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.
What are the visa requirements for the country I am travelling to?
We would recommend you check with the embassy or high commission of the
country you are visiting (Or their website where available).
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website may also have visa information to help.
There are now a number of very
important requirements for people visiting America to comply with.
USA – Entry Requirements Quick
Checklist for all passengers:
Please read in conjunction with the information below:
- You
must have a valid machine readable or biometric passport
- You
must be eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme or apply for a visa (visit: www.usembassy.org.uk)
Log
onto your airlines or tour operators website and complete your Advanced
Passenger Information This
requires your passport details and 1st nights address in the
US.
Log
onto the US official website ‘ESTA’ at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Apply for authorisation to travel.
Passports
British passport holders travelling
to the USA (or via the USA) are required to have either individual
machine-readable passports or biometric passports. (If you need to
check your passport we recommend you contact the UK Passport Office)Families will
be required to obtain individual passports for each traveller including all
children.
Visa Waiver Programme (VWP)
If you have a machine readable or
Biometric passport you should be able to qualify for travel (of up to 90 days)
without a visa, under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). That is,
provided no one in your party has ever been arrested (even if not convicted),
or if suffering from a serious communicable disease (visit the US Embassy web site for details
of all restrictions).
For passengers holding a non-British Passport, or, if you are unsure whether
you qualify for travel under the VWP please consult the Identity & Passport Service
or the US Embassy.
For travellers who qualify for travel under the VWP, important details on
obtaining travel authorisation are outlined below.
Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)
Called
"Electronic System for Travel Authorisation", or ESTA for short, this
is a US Customs & Passport Control entry requirement and must therefore be
completed in order to visit the USA (or transit through the USA). US
Immigration may well refuse you entry at border control if you do not complete
the online form.
This ESTA system has been introduced in addition to the existing Visa Waiver
Programme.
The
system is web based only and requires all passengers (including infants)
travelling via or to the USA to apply for 'authority to travel' a minimum of 72
hours prior to travel. Effective from 12 January 2009, ESTA is
compulsory. You may be denied boarding or refused entry to the US if
you have not registered and obtained authorisation using ESTA. To
apply for this new travel authorisation, visit the official ESTA web site.
It is very important that you complete your ESTA application using the exact
address as displayed on the documentation you receive from your
Airline/Operator. (If you have booked a flight only or the address of your
accommodation is confirmed on arrival, please use our resort office address as
stated on your holiday invoice/tickets). Your Airline or Tour Operator will be
providing accommodation details for all passengers to the US Immigration
authorities after you have departed to America. If there are any differences
between the Tour Operator/Airline information compared to what you have written
on your ESTA registration, then you may be denied entry into the
USA. We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when
you travel. For additional information on travel to the US visit
the US Embassy web site.
Advanced Passenger Information (API)
Tour Operators and Airlines are required to
transmit details of the full address of your destination accommodation and
country of residence and your passport details to the U.S authorities prior to
the departure of flights to comply with US security requirements. This requirement is separate to ESTA
even though the information required is very similar.
If you have booked travel arrangements or a package
holiday with a Thomas Cook group tour operator, you must provide the required security information on the
website: www.thomascookapi.com
https://yourseatyourchoice.thomascookairlines.co.uk/thomascookuk/login
.
The Advanced Passenger Information must be provided
between 3 months and 7 days before departure.
For all scheduled airlines please visit the
airlines website to provide the airline with your advanced passenger
information.
We recommend the lead
passenger on your booking takes responsibility for completing the information
on behalf of all other passengers on your booking). It is important the information collected by Tour
Operators and Airlines as part of Advanced Passenger Information is the same as
the information you have submitted under ESTA as any differences may delay or
prevent your entry to the USA.
Financial Protection
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, 30 Park Street London SE1 9EQ Tel: 0203 117 0500 or look at our 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 £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 and shown separately on your holiday cost breakdown and on your confirmation invoice.
HOLIDAY PRICES
Prices on all the holiday pages are quoted per person and are based on the number of adults sharing as given in the accommodation description. Accommodation supplements are determined by the date the accommodation is occupied and not the departure date (unless otherwise stated). We reserve the right to change our prices; prices can go up or down.
UNDER OCCUPANCY SUPPLEMENTS
If there are fewer adults sharing the accommodation than the number stated, supplements will have to be paid because fewer adults are sharing the accommodation. These supplements are called “under occupancy” supplements. Unless otherwise stated, under occupancy supplements are payable per person per night. Please note that infants do not count towards occupancy levels. Children do count towards occupancy unless traveling on a free place. Our accommodation prices are based on at least two adults sharing.
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES
•
Accommodation - Prices are shown per person within the price panel for each property. For hotels, the price applies to each of the two adults sharing a room. Apartment, cabin and studio prices are based on the maximum number of adults sharing the accommodation and for fewer adults under-occupancy supplements usually apply – see ‘Under Occupancy Supplements’ above.
•
Meals – as described in the accommodation description.
•
Services of our Overseas Representatives or 24-hour assistance from our UK Duty Office.
• Return Flights – from your chosen airport
• Luggage Allowance – is a minimum of 15kgs, infants to not have a luggage allowance. Additional luggage allowance may be available at a supplement payable at the time of booking. Excess baggage charges apply if you exceed the allowance shown on your tickets.
• Return Transport between your destination airport and accommodation in resort is included. This will be in the form of a minibus or coach transfer unless otherwise specified in the accommodation description or confirmed on your invoice. You may find that your transfer is shared by customers from other
tour operators within the Thomas Cook group. We have combined transfers in this way to ensure that you depart as swiftly and efficiently as possible.
• Taxes & Charges (known at the time our brochure is published) - Air passenger duty, UK airport taxes and security charges – Prices include current government Air Passenger Duty depending on destination/class of travel. The following duty applies (subject to change): Intra EU economy rate of £10, non-economy rate of £20. Long haul economy rate £40 and non-economy rate of £80. Aviation Fuel Costs known at time of booking (see Extra Charges - before booking Charges for extra security, aircraft insurance, aviation and other associated costs.
• ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) – the price of your holiday includes the amount of currently £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA who provides financial protection for your holiday in the unlikely event of our failure. The amount you have paid will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
NEILSON SNOW GUARANTEE
Anyone taking the Neilson Ski/Whote Horse Insurance is automatically covered for piste closure insurance at no additional cost. Should you choose a different policy, you should ensure that any other insurance cover most be at least of equal standard to Neilson/White Horse Ski Insurance. If you do not take the Neilson/Whote Horse policy, and your own policy does not contain its own piste closure provisions, you will not receive the benefits outlined below. Space on transport provided by Neilson to other ski areas cannot be guaranteed, and if available, will be payable locally at between £10 and £30 per person per day.
Piste closure cover details – up to £300 (nil excess)
The piste closure covers you for up to £20 per day only for transport that we can arrange for you in the event of that it may be necessary to transfer you by coach to another ski area if it becomes impossible to ski in your resort, due to lack of snow or too much snow. If you have pre-booked your lift-pass, we will refund this to you in full in resort. This cover applies to downhill alpine skiing and does not cover cross-country skiing, nor does it apply to piste closure due to adverse weather conditions other than lack of snow or too much snow (eg. High winds).
In the unlikely event that no suitable alternative area is available, you will be entitled to compensation on return to UK of £20 for each complete day you have been unable to ski.
AND WHAT’S EXTRA
• Holiday Insurance - you MUST be insured.
• Flight supplements –Your chosen flight may carry a supplement see our flight pages. For more
information please refer to the Flight section for details about ‘Flight Supplements’.
• Meal supplements - where applicable are in the accommodation descriptions and price panels.
• Under-occupancy supplements – see section on ‘Under Occupancy Supplements’ above.
• Optional excursions.
• Charges made by accommodation – see section ‘local charges’ below.
• Locally collected taxes (including arrival / departure taxes and entry visas where applicable).
• Accommodation Deposits - in some cases on arrival at self catering accommodation you may be asked for a deposit. This is refundable, less the cost of any additional cleaning, damage or loss. When you register, many hotels will ask you for an imprint of your credit card to cover any personal extras. If you do not have a credit card, they may ask for a large cash deposit.
• Excess baggage on coaches and aircraft - excess baggage charges will apply if you exceed your allowance and/or you take sports equipment.
• Ski/Snowboard carriage - Thomas Cook Airlines charge £15 to pre-book ski/board carriage. Other airlines vary and any payment due will be collected on check-in. See page 340 for details.
• Some Christmas and New Year Gala meals where not shown as included.
• Eurostar and Eurotunnel may be booked through us.
• Apartment holidays only: bed linen, towels unless stated as included in the individual apartment description. Cleaning, except where you have pre-purchased a special service package.
• National park entry fee for private cars traveling to Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise in Canada, approx. CAN$89 at time of going to print.
• Additional ski racks for rented cars.
• European road tolls and levies.
• Fuel, car parking fees and fines for private or hire cars.
• Late booking fee - a charge will apply for all bookings made within 14 days of departure. We will make arrangements for you to collect your tickets from our airport representative on arrival, or in some cases may be able to post your documentation to you, at your request. The charge will be a minimum of £15 per person but if special delivery is required the cost may be more.
• Credit card charges – prices advertised in this brochure apply to payment by cash or debit card. A charge will apply to payment by credit card - please ask for details
• Possible surcharges - see ‘Surcharges - price increases after booking’ section.
• Visa charges - you are responsible for paying the costs in connection with obtaining visas.
LOCAL CHARGES
At some accommodation certain amenities may carry a local charge. Unless we have stated that a service or facility is ‘free’ in our accommodation descriptions, you may be asked to pay a charge. Here are a few examples of what you might expect to pay for locally, but always check first as there may be others.
• Daily car parking charge at some hotels/apartments.
• Entertainment and activities away from your accommodation.
• Highchairs, cots, hotel-run Children’s Clubs and meals for infants.
• Certain a la carte meal options.
• Safety deposit facilities, room service, minibar, TV/ satellite TV, telephone calls, internet and wifi.
• Facilities and equipment such as spa entry, indoor pools, sauna, steam room and table games.
• Health & beauty treatments.
EXTRA CHARGES - BEFORE BOOKING
Please note carefully, as we indicate underneath the price panels in the brochure, prices include an amount to cover our current fuel charges known at the time our brochure is produced. You should be aware that
these charges and costs may change between date of publication of the brochure and the time of travel. We reserve the right to alter prices and introduce fuel supplements where changes in fuel costs occur. Furthermore, although we have included in our prices an extra charge to cover aviation, security, aircraft insurance and other associated costs, you should be aware that these charges and costs may change. Since all these costs are beyond our control and subject to further changes, we reserve the right to pass on any additional charges to you and they will be added and shown separately at the time of booking. We reserve the right to change prices, prices can go up or down. Please therefore check carefully the total costing, including any additional charges, with us or your agent before you book.
AVIATION DUTY
The UK government have announced their intention to replace Air Passenger Duty (APD), which is payable by all passengers on flights departing from UK airports with a new Emissions Tax, known as Aviation Duty, with effect from 1st November 2009. Final details of the new duty are awaited, in the interim holiday prices have been calculated as if Air Passenger Duty continues to be in effect. In the event that our costs increase as a result of the change, we reserve the right to adjust the prices to reflect those changes in costs.
SURCHARGES – PRICE INCREASES AFTER BOOKING
We reserve the right to surcharge - please refer to our Booking Conditions for details.
PROMOTIONAL PUBLICATIONS
On occasions, we may make special offers on holidays. These special offers may for example be made in a series of one-off or promotional publications. The special offer packages may not be identical to the packages featured in the brochure. For example, the special offer package may not include airport-resort transfers or children's club activities. The luggage allowance for special offer holidays will be 15kg per person. It is important to note that such special offers will not allow changes to be made to your booking once it has been confirmed. The deposits for special offer holidays will also be higher than stated below. For further details please contact your travel agent or us and also refer to terms and conditions that are contained in all special offer literature that is produced.
COMPLIMENTARY ROOM UPGRADES
Where applicable and unless otherwise stated, offers of free room upgrades shown will be determined by availability when you travel and your room will be allocated on arrival at the accommodation. If your room is upgraded, please note that this will not necessarily be to the next highest category featured by us as we do not necessarily sell all room types at all hotels.
NEILSON FAIR PRICING POLICY – USA & CANADA
Prices are usually calculated on the basis of two adults sharing in standard hotel rooms where
there is one main living area which is described as having ‘one or two double beds’ - rather than four adults sharing which is a practice used by some operators. So if our prices initially look expensive, look again - we deliberately try to avoid charging under occupancy charges whenever possible.
PRE-BOOKABLE - LIFT PASS, SKI OR BOARD EQUIPMENT & TUITION
To make your arrival in resort easier we recommend that you prebook equipment, lift passes and tuition. It means all your items will be organised and reserved for you when you arrive in resort. Unless prebooked, we cannot guarantee availability on peak dates (mainly December & February dates). Once booked the price will not rise. Pre-bookings can usually be made up to 5 days before travel for European destinations, 10 days for Canada. After this you must book ski pack items locally. Please note that only the most popular items are pre-bookable but there are more options available on the reservations system and in resort. Items are booked to start on the morning after your arrival. Should you wish to ski on the day you arrive, you will have to make your own arrangements.
The prices showing on the reservation system at the time of booking your ski pack items are the applicable ones, and may be higher or lower than the prices shown in the brochure / website. We reserve the right to increase prices and to withdraw ski pack offers or items from sale at any time. If you wish to cancel or amend items, you may do so up to 21 days before departure at a charge of £35 per person.
SKIERS & BOARDERS PACKS
These ‘Packs’ combine a lift pass (usually a local pass), equipment and tuition and offer a saving compared to booking each item individually. They are only available to be pre-booked and are not available for purchase in resort. Packs cannot be discounted or combined with other ski pack offers.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO THE USA
Please read all sections carefully to ensure you comply with US entry requirements:-
USA - ADVANCED PASSENGER INFORMATION SYSTEM (APIS)
Tour Operators and Airlines are required to provide details of the full address of your destination accommodation and country of residence and from 2009 the name on your passport, your date of birth and passport number to the U.S authorities. This is in addition to the application you must make as part of the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) for authorisation to travel under ESTA (the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) – see below ‘USA – Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and Visa Waiver Programme’. It is important the information collected by tour operators and airlines as part of APIS is the same as the information you have submitted under ESTA as any differences may delay or prevent your entry to the USA.
USA - PASSPORTS
British passport holders travelling to the USA (or via the USA) are required to have either individual machine-readable passports or biometric passports. (If you need to check your passport we recommend you contact the UK Passport Office). Families will be required to obtain individual passports for each traveller including all children.
USA – VISA WAIVER PROGRAMME (VWP)
If you have a machine readable or Biometric passport you should be able to qualify for travel (of up to 90 days) without a visa, under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). That is, provided no one in your party has ever been arrested (even if not convicted), or if suffering from a serious communicable disease (visit: www.usembassy.org.uk for details of all restrictions). For passengers holding a non-British Passport, or, if you are unsure whether you qualify for travel under the VWP please consult the Identity & Passport Service or US Embassy. For travellers who qualify for travel under the VWP, see important details on obtaining travel authorisation below.
USA – TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ESTA)
US Customs & Border Control have introduced an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The system is web based only and requires all passengers (including infants) travelling via or to the USA to apply for authority to travel a minimum of 72 hours prior to travel. Effective from 12 January 2009 ESTA is compulsory. You may be denied boarding or refused entry to the US if you have not registered and obtained authorisation. To apply visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. It is very important that you complete your ESTA application using the exact address as displayed on the documentation you receive from your Airline/Operator. (If you have booked a flight only or the address of your accommodation is confirmed on arrival, please use our resort office address as stated on your holiday invoice/tickets). Your Airline or Tour Operator will be providing accommodation details for all passengers to the U.S immigration authorities after you have departed to the U.S. If there are any differences between the Tour Operator/Airline information compared to what you have written on your waiver form you may be denied entry into the USA. We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel.
For additional information on travel to the US visit http://www.usembassy.org.uk/
Disabled Travellers
/ Passengers With Reduced Mobility
Overseas Accommodation & Overseas Transport Arrangements
The majority of overseas accommodation, overseas transport
(including transfers) and other holiday services provided overseas 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, resorts, transport and services, and that you are fully
satisfied you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm
your holiday.
Please note: if special arrangements need to be made for you an extra
charge may have to be levied, this may be the case either before you go
or when you arrive in resort. 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.
For customers who require support or advice prior to booking, please contact us on
0800 107 3409.
UK Airports and Flight arrangements
Airlines are able to offer assistance at the airport for those passengers who need it due to disability or a medical condition. If you have a disability it is important that you make the appropriate enquiries about any special requirements well in advance of travel.
Making your booking
Passengers with reduced mobility are strongly advised to contact us on 0800 107 3409 before making your reservation. This will enable our reservation agents to confirm availability of any assistance requirements with the airline prior to booking, as any changes made after booking will be subject to the tour operators or airlines change fees. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 107 3409 for further information, we will be pleased to answer any questions or queries that you may have regarding assistance.
People needing assistance at the airport
If you are a wheelchair user or have reduced mobility, you need to call us on 0800 107 3409 prior to booking, to request assistance service at airports. If you do not request this in advance the airlines cannot guarantee that this service will be available, as there is a limit on the number of passengers with reduced mobility and the number of wheelchairs the airline is able to assist on the day with no pre-notification. The airport will signpost designated points for passengers with reduced mobility.
Wheelchair users
If you have your own wheelchair, this will be carried free of charge in addition to your normal baggage allowance. Since a wheelchair is carried in the hold and collected in the baggage reclaim area, we advise that it is adequately insured against loss or damage since the airline liability is limited.
Electronically powered wheelchairs will be accepted for travel, providing that the general conditions for their carriage, as outlined in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, are met. These relate to the batteries used to power wheelchairs. Since the batteries will remain attached to the wheelchair, it is important that the wheelchair can be easily stored in an upright position when collapsed for carriage. Batteries must be disconnected and the battery terminals insulated to prevent accidental shorting.
Accompanying companion for reduced mobility passengers
A carer must travel with any passenger who does not meet the DFT (Department for Transport) code of practice definition of self reliance. In establishing whether someone is “self-reliant” the DFT stipulate that the passenger should be independent in the following areas:
- Feeding – the passenger should be capable of feeding themselves. Cabin crew could still expect to assist with opening food containers and describing catering arrangements to blind people.
- Lifting – the passenger should be capable of moving from a passenger seat to an on-board wheelchair.
- Toileting – the passenger should be capable of using the toilet facilities unaided.
- Communicating – the passenger should be able to communicate with cabin crew and understand their advice/instructions.
- Medicating – the passenger should be capable of administering their own medicines and medical procedures.
- Breathing – the passenger should not be reliant on supplementary oxygen, if supplementary oxygen is required contact us on 0800 107 3409 and we will pass on details of your requirements to the airline.
If you are not self-reliant (capable of taking care of all your physical needs independently in-flight) a carer is required for travel to take care of these needs. The carer must purchase a ticket at the same time. A carer can travel with a maximum of 2 passengers requiring additional assistance as outlined above. ue to CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations, any persons with reduced mobility or any physical disability or intellectual impairment cannot be allocated seats adjacent to the emergency exits.
Visually impaired passengers & Guide Dogs
Passengers who are blind or visually impaired should also please contact us on 0800 107 3409 to make your booking. Most airlines are able to carry guide dogs on many routes, please contact us for full details on 0800 107 3409 to make your booking.
Please Note: We cannot be responsible if you fail to tell us about special needs/requirements that will affect your travel arrangements and this means we will not compensate you.
Special Requests
If you have a special request for anything that is not automatically part of your Holiday, please check when you book your Holiday and we will pass this information on to the suppliers we work with.
You can add special requests to your booking. Special requests, where applicable, may include: Pool View, Sea View, Quiet Room, Sunny Balcony, Low Floor, High Floor, or to advise you are celebrating a birthday/honeymoon.
Our note of your request on your invoice confirms we have received it and does not guarantee that we, or the relevant supplier, can meet with your request. Where possible they will try to help you, but we cannot guarantee any request unless it is noted on your invoice and we also confirm the request separately in writing. We must emphasise that verbal confirmations of special requests cannot be taken as a guarantee that they will be met e.g. special meal types on flights. We will not pay compensation for failing to meet a special request that we have not confirmed separately in writing.
To add a special request to your booking, please contact us on 0870 010 1947.
Before You Go
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 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.
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.co.uk 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.
YOUR SAFETY & WELLBEING ON HOLIDAYYour health and safety is of paramount concern to us, especially if children are involved. In addition to monitoring the hygiene and safety standards in all the hotel and apartments that we use, it is appropriate that we bring to your attention the need for you to be careful and to take necessary precautions whilst overseas and we need your help and cooperation with this. We would ask you to pay close attention to the following information, together with any other information we, our agents or suppliers, provide to you before you go, during your flight and when you arrive in your destination and at your hotel. It is most important that you familiarise yourself with this information and any other information you are given or on display, because not only do we want you to have a great holiday but we want you to have a safe holiday.
Swimming pools and water features: some of our hotels and apartments welcome local people and other holidaymakers not residing at the property to use the swimming pool and facilities within the accommodation. This can lead to pool areas becoming busy at times, for example sunbathing space and available sunloungers may become limited. Please make use of the pool shower facilities before swimming - this helps to prevent any potential infections and helps to keep the pool clean. Every pool is different and most hotels / apartments do not employ life guards, so you are strongly recommended to familiarise yourself with the pool layout, identifying the deep and shallow ends before using. Do not use the pool after dark or when the pool is closed, even if the pool has underwater lights. You should never swim when you have been drinking alcohol. Whilst some of our hotels and apartments have water features, such as slides or flumes, which may appear in our photography, generally we do not recommend these are used. It is possible such features may have been replaced or removed since the photography was taken.
Overseas Safety Standards: 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. For instance, the design and height of balconies may differ. The setting and enforcement of local regulations is a matter for the Authorities of the country and the foreign supplier of the services concerned. We are working with hoteliers to improve standards wherever possible. You should familiarize yourself with fire procedures, including emergency exits in your accommodation, the swimming pool(s) area and any unfamiliar cooking appliances. If in doubt, ask your representative or an appropriate member of staff.
Children: Children must be supervised by you at all times, especially near water, on balconies or in unfamiliar buildings and surroundings.
Stomach Upsets: It is still a relatively common occurrence to suffer gastric illness when travelling abroad and being exposed to a different environment. There are many ways you can reduce the possibility of being affected, such as, not eating undercooked food, avoiding ice in drinks, ensuring you drink plenty of bottled water and avoid over exposure to cold winds and sun.
Out and About: Due to rough terrain, uneven surfaces and ice, we recommend that you are extra careful and vigilant when visiting sites of interest and crossing roads. Crimes against people and property are a fact of life throughout the world and you have the same responsibility for your own safety as you do at home. In some places the local police may not be very cooperative or interested when you report a theft or need insurance confirmation so always take care of your property.
Wherever You Go
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.
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.
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.
Tickets on departure
A late booking fee will apply for all bookings made within 14 days of departure. The minimum charge will be £20 per person.
Data Protection
To comply with the Data Protection Act we would like to advise you that in order to provide you with the products or services you require, the personal information you supply to us will be passed to relevant trusted partners or suppliers. This may involve sending your details to countries that do not have an equal level of privacy legislation to that in the UK. Your details may also be used for improving our customer service, analysis and occasionally, for the prevention of crime.
We may also occasionally contact you by post or telephone to update you about great offers, products and services from Thomas Cook group companies and carefully selected third parties. Should you not wish to receive such information, please advise one of our sales consultants.
Driving OverseasLaws, licensing requirements and age limits vary throughout the world. Please check with your travel agent or the relevant Embassy or Consulate.
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.
Representatives
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.
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.
ACCOMMODATION RATINGS
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.
INTERNET ACCESS / WIFI Please note that where a
description states ‘internet access’ or 'Wifi', 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.
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.
Revitalise Spa Hotels & Spa Centres
Admission & Opening TimesSpa centres are very popular. In order to avoid
disappointment, you are strongly advised to visit the centre the day afer you
arrive in resort to arrange convenient times for, and book, treatments. An admission fee may be payable; treatments cost extra. Treatments provided by the hotel will be payable locally.
Opening
hours are usually between 10.00 & 18.00 most days and close for
lunch anywhere between the hours of 12.00 and 14.00. 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
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.
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.
North American Accommodation
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
Please
note that in most North American 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.
| Important Note: 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. |
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 necessarily 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.
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.
Travel Information
Flight Times
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.
GROUP HOLIDAYSPlease click here for
useful groups information and conditions.
NEILSON CHALET HOLIDAYS
Please click here for useful
information about our chalets.