport Service National Advice Line: 0870 521 0410 or on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/passports.

We recommend that EU residents carry a European Health Insurance Card – EHIC. These enable the holder to take advantage of the reciprocal health schemes available, providing access to state-provided emergency treatment and necessary healthcare on temporary visits to the UK and other European countries. The party leader is responsible for passing on any health requirement information to other party members. Party leaders may wish to refer to the Department of Health Leaflet T7.1 ‘Health Advice for Travellers’ which offers health advice for all destinations and can be found on the Department of Health website. Please note that this facility could be withdrawn as part of the Brexit negotiations, however it is likely that this will continue for at least 2 years once the UK has left the EU. Max Ski will continue to monitor the situation and inform Trip Leaders of any significant changes which may affect this arrangement. 

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Before travelling we strongly advise you to consult your own medical practitioner who will be in the best position to take into account any relevant personal factors or newly reported epidemics. If you are prone to illness please ensure that you carry enough medication as some medicines may not be available locally.

If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect the Trip arrangements of that person, please tell us before you confirm your booking so we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen Trip. In any case, you must give us full details of any medical problems or disability in writing at the time of booking. If we feel unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of the person concerned, we must reserve the right to decline/ cancel their reservation. We will not be liable for any loss arising from your failure to inform us about any medical problem, disability or special need which might affect your enjoyment or participation on your tour.

Please note, skiing can be physically demanding and require a good level of fitness and health and physical ability. We must be informed either at the time of booking, or as soon as possible thereafter, of any guest who is, or becomes, pregnant and who at the time of travelling will be post 28 weeks pregnant. After this point, some carriers may refuse travel or will require a relevant medical certificate that confirms the guest has medical approval for flying.

We will do our best to meet special requests made by you and pass these on to the appropriate persons provided that they are sent to us in writing. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed to a supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met. All special requests are subject to availability.

We will endeavour to let you know the details of your flight or ferry details as soon as possible. Details included on your confirmation invoice will be, at that stage, for guidance only and are still subject to alteration and confirmation. We shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s), times and port of entry/exit as soon as we become aware of it. You should check your tickets very carefully and immediately upon receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change at any stage, or after tickets have been dispatched, we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know.

In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No. 2115/2005, Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence a “Community list” (available for inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban/index_en.htm) detailing air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community. In accordance with EU REgulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier (s), (or if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier (s) that will operate your flight (s) at the time of confirmation. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier (s) at the time of confirmation, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier (s) as soon as we become more aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. 

We will, where possible and if practicable, offer you some assistance should a transport delay disrupt your itinerary, however your airline or other transport provider concerned may provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation. We cannot accept liability for any delay whether it is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 8 of these booking conditions or otherwise (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on any flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time or otherwise).

Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/ or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your Trip price from us. If the airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority (http://www.caa.co.uk/)

Accommodation will have been discussed and decided prior to your Trip. In certain resorts where we feature more than one accommodations, groups will be allocated to a specific accommodation, and will more than likely, especially during busy periods (e.g. February half-term and Easter) be sharing with other groups from other schools within the same hotel. We will, where possible, try to accommodate different schools on different floors, but we are always dependent on allocations from our Hotel providers.

We will provide you with a ‘Hotel Condition Survey’ you must complete this within 24 hours of arrival, and again at the end of your stay, in order to mitigate against any potential damages. Any damages caused, wilfully or accidentally, by any member of your Party will have to be investigated, discussed and paid for as appropriate. Full payment for any such damage or loss must be paid direct at the time to us or to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier of services to whom loss or damage is caused. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions.

Please note that rooming and room types will vary between accommodations and certainly across countries. Accommodations may provide bunk beds, double beds, Austrian twins or in North America, shared queen beds. Please inform us of any rooming requests but please be aware that these may not always be possible and additional supplements may be applicable. Please note that party members under 18 will be allocated rooms based on 3/4/5 people sharing a room, and Trip staff will be allocated rooms based on 2 sharing. Where there is availability, we will endeavour to allocate an individual room for the Trip Leader, but this may not always be possible.

Please note that rooming will be allocated and based upon two genders. If you, as Party Leader, come to know or later learn to understand, that your rooming requirements may not fit into this exact model, and your requirements prove to be greater than the standard allocation of rooms based on total/overall numbers, then it is your responsibility to let us know as soon as possible in order that we may find the best and most appropriate solution for all concerned. Please note that this may not always be possible during busy periods and that any further supplements are not the responsibility of Max Ski.  

Your board basis provided by each accommodation is detailed on your tour quotation/ proposal letter and in your itinerary. We must be advised of allergies or special dietary requirements as soon as possible; we will provide you with an online form so that members of your party can individually respond to their own needs/requirements. Please note – It remains the responsibility of the party leader to check the accuracy of any dietary/ allergy issues, and not that of the students. 

Usage of facilities such as Wi-Fi, swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas are determined by suppliers in accordance with local custom, guidelines, practice or regulations. Charges may apply for certain facilities. Facilities can be withdrawn at any time at the discretion of the accommodation provider.

Ski accommodation described as offering “doorstep” skiing will be dependent on individual skiers’ ability and snow conditions in resort. Where walking distances are quoted, it is based on the guideline time for an adult walking 100m in one minute in standard footwear as timings will vary on footwear and conditions including personal fitness. Free ski bus services may be subject to capacity restrictions.

We expect all clients to have consideration for other people. If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, (for example but not limited to, any airline staff or pilot, coach driver, accommodation owner or manager, or senior member of our staff), you or any member of your party behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to any third party or damage to property, we reserve the right within our reasonable discretion and without prior notice, to terminate the Trip of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service. We will have no further responsibility toward such person(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refunds will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination. We will also seek recovery of any outlay or losses we incur, including our own legal costs.

The Party Leader accepts responsibility for the good conduct of all participants during the trip and for school trips warrants that the correct ratio of responsible adults will be on active duty at all times to ensure that all participants behave well. Furthermore, it is the Party Leader’s responsibility specifically to ensure that:

  1. No participant under 18 years of age consumes alcoholic drinks unless written permission from a parent or guardian can be produced. All local laws relating to the consumption of alcohol must at all times obeyed by participants,
  2. No participant consumes alcohol to excess
  3. Participants comply with local laws
  4. No participant uses illegal substances
  5. No participant smokes in a hotel bedroom, balcony, shared hotel area or in any other way causes a fire hazard
  6. Participants act in a responsible way and do not behave in a way likely to cause damage to property or offence to other people.

We draw your attention to the following non-exclusive circumstances which fall outside our direct control and where we are not prepared to accept liability. Note that some amenities (e.g. accommodation lifts, swimming pools, etc.) require servicing and cleaning and may therefore not be available at all times. Some services are also affected by weather conditions (e.g. local staffing, availability of outdoor skating rink, etc.) and their availability is at the discretion of the provider of the service. Entertainment (particularly live entertainment) provided by accommodations is frequently subject to demand; its nature and frequency may be varied and there may be a lack of demand or insufficient numbers in the accommodation. Adverse weather may also affect availability of ski areas, ice rinks, bus services, après ski activities or ski lift facilities in which case we will do their best to offer alternative facilities or activities.

Piste Closures: We cannot be held responsible for weather affecting the availability of ski areas, however if you have insurance we will, where possible, work with the insurers under any Piste Closure Terms and Conditions to transport the group to the nearest available ski resort with snow. 

Italian Ski School: whilst confirmed as a 2 hour lesson, in Italy these lessons usually last approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to allow instructors enough time between lessons. 

Ferries: The standard channel crossings for your Trip will be made known before your departure. Whilst we will make every effort to secure the ferry route of your choice this cannot be guaranteed. We will always plan our journeys to meet the specified and allocated time for a ferry crossing. If you, as Party Leader, decide that you want to depart resort earlier/later that times in your suggested itinerary, then you will be liable to any fees or costs applicable to a new charges that may arise. This includes but is not limited to new ferry crossings, parking charges etc,.

Coaches: We reserve the right to utilise any empty coach seats for our staff, or paying members from another Trip or party.

Supervision: Outside of any Max Ski organised activity sessions led by qualified instructors, you and accompanying school adults as “loco parentis” are responsible for the supervision of students at all times, and is never the responsibility of Max Ski staff. It is not the responsibility of Max Ski staff to ‘count-in or count-out’ members of your party onto either transport or ski slopes, and neither it is acceptable to leave any members of your party) solely with Max Ski staff if they are sick or injured whilst on the ski slopes or in the hotel/activity venue.

Many of the services which make up your Trip are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which you agree are incorporated into these terms and conditions. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from ourselves or the supplier concerned.

In order to process your booking, we need to collect certain personal details from you. These details will include, where applicable, the names and addresses of party members, dates of birth, passport information, height/weight/shoe size, credit/debit card or other payment details, and special requirements, such as those relating to any disability or medical condition which may affect the chosen Trip arrangements and any dietary restrictions which may disclose your religious beliefs. If we need any other personal details, we will tell you before we obtain them from you. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information.  We reserve the right to pass on personal details to third parties and organisations who require your information to provide a service. For example your airline, accommodation, other supplier, credit/ debit card company or bank). Such companies and organisations may be outside the European Union.

We would also like to use your personal details to send you information concerning the Trips and services we offer. All details you give us in connection with your booking (including those relating to any disability or medical condition or your religious beliefs (sensitive data), will be kept by us but we will only use names and addresses for marketing. We never sell our clients’ names and addresses) to other companies or organisations. We may also occasionally ask you to speak to/email other Trip Leaders in order to give them an account of your experience with Max Ski. We will ask you for your consent first before doing this. 

Except where expressly permitted by the Data Protection Act, we will only deal with the personal details you give us as set out above unless you agree otherwise. We have appropriate security measures in place to protect this information. You are entitled to ask us (by letter or e-mail) what details of yours are being held or processed, for what purpose and to whom they may be or have been disclosed. We promise to respond to your request within 40 days of receiving your written request. In certain limited circumstances we are entitled to refuse your request.

Free places are subject to brochure and website conditions and if you qualify for them will be confirmed by us in writing after all places have been paid for in full.

Please note – Only students paying in full qualify as a contributory factor towards the free staff places. Discounted passengers do not. Please note that this also includes children of staff members accompanying the trip.

 Free places. Free staff places are offered on a pro rata basis. As a guide, for every ten full paying passengers travelling by air, one free staff place will be allocated. For coach journeys, this ratio changes to 1:8. Your free place ratio will be specified in your ski trip proposal document. 

These booking conditions have been produced in conjunction with our latest programme. We may alter these terms and conditions at any time. If we do so, all subsequent bookings will be governed by the newer version.

Your personal property, including baggage, is you own responsibility at all times, unless any loss or damage is due to our negligence or failure to carry out our responsibility.