Essential Holiday Information - Ski
This page is a wealth of information about your holiday. It's not always the most interesting information, but it's where you'll find all kinds of useful tidbits - the sort of stuff you'd normally find in the back of a holiday brochure.
Most of the information you'll need to research and arrange your holiday is found elsewhere on the site, but if you're a stickler for detail, then you've come to the right place.
Financial Stuff
Thomas Cook Tour Operations Ltd is a member of ABTA with membership number V6896. ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTAs Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 68-71 Newman Street London W1T 3AH Tel: 020 7637 2444 or look at their website: www.abta.com. We also hold an ATOL with number 1179. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA 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.
The price of your holiday includes the amount of £1 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices and shown separately on your holiday cost breakdown and on your confirmation invoice.
Accommodation - Apartments
CANADA
Condominiums or apartments
These offer spacious accommodation with the added benefit of self catering facilities. Normally a self-contained flat with one or more bedrooms with twin/double beds, a separate living area sometimes with a murphy or pull out sofa/divan bed(s), kitchen facilities (normally two cooking rings and a fridge), and wc, shower or bathroom. Please refer to the individual descriptions in the brochure. Descriptions tend to be for a typical apartment but sometimes they may vary.
Deposits - usually required
Please note that in most Canadian properties a credit card imprint is required and is made when you check in. This is to cover incidentals and in case of damages or breakages. Please note that a credit card imprint is often required when renting equipment.
Murphy bed
This is a pull down bed that can be stowed in a wall recess when not required. It is usually in the living area of the accommodation.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: HOTEL ROOMS IN NORTH AMERICA Hotel rooms are generally spacious, well equipped and often have two double beds in the one room. This is ideal for families with children, but unless you are travelling with very good friends is not recommended for four adults, not least because both wardrobe and living space can be limited but also privacy will be non-existent. |
EUROPE
Apartments: An apartment is normally a self-contained flat with one or more bedrooms with twin/double beds, a separate living area sometimes with pull out sofa/divan bed(s) or bunks, kitchen facilities (normally two cooking rings and a fridge), and wc, shower or bath (bathrooms do not neccessarily contain a bath tub). Please refer to the individual descriptions in the brochure. Descriptions tend to be for a typical apartment but sometimes they may vary. They state the number of people who can occupy an apartment (e.g. 2-4 people). This will not always mean that, at the time of your stay, the apartment will contain the maximum number of beds if there are fewer than the maximum number of persons in your own party.
Apartment occupancy: The occupancies shown in the brochure description and price panel are the maximum for that apartment type. If the maximum occupancy is filled, then storage and space may be a little limited.
Studios: A studio is one-room, living-cum-sleeping accommodation, usually with divan/sofa beds, basic kitchen facilities (at least two cooking rings and a fridge), and wc, shower or bathroom.
Cabine: Is generally a sleeping area that is not fully enclosed and therefore cannot be described as a complete bedroom. It often has bunk beds and no windows. Common in France.
Apartment check-in: Please note that due to the cleaning of apartments, your apartment may not be available until mid to late afternoon on your day of arrival. Apartments should also be vacated by 10.00 on the day of departure.
Cleaning: Is usually carried out prior to your arrival. No additional cleaning will take place during your stay unless you have pre-purchased a special service package and paid the relevant supplement. Important: You must leave the apartment in the condition that you found it. Failure to do so will result in a cleaning charge being made by the relevant property management and deducted from your deposit.
Linen charges: We try to ensure that bed linen is included in all apartment holidays offered in this brochure. However in certain apartments bed linen and towels are available as extras (i.e. not included in the basic holiday price). Where this is the case it will be stated in the individual descriptions and you may take your own.
Wherever You Go
ABTA & ATOL
Neilson (a trading name of Thomas Cook Tour Operations Ltd) is
a member of ABTA with membership number V346X. ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 68-71 Newman Street London W1T 3AH Tel: 020 7637 2444 or look at their website: www.abta.com. We also hold an ATOL with number 1368.
In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA 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.
Accommodation Only
Choose our accommodation only option to properties throughout our programme and you could save up to £155 per person off your European holiday price and hundreds of pounds off your Canadian holiday price.
Note: accommodation only is not available in Bulgaria and Romania.
Data Protection
We will provide your personal information as well as any personal information you provide in relation to the persons who form your booking party, to suppliers and carriers who might be located outside the UK and/or EU, to enable the operation of the service requested by you. If you make special requests, which include,
but are not limited to, special dietary, religious or disability related requirements, which constitute sensitive information, the relevant data will also be passed to the relevant suppliers and carriers to enable provision of the services to you.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. Prolonged immobility
is generally thought to be the common underlying risk factor,
and thus any travel involving prolonged immobility can result in developing a DVT. A wide range of advice is available on DVT -
you are strongly recommended to obtain advice which will include information on those people most at risk of DVT and how to reduce risks when flying. Most passengers can reduce risks through keeping circulation active by practicing in-seat exercises, especially leg exercises, and walking around the aircraft whenever possible - most airlines provide details of suitable exercises within their in-flight magazines or during in-flight videos and if you are flying with Thomas Cook Airlines, please also visit www.thomascookairlines for further information. More comprehensive advice can be found on the UK Department of Health's website (www.dh.gov.uk) but if you believe you are at a higher risk or have any concerns about the risks or doubts about flying, you must consult your GP before you travel.
Deposits - for your holiday
A deposit of £130 short haul or £150 long haul per person is payable plus the relevant insurance premium. Deposits for ‘accommodation only’ bookings are £75 per person. Children under 2 years of age on the date of return are carried for £29 on short haul charter flights and £110 on scheduled flights but must sit on an adult’s lap unless a seat is vacant. These charges must be paid at the time of booking.
Disabled Travellers
The majority of overseas hotels are not equipped to cater for the needs of many disabled holidaymakers. Furthermore the natural terrain and the layout of some resorts can sometimes make life difficult for wheelchair users. It is therefore important, if you have any disability, that the appropriate enquiries are made about the suitability of particular accommodation and resorts, and that you are fully satisfied you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm your holiday. For customers who require support or advice please call 0870 33 33 347.
Please note: If special arrangements need to be made for you an extra charge may be levied. We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about special needs/requirements that will affect your holiday experience and this means we will not compensate you.
Driving Overseas
Laws, licensing requirements and age limits vary throughout the world. Please check with your travel agent or the relevant Embassy or Consulate.
Flight Only
We offer flight-only options on many of our charter flights and
can include a Neilson transfer or private taxi transfer (supplement payable) to our resorts operating from your arrival airport.
Health Precautions
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible, sources of information include www.fco.gov.uk, www.hpa.org.uk and www.nathnac.org.uk your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Whilst many Western European and North American destinations currently have no compulsory inoculation requirements, advice about destinations can change. Customers travelling to worldwide destinations are recommended to seek advice from the sources mentioned above and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid.
If you are visiting a European Union (EU) country you should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and take it with you when you travel. The EHIC can be obtained free of charge by completing an application form available from main Post Offices and from www.dh.gov.uk/travellers. Please note, the EHIC is in addition to Travel Insurance, not instead of it.
Internet Access
Please note that where a description states ‘internet access’, this does not mean the hardware will be provided or that access is free.
Local information
Please note that areas surrounding your holiday accommodation
do not form part of your package holiday and have not been inspected. These include for example the roads and mountains. You are responsible for taking reasonable care for your own safety and the safety of your party. Local events, religious festivities and public holidays are likely to influence the provision of services and facilities within the hotels and around holiday resorts at certain times.
Neilson Snow Guarantee
When you book a Neilson holiday you will be automatically covered for transport to an area with more than 20% of runs open if you are unable to ski in the resort in which you are staying.
This Guarantee takes effect if, owing to a lack of snow:
(i) 20% or less of the skiable/boardable area shown on the resort’s official piste map is open;
(ii) The local ski-school director considers it is unsuitable to teach.
Transport will be arranged on a daily basis to the nearest area where skiing is better than in your own resort, within a 2.5 hour drive (subject to the proposed resort accepting the additional skiers/boarders). Where lift passes have been pre-booked, these
will be re-arranged at no extra cost.
The Neilson snow guarantee applies to downhill skiing/boarding only and does not cover cross-country skiing. It does not apply if lifts or ski schools are not operating as a result of too much snow, high winds or other adverse weather conditions.
In some cases the alternative resort to which you are taken may be in a different country. In order to take advantage of this guarantee, non-UK nationals must ensure they comply with the visa requirements of the country where the alternative resort may be located.
Paying for things
Don't rely on a credit card for payment as they are not always accepted in ski resorts. Check with us or your own bank beforehand for advice on the best alternative.
Photography
Most of the photography used within this brochure has been sourced from resort tourist offices, hotels, apartment agencies and local photographers whom we wish to thank. Some of the atmospheric photography shown in conjunction with particular accommodation and resorts advertised in this brochure (e.g. kids playing in the snow or close-up of food) was shot on location and not at the accommodation or resort concerned.
Representives
There may be times when your Representative or our UK Duty Office is unable to solve a particular problem immediately. While appreciating that this may be upsetting for you, Neilson does expect you to behave in a reasonable manner towards our staff. Consequently, should any customer act in a threatening or intimidatory manner towards Neilson staff, we shall have no hesitation in taking appropriate legal measures.
Resort Development
Some of the destinations in this brochure are still being developed and even in more established resorts there is often a possibility of building work taking place. If in our opinion this is likely to affect your booked accommodation, we will tell you at the time of booking or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before departure if there is time. Please refer to the Booking Conditions, section ‘Circumstances beyond our control’ for more information.
Revitalise and Spa Centres - Admission & Opening Times
An admission fee may be payable, treatments cost extra.
Generally opening hours are between 10:00 & 18:00 most days
and close for lunch anywhere between the hours of 12:00 and 14:00. When you pre-book treatments with us, these will be confirmed on your booking/invoice as commencing on the day after you arrive in resort - however exact days and timings will only be confirmed when you get to resort. You will be required to visit the centre the day after you arrive in resort to arrange convenient times for treatment(s).
Revitalise and Spa Centres - Spa Rules
Many Centres stipulate some or all of the following:
• Arrive with plenty of time before your treatment is due to start
• Do not bring valuables, as management cannot be held responsible for loss or damage
• Mobile telephones are not permitted
• Where treatments involve water, guests are expected to bring their own swimsuit
• Certain treatments may include a medical consultation as part
of the treatment; this is to ensure you do not suffer any medical conditions that may be incompatible
• Drink plenty of water before and after hot tub/ sauna/steam room visits
Revitalise and Spa Centres - Health
Although spa treatments are regarded as safe they are not always suitable for everyone. Conditions such as high blood pressure, poor circulation, deep vein thrombosis & heart disease may not be conducive to spa treatments. Similarly if you have recently had an operation, are pregnant or taking medication, you may not be able to use some treatments. We recommend you check with your GP if any of the
above or similar applies and you wish to undergo spa treatments.
Revitalise and Spa Centres - Nudity
Please note that nudity is the norm in most saunas/steam rooms and sometimes within the spa centre as a whole. Clothing/ swimwear inhibits circulation & may overheat the skin in saunas etc & synthetic fabrics can breed bacteria; for this reason you may be requested to remove either your clothing or yourself from these facilities by concerned fellow users or staff.
Safety & Hygiene
Your health and safety is of paramount concern to us and we want to make sure you have the best holiday possible. It is appropriate, therefore, that we bring to your attention the need to be careful and to take necessary precautions whilst overseas.
We employ a full time Health and Safety Manager whose single role is to actively monitor hygiene and safety standards in all our properties. We also employ the services of totally independent British Health and Safety Inspectors who regularly visit our overseas destinations to ensure that all reasonable safety precautions are in place.
But we also need your help and co-operation, and that is why
we provide you with information on: Balconies, Fire, Child Safety, Gas/Electricity, Lifts, Personal Safety, Road Safety, Suncare, Stomach Upsets, Swimming Pools.
It is most important that on arrival you familiarise yourself with this information, because not only do we want you to have a great holiday, we want you to have a safe holiday.
Although the accommodation featured does operate to its own country’s standards, regrettably the safety standards and regulations overseas may not be of the same level that we enjoy in the UK. The setting and enforcement of local regulations is a matter for the authorities of the country and the foreign supplier of the services concerned. Neilson are working with hoteliers to improve standards wherever possible. However, we would ask that you take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself and your party whilst
on holiday. In particular you should familiarise yourself with fire procedures, the swimming pool(s) area and any unfamiliar cooking appliances. Our overseas staff will endeavour to make you aware of any safety information relating to your resort or accommodation.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 (ceefax) page 470 onwards or call 0845 850 2829 or visit www.fco.gov.uk. Alternatively you can contact the ABTA information department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p per minute).
Tickets on departure
A late booking fee will apply for all bookings made within 14 days of departure. The minimum charge will be £15 per person.
TRAVEL INFORMATION - All Holidays
The timings shown in this brochure are for guidance and will be submitted for approval by UK and overseas scheduling committees. They are therefore subject to alteration and confirmation. The Neilson reservation system will show the latest advised times. Your Confirmation/Invoice will show up-to-date timings and we will advise you of any subsequent major change.
The latest schedule will be provided on your tickets and you should check these as soon as they are received.
Transfer times
Timings quoted on resort information pages are approximate and may be substantially longer especially during local school holidays, spring breaks or poor weather conditions.
TRAVEL INFORMATION - Europe
Accommodation - Official Ratings
Official ratings are set by the relevant authorities in each country, and are mentioned in the brochure descriptions where applicable. Different countries do not have the same methods of rating hotels and holiday accommodation, consequently, a 3-star hotel in one country will not necessarily have the same standards and facilities as a 3-star hotel elsewhere.
Neilson Ratings
With over 25 years of experience we have compiled a rating
system specifically for Neilson. This is based on the particular characteristics of each property, taking into account their facilities, general atmosphere, plus the distances to resort facilities and ski area. Our rating system enables us to give a useful reflection of property types in all countries.
The ratings are awarded from • to ••••• with + being awarded to those with a slightly higher standard.
The nature of these ratings is subjective. They are compiled using the opinions of experienced Neilson employees in addition to a scoring-based system. Standards do vary, so you should not expect a ••• rated property in Bulgaria to be of the same standard as a ••• rated property in Canada.
Ski to Your Door - Ski In, Ski Out
Some of the accommodation featured in this brochure will enable competent skiers or boarders to do one of the above. Where this is possible the above logo will be featured. Please bear in mind, however, that we have only applied these logos where we are confident, combining normal snow conditions with past experience, that it is possible. Sadly, it cannot be guaranteed and Neilson cannot therefore accept responsibility if conditions or your ability preclude you from being able to do so.
Apartments in France - Important points to note
An apartment is normally a self-contained flat with one or more bedrooms with twin/double beds, a separate living area sometimes with pull out sofa/divan bed(s) or bunks, kitchen facilities (normally two cooking rings and a fridge), and wc, shower or bath (bathrooms do not neccessarily contain a bath tub). Please refer to the individual descriptions in the brochure. Descriptions tend to be for a typical apartment but sometimes they may vary. They state the number of people who can occupy an apartment (e.g. 2-4 people). This will not always mean that, at the time of your stay, the apartment will contain the maximum number of beds if there are fewer than the maximum number of persons in your own party.
Apartment occupancy: The occupancies shown in the brochure description and price panel are the maximum for that apartment type. If the maximum occupancy is filled, then storage and space may be a little limited.
Studios: A “studio” is one-room, living-cum-sleeping accommodation, usually with divan/sofa beds, basic kitchen facilities (at least two cooking rings and a fridge), and wc, shower or bathroom.
Cabine: Is generally a sleeping area that is not fully enclosed and therefore cannot be described as a complete bedroom. It often has bunk beds and no windows. Common in France.
Apartment check-in: Please note that due to the cleaning of apartments, your apartment may not be available until mid to late afternoon on your day of arrival. Apartments should also be vacated by 10.00 on the day of departure.
Cleaning: Is usually carried out prior to your arrival. No additional cleaning will take place during your stay. If you are staying in France you can pre-purchase a special service package available at a supplement. You must leave the apartment in the condition that you found it. Failure to do so will result in a cleaning charge being made by the relevant property management and deducted from your deposit.
Linen charges: We try to ensure that bed linen is included in all apartment holidays offered in this brochure. However in certain apartments bed linen and towels are available as extras (i.e. not included in the basic holiday price). Where this is the case it will be stated in the individual descriptions and you may take your own.
Your Room, Hotel or Pension
Rooms for two people may have two single beds, one double, an “Austrian twin”, a “Scandinavian twin” or bunk beds. Beds may be built-in platform beds or a sprung mattress on a wire mesh base.
Austrian twin/Scandinavian twin - what are they? - The term ‘Austrian twin’ is used to describe two separate mattresses and bed linen on one large bed frame with a common headboard. A Scandinavian twin is when two separate mattresses and bases share a headboard but can be made up as a double or two twins.
Family bunk room- This term is used to describe a wall mounted upper bunk bed (which may sometimes be of a fold down configuration, though is usually fixed), often positioned above the headboard area of the small double bed.
Single rooms - Single rooms are often smaller and may not have the same facilities or be of the same general standard as normal twin rooms.
Multi-bedded rooms - A 3- or 4-bedded room is usually a twin room with extra bed(s). This can make the room cramped in many cases. The extra bed(s) may be of the folding type and/or bunks so they can be moved between rooms easily, or a sofa bed. Please note that if you book a three or four bedded room but your party is less than three or four people then the hotelier may allocate you a room with less beds when you check in.
Annexes - Annexe accommodation will not necessarily be attached to the main part of the hotel or apartments. This may mean guests must walk to and from the main building. Where rooms are located in an annexe, this is mentioned in the property description.
Meal Service
Breakfast will be of the “continental” type unless stated otherwise. In certain hotels, extended or “English” style breakfasts are available and may be at an extra charge. Many hotels are not necessarily used to catering for special diets, and therefore, if you have specific requirements, you may find that the choice is limited. This is particularly true of vegetarian meals. Vegetarians are advised to consider a self-catering or chalet holiday. If you are on half or full board it is possible that you may lose a meal due to your own particular flight times.
How many nights are spent in your accommodation?
The standard international practice is to let rooms from midday to midday, however times do vary. Apartments and some hotel rooms may not be available until 16.00-17.00. Rooms should be vacated at 10.00 on the last day of your holiday. On occasions there may be several hours to wait before the departure of your flight home. In such cases a room may be made available for changing and storing luggage. Sometimes hotels will let you keep your room but they are entitled to make a charge. This is not normally possible with apartments.
Smoking
Restrictive legislation against smoking in public places is becoming increasingly common in destinations worldwide. You may find your holiday resort operates enforced smoking restrictions in areas including, but not limited to, enclosed public areas such as bars, pubs and restaurants. Fines may be imposed for breaching regulations. To find out more visit the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk.
Accommodation Only Bookings
This is when the accommodation element only of the holiday is made available; transfers and flights are not included. These holidays are subject to availability and may not be available on
all dates or for all properties.
GROUP HOLIDAYS & SINGLES
Group Discounts up to 1 free place in 5
Unlike other operators, Neilson allows you to use your discount the way you choose. Instead of the often confusing free places that go hand in hand with a group holiday, we offer discounts of up to 20% sometimes more, depending on your group size, where you are staying and your departure date.
This way of discounting allows you the flexibility to pass on the saving to your group in the most suitable way, be that a straight forward reduction in price, free lift passes or a private taxi transfer, all of which we’ll be happy to organise for you. Simply give us a call.
Free name changes
We understand that arrangements take time to finalise so we make
no charge for name changes on group bookings travelling on Thomas Cook charter flights, up to four weeks prior to departure. Airline regulations prevent us offering this service on scheduled flights.
Free Pre-Booked ‘Seats Together’
To prevent you all having to wait at the airport in order to check in together, we will, on Thomas Cook flights, pre-book your groups seats free of charge, another saving of £10 per person. This enables you to check in individually while still having the reassurance that you will be seated together during the flight.
Deposits
We know that it can take time to collect your group’s deposits, therefore once you are happy with our proposal we will reserve the accommodation for you for up to a week to enable you to collect details and initial payments.
Flexibility
Your group may be flung far and wide across the UK, but that doesn’t mean you all have to fly from the same airport. Groups going to the same accommodation may fly from any airport that we operate from and may still be eligible for a discount, depending on your destination and date of travel.
We appreciate that groups have differing needs and therefore we make sure we are familiar with all your group’s requirements such as room sharers, transfers, equipment hire and tuition, before creating a customised quotation specific to your group.
Enjoy Exclusive Use of Your Chalet
Chalet holidays are all about enjoying a home from home in the mountains, but without having to worry about the cooking and washing up.
Booking a whole chalet for your group’s exclusive use is always a popular choice as it allows your party to have the complete run of the chalet.
If you are a few people short to fill a chalet remember you can simply choose to pay the applicable empty bed supplement. In return your group gets exclusive use of the chalet and of course even more space to relax in and enjoy their holiday.
To calculate the cost of any empty beds please use the twin for
sole use supplement. These can be found online or by calling us.
Chalet Super Service Upgrade
Groups wanting to really indulge themselves should consider our Chalet Super Service upgrade package which brings with it a whole host of extra meal and drink enhancements including:
• Hearty cooked breakfasts
• Daily snacks for the slopes
• Vin chaud as well as a freshly baked cake and tea
• Aperitifs and pre-dinner snacks
• Four course evening meal
• A selection of wines with dinner
• Fresh coffee & mints after your evening meal
Our Super Service chalet upgrade is available as long as your group takes the whole chalet. Prices are £55 per person.