Ski America Useful Info
Airports
Our principle airports are Gatwick and Heathrow. For regional departures
we are able to offer excellent value add-on fares.
You need to check-in 3 hours prior to departure.
Airlines
Our main partner is British Airways. Other carriers may include United Airlines,
Delta Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Continental and Iceland Air. Direct flights
will be used wherever possible. If you require seats to be pre booked please
advise at the time of booking (this will be subject to availability). Scheduled
airlines we need full names for all passengers, as they appear on passports.
Once tickets have been issued name changes may not be possible and are likely
to incur a charge levied by the airline.
If a name change is through recent marriage and the passport has yet to be
updated, a ticket in a married name will be accepted if the passenger has
a copy of their marriage certificate with them.
As of early 1999, all passengers including children must have their own passports.
If your departure airport has more than one terminal, the information relevant
to your flight will be printed on your itinerary, issued 2 weeks prior to
departure.
Safety First
We believe that our commitment to the safety of our clients has been second to none. Clients booking a tour with Ski America will benefit from the Safety Management System our parent company Equity Travel. This Safety Management System is inspected by qualified, independent safety consultants and conforms to latest DFES guidelines.
A copy of our Safety Management System document can be downloaded by clicking here.
To download the latest version of our Hotel Fire Safety leaflet, please click here.
Insurance
We believe the travel insurance policy we offer is one of the best available. In the unfortunate event of a claim our suppliers in resort are familiar with our policy and procedures, which makes for a smoother operation at a stressful time. You must however check that our policy provides sufficient cover for your particular needs. Please see our Summary of Cover.
Drinking Age
The legal drinking age is 21 in the USA and 18 or 19 in Canada. Drinking laws are more strictly enforced and
photo ID is required to purchase alcohol in bars and stores.
Group bookings
We are happy to arrange trips for any size of group. Resorts, hotels and airlines
have minimum numbers to be able to benefit from their excellent
Free Places
We do not offer free places on Ski America holidays or a free coach to the airport.
Luggage Allowance
On scheduled flights the luggage allowance is usually 2 bags or 1 bag and
skis. Skis are generally carried free but this is at the discretion of the
airline.
Hand Luggage Restrictions
The UK Department for Transport (DFT) and the European Union (EU) have adopted new security rules since Monday, 6th November 2006, that will allow a restricted amount of liquids with hand baggage through security search points provided specific restrictions can be met.
It is important that Party Leaders check the current baggage restrictions with the corresponding air line carrier before travelling. It is equally important that your group arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure to allow extra time for additional security checks.
Air Passenger Duty
The UK Government announced on the 6th December that Airport Passenger Duty (APD) would be increased by £20 per person for all long haul flights, departures from 1st February 2007. This charge may not appear on initial costings, but will be shown on the final confirmation page.
Board basis
Please see individual property descriptions. The majority of holidays are
based on room only. Meals are excellent value and portions are generally large.
Money
It is advisable to take US dollar traveller cheques. Most places accept these
in place of cash on presentation of your passport. Cash can be withdrawn from
cash machines using either credit or debit cards (please check with your bank).
It is worth noting that most shop prices do not include tax. This is generally
around 9%.
Passports and Visas -
Canada, all UK citizens are visa-exempt and will be issued with an entry stamp valid for 3 months on arrival. For non-UK residents and overseas students please check with the Canadian High Commission by logging onto http:\\www.canada.org.uk .
USABritish passport holders will need to have machine-readable passpors in order to enterthe US on the 'Visa Waiver programme'. All infants and childeren must have their own machine-readable passports in their own name. Anyone who holds a non-machine-readable passport will need to apply for a US non-immigrant visa prior to travel in the US. Non UK residents and overseas students should check with the American Embassy on 09068 200290 or log onto http://www.usembassy.org.uk to check their position regarding visas.
Please note: under proposed US legislation, any British Passport issued on or after 26th October 2006, must be of biometric type in order for travellers to enter the States under the 'Visa Waiver Programme'. If not, visitors must apply for a visa prior to travelling. This requirement does not apply to existingUK passports or to those issued before October 26th 2006.
The UK authoritoes are hopeful that they will be ready to issue biometric passports by this deadline however you are advised to check regularly with UK Passport Office and the US Embassy as to the latest entry reuirements to the USA.
Ski Packs
Great savings are made by pre paying for lift passes, lessons and ski/snowboard
rental. We strongly recommend pre-booking.
Ski and Snowboard Hire
Prices quoted include ski or snowboard hire in Heavenly, Killington and Sunday
River. In Winter Park there is a supplement for snowboard hire. Everyone will
need to complete and sign a ski hire declaration form. This is standard practice.
Tuition
There are several different lesson packages available at each resort, ranging
from a complete package to single lessons. If you require lessons please mention
this at the time of booking and we can ensure you book the right package.
Accommodation in North America
Hotel rooms in North America generally contain 2 double beds, which can sleep a
maximum of 4 people. Having more than 2 people in a room reduces costs but
is not always a viable option. Condominiums (Condos) always have a sofa bed
in the living room. Therefore, a 1 bedroom condo sleeps a maximum of 4, a
2 bedroom condo sleeps up to 6 and so on. You need to decide whether using
the sofa bed will work with your group. Bed configuration differs and there
is a mixture of double and twin beds. There will be a supplement for any unoccupied
beds in either a hotel room or condo.
The European star system does not exist in the United States but please rest
assured that when we describe a hotel as luxury, it will be the equivalent
of a good 3 star or 4 star European standard.
Every hotel and condominium building will have masses of space and excellent
facilities, very often including an enormous swimming pool. Typically there
will be saunas, steam rooms, health suites with gyms, games rooms with video,
TV and playstations, and handsome lounges with a roaring open fire. Some hotels
are almost resorts in their own right.
Tipping
Americans tip larger and more frequently than we do in the UK. Tips range
between 10% and 15% of the total bill. It is also customary to tip in bars.
If you are not satisfied with the service do not tip, but, expect to be politely
questioned.
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