Here you'll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding your ski holiday. They are chronologically ordered from searching for and booking the perfect ski holiday, all the way to the return journey.
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1.1 |
How do I find the perfect holiday? |
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If you have a date in mind for your ski holiday, use the search engine Search & Book. This will allow you to search for holidays by specifying the destination you wish to visit and the number of people in your group. Alternatively you have the opportunity to search using our Holiday Categories, Last Minute Deals or the Bed Finder.
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1.2 |
How can I book a holiday? |
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Online Booking: After choosing your accommodation and room category, you'll be guided through the booking process.
Telephone Booking: Give us a call or use our Call Back Service. During the conversation and ensuing recording, you will be asked for your holiday information and personal information. Please have the following information at hand:
- First and last name of the passenger, as well as home address, date of birth, telephone number, and e-mail address.
- First and last names and dates of birth for all holiday participants.
- Please carefully read through the Booking Conditions before booking by telephone. During the telephone recording, you will be asked whether you have read and accept the Booking Conditions.
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1.3 |
Is the lift pass included? |
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All holidays - unless otherwise noted - include a 6 days lift pass. Club holidays and New Year's Specials do not include a lift pass. If you would like to ski on the day of departure, you can extend your lift pass (for a fee) up to 19 days before the start of the holiday. This can also be done in the resort, but will cost reasonably more.
In large ski regions we sometimes offer only partial lift passes. For a fee, you have the opportunity to upgrade your lift pass to include the entire ski region. This can also be done in the resort, but will cost reasonably more.
Should you not want a lift pass, you can note this in the booking process and your holiday price will be reduced correspondingly.
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1.4 |
Is it beneficial to book ski/snowboard equipment or lessons in advance? |
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YES! Due to our long-term agreements with partners in the resort, we are able to save you up to 30% when booking ski and snowboard lessons with us in advance, compared to resort prices. By hiring ski and snowboard equipment in advance, you can save an additional 40% compared to prices in the resort.
ADVANTAGES OF BOOKING EQUIPMENT HIRE IN ADVANCE
- No more trouble lugging and storing equipment
- Ski with the most recent models every year
- Always waxed and inspected equipment
- Easy exchange if something doesn't fit right...
- Equipment that "grows" with your changing demands
- If you ski for less than three weeks per year:
Consider the advantages and save money!
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1.5 |
What types of reductions exist?
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- Children's Reductions (0-11 years):
All children receive a basic reduction of up to €204 off our ski holidays. The actual amount of the reduction is dependent on the resort. If you create an individual offer on our website or book online, the exact amount of the reduction will be automatically calculated.
- Youth Reductions (12-19 years):
Depending on the resort and accommodation, there may be a reduction for youth. The actual amount of the reduction will be calculated when you create an individual offer on our website or book online..
- Senior Reductions:
Most of our resorts offer a reduction for seniors from approximately 60 years of age. The actual amount of the reduction will be calculated when you create an individual offer on our website or book online.
- Additional Bed Reductions:
Should an additional bed in a double room be occupied, the holiday price will generally be reduced for all room occupants.
- Group Reductions:
-Groups from 15 persons receive a 3% reduction from the holiday price
- For groups from 30 persons, we would be happy to make a customised offer. Free holiday participation is also possible in lieu of a reduction.
You will find further information regarding our reductions here.
Information regarding lessons and equipment hire:
If you
choose to book ski or snowboard lessons
and/or equipment
in advance, we
offer up to 60% savings compared to local prices (Point 1.4).
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1.6 |
What about bookings made shortly before the holiday begins? |
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You can book up to one day before the start of a holiday. If booking self-drive for arrival on Saturday, you can book until Friday at approximately 12:00 (UK time). After we receive proof of your payment by online transfer or cash payment, you will receive the final travel documents by e-mail (PDF) by approx. 14:00. Proof of payment can be sent to us by fax or by scan and e-mail. |
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1.7 |
How many gift vouchers can I redeem per booking? |
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There are two types of gift vouchers: Gift vouchers that are valid per booking and gift vouchers that are valid per person. Please see the gift voucher to determine which type of gift voucher you have.
Gift vouchers per person:
More than one gift voucher can be redeemed per booking. Should the value of the gift vouchers be higher than the total price of the holiday, the remaining value of the gift voucher will be lost. The remaining value will not be credited.
Gift vouchers per booking:
Only one gift voucher can be redeemed per booking. It may be that the gift voucher can only be redeemed for holidays with a certain minimum holiday price per person or minimum holiday price per booking (see information on the gift voucher).
Gift vouchers can be redeemed when booking a holiday online. The gift voucher number(s) must be entered in the last step of the booking process. Should you possess more than one gift voucher, please enter all gift voucher numbers in the “Gift voucher no” field under “Traveller 1” (ie. 12345, 54321, 45678). The first gift voucher number applies to the first name on the booking, the second gift voucher number to the second name, etc.
For gift vouchers valid per booking, the price reduction will be credited to the first name on the booking.
After entering the gift voucher number and your personal information, proceed with your booking by clicking on the button FIRM BOOKING. Afterwards you will see a new price overview which takes the gift voucher(s) into account. Conclude your booking by clicking FIRM BOOKING again.
The gift vouchers are transferable, which means you may feel free to give them to other people as you please.
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1.8 |
When and how can I pay the price of the holiday? |
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A down payment of 20% of the holiday price is due upon receipt of the confirmation invoice. The remaining balance is due 42 days before the start of the holiday. Should booking occur within 42 days of the start of the holiday, the full holiday price is due immediately. Payment is possible by bank transfer and credit card. Please have the following information available at the time of booking:
- Bank
- Credit card holder
- Credit card number
- Expiration date
- CVC code
With Visa and MasterCard, the CVC code is composed of the last three digits in the signature field on the back side of the credit card.
With American Express, the 4-digit CVC code is found on the front of the credit card, above the card number.
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1.9 |
I've already booked. Can I still book additional services? |
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Booking of additional services (equipment hire, lessons, lift pass extension/upgrade, board) is possible up to 19 days before the start of the holiday. |
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2.1 |
What if I need to cancel the holiday I booked? |
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You may withdraw from your holiday at any point before the start of the holiday. Cancellation requests must be made by the lead passenger and should be made in writing. Cancellation fees will apply as described in our Booking Conditions (point 4). Please contact us by e-mail if you have an enquiry about cancellation fees in a specific case. Cancellations are accepted Monday - Friday from 8:00 - 17:00. Should we receive your cancellation request outside of these office hours, the effective date of cancellation will be the following work day. |
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2.2 |
How can I avoid cancellation fees? |
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If, at the time of your cancellation, you identify an individual who will take your place on the holiday, the only cost you will incur is a booking amendment fee of €25. In this case, all booked services (with the exception of insurance) will be passed on to the new holiday participant. |
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2.3 |
Does it make sense to book travel insurance (incl. cancellation insurance)? |
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Travel insurance (incl. cancellation insurance) is so important that we are required by law to offer one. It protects you from the cancellation fees that incur should you be unable to take the holiday due to insured reasons, such as illness. As cancellation fees can be up to 90% of the holiday price, we strongly recommend taking out travel insurance (incl. cancellation insurance). This will refund you the complete cancellation fees (less a small excess) when you cancel a holiday for an insured reason. |
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2.4 |
How do I make a claim on my travel insurance (incl. cancellation insurance)? |
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After the lead passenger has informed us in writing of the cancellation of someone in his or her party, we will issue a new Booking Confirmation (Cancellation Confirmation) including an invoice for the cancellation fees that have arisen. The cancellation fees must be paid to the tour operator. If the individual has purchased travel insurance (incl. cancellation insurance) and is cancelling the holiday due to an insured reason, the individual must contact the insurance provider (not us), stating the number on the insurance certificate, to be reimbursed the cancellation fees. The number on the insurance certificate is identical to the Booking Confirmation number. You will find the contact details for the insurance provider on the insurance certificate. The insurance will notify you as to which documents are necessary (e.g. Cancellation Confirmation, medical report) to receive your reimbursement. Please note that a claim must be filed. |
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3.1 |
When and how will I receive the final travel documents? |
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The final travel documents will be sent via e-mail 10 - 14 days before the start of your holiday. The information and vouchers will be sent as a PDF document in an attachment to the e-mail. Should your computer not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, the e-mail will include a link to enable you to download the Reader for free. If you did not provide an e-mail address at the time of booking, you will receive your travel documents by mail. |
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3.2 |
Do I have to bring bed linen? |
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Information regarding bed linen and towels is found in the final travel documents you will receive before you holiday begins. |
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3.3 |
How are the kitchenettes in the apartments furnished? |
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Kitchenettes generally include utensils, pots, stovetop, and oven/microwave. Dish detergent and cleaning supplies - as well as toilet paper - should be brought along. Otherwise you may choose to purchase these items at the local supermarket. |
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3.4 |
Do I need a photo for the lift pass? |
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The only resort which requires a photo for the lift pass is the French resort of Les 2 Alpes. |
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3.5 |
What should I take on holiday? Is there a packing list? |
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Yes, you can find a packing list of things you shouldn't forget. Download print version
here! |
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| Documents and
Finances |
| Travel documents |
| Cash card, credit card |
| Cash (Swiss
Francs, if necessary) |
| Personal ID |
| Visa for international travellers, if
necessary |
| Proof of international health
insurance |
| Passport photo for lift pass (only for holidays to Les 2
Alpes) |
| Equipment |
| Skis/snowboard |
| Poles |
| Ski boots/snowboard boots |
| Helmet, if necessary (helmet required for children in
Italy) |
| Boot dryer, if necessary |
| Rucksack or bum bag for the slopes, if
necessary |
| Multi-functional watch "Swatch Access", if
necessary |
| Ski wax, if necessary |
| Ski/Snowboard
Clothing |
| Ski/snowboard jacket |
| Ski/snowboard pants |
| Hat |
| Head band |
| Ski socks |
| Snow goggles |
| Sunglasses |
| Ski gloves |
| Scarf |
| Ski mask, if necessary |
| Fleece jumper/jacket |
| Shirt made of breathable material |
| Long underwear |
| On the
Piste |
| Sun lotion with high sun protection factor |
| Lip balm with sun protection factor |
| Tissues |
| Mobile |
| First aid kit |
| Small rucksack |
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| Holidays in Apartments/Holiday
Residences |
| Dish detergent |
| Dish towels |
| Toilet paper |
| Food supplies |
| Towels |
| Bed linen/sleeping bag, if
necessary |
| Self-drive
Journey |
| Snowchains |
| Work gloves |
| Ice scraper, de-icing spray,
brush |
| Safety vest (required in Austria and
Italy) |
| Directions |
| Atlas |
| Leisure
Time |
| Games |
| Writing utensils |
| Reading material |
| Miscellaneous |
| Food for the journey (cereal bars, biscuits,
drinks) |
| Camera/video camera and
batteries/charger |
| Medication (sport salve, Aspirin,
plasters) |
| Personal (toiletries, clothing, slippers/shower shoes,
bikini/swim shorts, if applicable) |
| Thin gloves |
| Alarm |
| Sewing kit/safety pins and adhesive tape (for small
repairs) |
| Tea candles |
| Lighter/Matches |
| Flashlight |
| Plastic bag |
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4.1 |
I have booked a self-drive holiday. Will I receive directions to the resort? |
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Yes. On the page for the respective resort, under "Travel Info", you will find a graphic and link to a route planner. You can use this to easily find the way to your resort. |
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4.5 |
Do I have to change buses on the outward journey? |
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There are numerous connections that do not require changing buses. This will be made known on the day of departure, when the logistics are finished. It is possible that you may have to change buses in Frankfurt, our main junction. With some journeys, a taxibus will take you the last few kilometres to the ski resort. |
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4.6 |
What is the latest that I can check into the accommodations? |
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As a rule, check-in occurs Saturday afternoon. More specific information can be found in your final travel documents. |
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5.1 |
Is there a holiday rep in the resort? |
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In all of the resorts - unless specifically mentioned - a holiday rep will be present for your convenience. The holiday rep will be there to greet you on the day of arrival and inform you about the week's activities. During your stay, the holiday rep is accessible to answer questions and offer support. |
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5.2 |
Do I have to pay a tourist tax? |
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With the exception of Italy, travellers must pay a tourist tax of between €0.20 - 2.00 per person/night. In Austria, the tourist tax is included in the total price of the holiday. In France and Switzerland, the tourist tax is payable locally. The exact amount of the tourist tax in each resort is found in the information under the the price table of each accommodation. |
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5.3 |
Can I pay the apartment's deposit in cash or by credit card? |
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It is preferred that the deposit be paid by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diners). However, it is also possible to pay with cash. |
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5.4 |
When do I get the deposit back? |
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Should the apartment be returned clean and without damage, the amount of the deposit will be be restored to your credit card within a few days. Cash deposits can be collected from the reception of your accommodations or your holiday rep on the day of departure. |
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5.5 |
Are ski or snowboard lessons offered?
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We offer ski and snowboard lessons in nearly all of our resorts. Exceptions are Short Breaks, New Year's Specials, Italy, Les 7 Laux, St. Anton, Ischgl, Ischgl-See, Brixen, Kaltenbach and Söll. In these resorts you can book fitting ski lessons locally. |
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5.6 |
In which languages are ski and snowboard lessons offered? |
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In Austria and Switzerland, the lessons are held in German. Ski and snowboard lessons in France and Italy are offered in English. |
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5.7 |
What type of board is offered? |
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You have the choice between self-catering apartments, pensions with breakfast, and hotels with half board (breakfast and evening meal). The corresponding type of board is found in the information on our accommodation pages. |
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5.8 |
I have booked board as an extra. Where are meals served? |
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You will receive board booked as an extra in your accommodations or in a nearby-located restaurant or hotel. |
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6.1 |
When is check-out? |
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Check-out generally occurs the morning of the departure day around 9:00. You will receive specific information regarding check-out along with the final travel documents and from your holiday rep at the destination. |
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6.2 |
Can I ski on the day of departure? |
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Should you wish to ski on the day of departure, you have the opportunity to extend your lift pass (for a small fee) with us up to 19 days before the start of the holiday, or you can do so for a greater charge in the resort. Your luggage can be deposited in your accommodation (sometimes for a fee). In a few accommodations it is possible to shower after skiing (sometimes for a fee). |
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6.3 |
When do the buses depart and when do I arrive at home? |
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The (taxi)buses leave the resort between 16:00 - 20:45 on Saturday. More exact information will be available in your travel documents and from your holiday rep in resort. The return journey concludes, depending on your drop-off point, between early Sunday morning and midday Sunday. |
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6.4 |
Do I have to change buses on the return journey? |
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The same order under Point 4.5 is valid for the return journey by coach. |
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7.1 |
What is the Nice-Price Guarantee? |
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Should you find a holiday offered by us offered by another tour operator for less (same services included), simply send that offer to us before your booking, and we guarantee to better their price by €10. However, we are certain you won't find a better price/performance ratio anywhere! And with our numerous reductions (Point 1.5), you will save even more. |
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7.2 |
What is the Snow Guarantee? |
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Should fewer than 40% of the lifts included in the booked lift pass be in operation, you can change your booking to another one of our holidays in the same week at no charge, guaranteed! This offer is valid up to 10 days before the start of the holiday and is based on availability. The price of the new holiday is then valid. (Valid for holidays starting between 29.12.07 - 14.03.08).
* Reductions received with the original booking (e.g. Last Minute) will be transfered to the new holiday; however, reductions available at the time of the booking amendment will not apply. |
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7.3 |
What does it mean to book "on request"? |
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To book "on request" means that the room you are interested in is not in our guaranteed allocation of beds, and - first after your firm booking and payment - we will contact the accommodation and request your room. When the accommodation confirms the room to us, it is automatically firmly booked for you. Should the room not be available, we will naturally try to make you a similar alternative offer. You are not required to accept the alternative offer. |
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7.4 |
What are the accommodations that are called "Breakfast Pension plus resort name"? |
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Should the property you are interested in have no specific pension name, but rather is called "Breakfast Pension + resort name", this generally means that you will first receive the specific details regarding your accommodation at the tourist centre in the resort. Our "Frühstückspensionen" are pensions in the village offering bed & breakfast, and cosy rooms with bath or shower/wc. We cannot guarantee that groups will be housed in the same property. |
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7.5 |
What does "value price" mean when combined with an accommodation name? |
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A few accommodations appear twice in the accommodation overview, once with "value price" and once without. There is no difference in the quality between the two. The only difference is that we are able to offer several rooms/apartments at an especially low price in the accommodations with the "value price" listing. Therefore, we recommend that you always check availability in the "value price" accommodations first. More information about searching for available rooms can be found under Point 1.1. |
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7.6 |
What do the abbreviations SC, BB, HB and shower/wc mean? |
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SC = self-catering
BB = bed & breakfast
HB = half-board (breakfast + evening meal)
shower/wc = room has an ensuite bathroom with shower and wc |
Winter holidays in the following countries:
France Austria Switzerland Italy Germany Andorra USA
Apartments.de
Appartements.fr
Apartamentos.es
Otelpoisk.ru
Vacation-Homes.info
Ikama.com