Terms
Ski course: refers to all Snoworks courses, (iSKI, Adventure, GAP, Professional and Corporate) as described on the Snoworks website.

Snowboarding and Telemarking

Occasionally we have snowboarders or telemarkers joining us. Please check with our office that this is possible before booking a course. If booking please replace:
Ski with snowboard or telemark
Skiing with snowboarding or telemarking
Skier with snowboarder or telemarker

Agreeing To The Booking Conditions

By booking a ski course either by telephone, post or email you will be agreeing to these booking conditions. If you are booking on behalf of others you will also be taking on responsibility that the other members of your group have read and agree to these booking conditions. Please read them carefully and if there is anything you are unsure about please contact us immediately. All the booking conditions along with information on our website, brochures and any letters or emails that you have received form the basis for your contract with Snoworks Ltd.

Liability

Snoworks uses the services of instructors and mountain guides to provide the service as advertised on the Snoworks website. They are qualified through their governing body in their country of residence or the country in which they provide their service. Their membership through their professional organisation includes insurance to provide the services they have been qualified to deliver. They are not employees of Snoworks. Therefore when under their care your contract is directly with them. Should you be involved in any dispute involving an instructor or mountain guide where the dispute involves insurance then this will be direct with the organisation that provides their insurance, not Snoworks. In these booking conditions all mention of instructors and mountain guides are those that are working on behalf of Snoworks and not Snoworks' employees.

Prices

Prices may increase in line with inflation and exchange rates and these will be shown on the website in Dates & Prices. The ski course prices are guaranteed against any changes once you have booked.

Booking And Paying For A Ski Course

A £50 deposit is required as a deposit to reserve your place on a ski course. Full payment is required 10 weeks prior to departure. You can reserve spaces online. We cannot reserve spaces on a course until a deposit has been paid. In the case of failing to pay the final balance withiin the specified time frame reminders will be sent and failure to pay the final balance could result in the course being cancelled with the loss of the deposit.

Cancellation Charges

If you need to cancel your ski course, the following cancellation charges will apply per person per course:
Prior to 8 weeks £50
Within 4 - 8 weeks 50%
Within 0 – 4 weeks 100%
Note: this is for the ski course. If you have booked other services please see: Other Services Booking Conditions

Course Only - With No Accommodation & Travel

On most weeks you can book the ski course and arrange all your own travel and accommodation. On some courses where we have had to guarantee beds in a hotel or chalet we may not be able to offer this option and you may have to book the accommodation on offer with the course. Please check with the office.

Minimum Ski Level

On each course there is a minimum ski level. This is shown on Dates & Prices and on the website page for each course. It can sometimes be difficult to judge your level and you may find that your ski level is below the minimum level for the course you have booked. Normally we are able to cater for this eventuality; however on rare occasions we may need to transfer you into another appropriate ski course with a ski school or arrange private instruction with another instructor in the resort. We will use the course fee paid to purchase lessons to the equivalent value. The lesson durations may therefore vary and may not be equivalent to the Snoworks ski course advertised.

Meeting the Minimum Ski Level But Below The Level Of Other Members Of The Group

On rare occassions you may meet the criteria as described for the minimum level of the course but all the other group members ski to a higher level. On these rare occassions we may need to transfer you into another appropriate ski course with a ski school or arrange private instruction with another instructor in the resort. We will use the course fee paid to purchase lessons to the equivalent value. The lesson durations may therefore vary and may not be equivalent to the Snoworks ski course advertised.

Group Sizes

Maximum: 8 per group.
Exceptions: Race Carve, Junior Race, Race Camps, Gap, Eurotest, Test Technique, maximum: 10 per group.
Adventure: Maximum group size varies depending on week. Please see the detailed itinerary for each trip.
One to One: As booked.

On-Snow Course Duration

Winter courses (except Backcountry, All Terrain Safari's & Adventure)
3 hours per day, Monday to Friday

Autumn, Summer & Spring courses
(One to One: as per winter times)
The course is for the duration the glacier is open
Autumn: approximately 9am to 2pm (with a break), Monday to Friday
Exceptions: Eurotest, Test Technique, Race Camps: 9am to 1pm (no break), Monday to Friday
Summer: approximately 8am to 1pm (with a break), Monday to Friday
Spring: approximate winter times (can vary), Monday to Friday

Exceptions:
Backcountry, All Day Safari's: all day, Monday to Friday with a break for lunch
Adventure: due to the nature of adventure trips and the diverse itineraries, course times vary. Please see the detailed itinerary for each trip.
Other Exceptions: on occasions we may run courses that do not fit into these times. If unsure please contact our office.

On-Snow Course Time, am or pm

On the ski courses that are for 3 hours per day Monday to Friday, each instructor runs two groups per day, morning and afternoon. We cannot guarantee whether your course will be in the morning or the afternoon. Your course times may also vary. Times will be confirmed at the welcome evening.

Welcome Evening

On the Sunday evening before the ski course starts we hold a welcome meeting. This is normally at 7pm in the hotel or chalet where the majority of the course participants are staying. The exact location and time will be shown on your booking confirmation. This is an opportunity to meet the instructors and/or mountain guides and chat about your skiing level and aspirations. The instructors and/or mountain guides will also chat about the course, meeting times and any other relevant information. Adventure trips will vary. If you cannot attend the welcome meeting please let one of the Snoworks representative know. Use the contact numbers shown towards the end of these booking conditions.

Off-Snow Activities

As part of the ski course we also provide some off-snow sessions in the form of technical chats and video analysis. The structure, duration and number of these sessions will vary from course to course.

Other Activities

Summer Courses

Other activities are available such as: river rafting, climbing, adventure parks, hydro speed and many other activities. These activities are booked and paid for by you, the client, direct with the service provider. The contract is between you and the service provider. Snoworks, our instructors and/or mountain guides working on behalf of Snoworks have no responsibility for these activities.

Some activities such as fitness training, volleyball, tennis, basketball etc are organised by the instructor running the course. You participate in these activities entirely at your own free will and accept that if you should be injured whilst participating in these activities it is your responsibility and will not hold either Snoworks or the instructor accountable.

Adventure Courses

On some of the Adventure trips other activities are included as part of the complete package. Using a skidoo or snowcat to ascend the slopes. Being transported by 4x4 to the slopes. Horseriding, whitewater rafting, tyrolean slide and other activities not listed here. Although these activities have been costed in as part of the package the contract for these activities will still be between you, the client, and the service provider. Snoworks, our instructors and/or mountain guides working on behalf of Snoworks have no responsibility for these activities. Should an injury occur whilst taking part in these other activities the contract is between you and the service provider and any dispute will be between you and the service provider.

Groups & Ability Level

At the welcome meeting we will gain an idea of your ski level, fitness, the speed you like to ski at and the slopes you like to tackle. We will then work out the groups for the week. Depending on the week we run between 1 to 6 groups and on some occasions more. For the first session we divide everyone into groups based on either the information you have provided us with or by our recollection of your ability level from the previous time you skied with us. We will often move people around for the second session onwards in order to make sure groups are compatible. If you would like to move groups into a faster or slower moving group or a group that is tackling easier or more difficult terrain there is normally the possibility of doing this. If moving groups means going above the maximum number as advertised then this will not be possible. If you ask to move groups but the instructor or mountain guide feels your level of ability will present a safety hazard if you switch groups then they will not be able to meet your request. The instructors or mountain guides working on behalf of Snoworks will have the final decision about which group you should ski in.

Mixed Level Ability Groups

On some weeks when we have fewer groups there is the likelihood that the group will contain a mixed level of ability. This may mean working more technically, waiting for slower members of a group, allowing faster members of the group to go ahead, group members working on different aspects of their skiing, group members tackling different terrain. If you are a stronger member of the group it is vital that you are supportive of slower members. Also if you are a slower member of the group then you must not let this affect your confidence. All the instructors and mountain guides are very skilled at developing performance whilst catering for variations in levels of ability. By booking a Snoworks ski course you will be accepting the possibility you may be in a group of a mixed level of ability and have to adjust your aspirations accordingly.

Skiing With Friends / Relations

If you are coming on a ski course with partners and/or friends who are a different skiing level you may find that the time of your ski course is different to theirs. On the half day courses we try to alternate groups so that you can ski at similar times at some point during the week, however we cannot guarantee this. If you are at different levels but would like to ski in the same group we may be able to accommodate this. It will mean that the more experienced members of your party will ski in the group with the less experienced members of your party. We can only accommodate this request if the group remains under the maximum number of clients per group as advertised.

Accepting Risk

By booking a Snoworks course you will be taking advantage of a huge amount of experience and expertise. The instructors who work on behalf of Snoworks are very skilled at developing performance as described on the Snoworks website. Both the instructors and mountain guides are well trained in the safety aspects of skiing in the mountains. They can advise, help and lead you. However skiing involves an element of risk, which you must accept as inherent to the sport. You must take responsibility over your own actions and decisions when skiing on the mountain either by yourself or within a Snoworks group. It is known that accidents do happen as part of skiing. By booking on a Snoworks ski course you will be accepting the risk involved and accepting that an accident may happen. You will also be responsible for deciding to take part in any activity whether an exercise, a particular technique, skiing a particular slope, skiing a particular speed or skiing particular snow textures. In race training you will also be accepting whether to ski a particular ‘course’ and what speed to ski at. Snoworks and the instructors and mountain guides working on behalf of Snoworks cannot be held responsible for accidents. If at any point you wish not to take part in an activity for any reason then you must let the instructor or mountain guide know immediately.

Individual Responsibility And The FIS Code Of Conduct

All skiers must ski in accordance with the ‘FIS Skiers' Code Of Conduct’. This is shown towards the later part of these booking conditions. Each member of the group has the responsibility to ski in accordance with these rules. Snoworks and the instructors and mountain guides working on behalf of Snoworks are not responsible for how each skier chooses to ski. If you are involved in an accident involving another member of the group, Snoworks and the instructor or mountain guide working on behalf of Snoworks cannot be held responsible. If an injury occurs due to a collision or incident with another member of the group then your dispute will be with the person involved in the incident and not Snoworks, the instructor or mountain guide.

On Snow Course Cancellation Due To Extreme Weather

Occasionally due to extreme weather conditions all the ski lifts in the resort may be closed. If we are unable to run our on-snow training we will supplement this with other off-snow activities. The off-snow activities may not be to the equivalent time that the ski course is advertised. We cannot give refunds for any on-snow time missed due to lift closure. Check your insurance policy as it may cover you for lift closure.

Travelling To Other Resorts Due To Lift Closure Or Poor Conditions

If, in extreme situations, there is a lack of snow in the resort you may need to travel to other nearby resorts with superior conditions. The costs of travelling to and from these resorts will need to be paid by each client. The instructor or mountain guide working on behalf of Snoworks will choose whether to travel to other resorts and should you choose not to do so you will forfeit the course.

Travelling Between Resorts

On some courses like the Adventure trips, All Terrain Safaris and Backcountry Courses and on occassions other Snoworks courses you may need to be transported between resorts and ski lifts. In this instance Snoworks is not reponsible for any accident that occurs due to the transport service. Should an accident occur your dispute will be directly with the service provider of the transport and not Snoworks.

Other Expenses

On some courses, for example Backcountry and Adventure, the group will be travelling far away from the original destination. Some itineraries and routes may end up away from the lift system. Taxis or local transport may need to be used to return to the original destination. In this event any expenses for transport will need to be met by you. On some courses you will be skiing from one valley to another or from one ski resort to another. It is possible that whilst you are in another valley or ski area away from your original destination that all ski lifts that link the area could close for one reason or another or you miss the last link available. In this case you will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred to either return by other means of transport to your original destination or stay overnight in alternative accommodation. Your insurance may cover this, please check.

Walking

On some courses, especially Off-Piste, Adventure and some All-Terrain courses, the instructor or mountain guide may plan routes to access certain runs and itineraries to access superior snow conditions and interesting terrain. These may involve an element of walking. If this is a planned route the instructor or mountain guide will inform you beforehand. If the majority of the group wish to take the planned ski route or itinerary and you choose not to, you will either have the option of joining another group that may be of a lower level, or if this is not possible you will have the option of opting out of this particular route. There will be no refund if you choose this option. The nature of off-piste skiing also means that snow texture and conditions are constantly changing from day to day and hour to hour. This means that routes often have to be amended whilst on the move due to snow conditions and safety. On occasions routes may have to be amended that involve an element of walking. When booking onto any ski course you must be aware that this may happen.

Opting Out

If you think you may opt out of a session for any reason please aim to do so before the start of the session and if possible let the instructor or mountain guide working on behalf of Snoworks or a Snoworks representative know beforehand. If you choose to opt out during a session, the instructor or mountain guide will lead you to a safe place from where you can opt out. From this point you will be accepting all responsibility for yourself. Should you have an accident returning to your original destination this will be your responsibility. In certain situations when safety is an issue the instructor or mountain guide will inform you that opting out is not advised until the group reaches a safe place. If you choose to go against this advice you may seriously endanger yourself and others that may have to be called to your rescue should you get into trouble. Should you choose to opt out you will be taking full responsibility for yourself.

Being Asked To Leave The Course

If the instructor or mountain guide feels that you are skiing or behaving in a manner that either endangers yourself, other members of the group or public or causes disruption within the group, the instructor or mountain guide will ask you to adjust your skiing and/or behaviour accordingly. Failure to do so could result in being asked to leave the course. In this situation no refunds will be given.

Safety Equipment

Off-Piste - Transceiver, Shovel, Probe, Backpack

On courses that involve off-piste skiing in certain areas and snow conditions, safety equipment must be carried. This involves wearing a transceiver and carrying a probe and shovel in a backpack. If you are booking onto a ski course involving off-piste skiing in these areas and you do not have this equipment we will provide it.

Using A Transciever - Companion Rescue

On all courses involving off piste skiing, using a transciever to locate a companion is essential. If you are not familiar with using a transciever the instructor or mountain guide will train you accordingly. You will be required to be able to use the transciever to locate a companion in a scenario situation within a certain time. Failure to be able to use the transciever to locate a companion within the specified time will mean you will be unable to join the group for off piste skiing until you can show competency as requested. Further training will be organised and once you can complete the requested profficiency test you will be able to rejoin the off piste course. In extreme cases where the client is unable to learn to use the safety equipment provided as requested then you will not be able to join the group for off piste skiing. Alternative arrangements will be organised however Snoworks will not be liable for any cost involved in making alternative arrangements.

Helmet: All Courses

We recommend the wearing of a safety helmet on all Snoworks ski courses. If you are a strong level 5 or level 6 and venturing into demanding terrain with hazards, failure to wear a helmet could affect the decision of the instructor or mountain guide to lead you into certain terrain. You may be required to move into a group that is venturing into less demanding terrain with less hazards.

Helmet: Race Courses & Gap

On all Race Courses including Race Carve, Race Camps, Junior Race, Eurotest, Test Technique and Gap, a helmet is obligatory.

Refunds

No refunds for missing course time can be given. In the event of Snoworks being unable to deliver the course as promised in the booking conditions, website and literature (for example due to staff illness or injury) we will refund on a pro rata basis any time missed or transfer missed time to a future course.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to make sure you have adequate insurance cover for the ski course you have booked on.

All Courses
Your insurance must cover you for off-piste skiing. Ideally if you are experienced you want your insurance to cover you off piste skiing unaccompanied. Check your policy.

Race Training
You may need special insurance for race training. Check your policy.

Adventure
Includes other optional activities such as: white water rafting, Tyrolean slides, horse riding etc.
Check your policy.

Summer Courses
You can book extra activities in the resort: whitewater rafting, hydro slide, climbing, mountain biking, adventure park, plus a host of other activities. Check your policy.

Gap
You need special insurance to cover you.

Recommended Insurance Brokers:

mpibrokers
Ski Club of Great Britain
carreneige

For Gap Insurance:
mindthegapyear.com

FIS Skiers Code of Conduct

It is the responsibility of every skier whether skiing by themselves or in a Snoworks group to adhere to the FIS skiers Code of Conduct as summarised below. Failure to do so, could lead to civil and criminal liability in the event of an accident. More detailed versions can be obtained from the FIS website.

1. Respect For Others
Skiers must behave in such a way that they do not endanger or prejudice others. Skiers are responsible for their behaviour and their equipment.
2. Control Of Speed and Skiing
Skiers must ski in control. They must adapt their speed and manner of skiing to their personal ability and to the prevailing conditions.
3. Choice Of Route
Skiers coming from behind must choose their route so as to not endanger skiers ahead. In other words, the skier in front/below always has priority.
4. Overtaking
Skiers may overtake other skiers above or below and to the right or the left, provided they leave enough space for the overtaken skier to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
5. Entering And Starting
Skiers entering a marked run or setting off must look up and down the run to make sure that they can do so without endangering themselves or others.
6. Stopping On The Piste
Unless absolutely necessary, skiers must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place the skier must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.
7. Climbing And Descending On Foot
Whether climbing or descending on foot, skiers must keep to the side of the piste.
8. Respect For Signs And Markings
Skiers must respect all signs and markings.
9. Assistance
At accidents all skiers are duty-bound to assist. Hit and run offences in skiing will incur a criminal conviction similar to hit and run offences on the road.
10. Identification
All skiers and witnesses, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

Complaints

If you have any complaints please speak directly to the instructor, mountain guide or a Snoworks representative immediately during your ski course. They will help rectify the problem as soon as possible if they can. Failure to speak with anyone during your stay could invalidate any complaint you may choose to make after your return. If you are still unsatisfied on your return please write directly to Snoworks.

Gap Courses

All the ‘Snoworks Ski Course Booking Conditions', the ‘Snoworks Other Services’ Booking Conditions’, information on the website and any emails and letters you have received form the basis of your contract. Please read all the information carefully and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Criteria For BASI Levels 1 & 2
The criteria for achieving the pass level at BASI levels 1 & 2 can be viewed on the official BASI website. If for any reason you do not achieve the required level, Snoworks or the instructors working on behalf of Snoworks cannot be held responsible.

Achieving BASI Level 1

If you are unsuccessful at achieving the BASI level 1, the Gap course will be adjusted accordingly so you may re-sit the level 1 towards the end of the Gap course but not the level 2. On certain occasions it may be possible to retake the level 1 at the start of the level 2 and progress directly to the level 2. This is a matter for BASI and not Snoworks to decide. Snoworks is not responsible for any extra fees incurred in re-sitting the BASI level 1 and taking the BASI level 2 outside of the Snoworks Gap course timetable advertised.

Achieving BASI Level 2

The BASI level 2 is held on the final two weeks of the Gap course. If you are unsuccessful at achieving the required level you can re-sit the level 2 at a later date. Course dates are advertised on the BASI website. It may still be possible to re-sit the level 2 and source work for the majority of the season. Snoworks is not responsible for any extra fees incurred outside of the advertised Snoworks Gap Course dates.

Completing All Criteria

There are many aspects to achieving the criteria for BASI level 1 and 2. If for any reason you are not able to complete the criteria as described on the official BASI website due to injury, illness or any other circumstances, Snoworks cannot be held responsible. No refunds can be given. Please make sure your insurance covers you for this eventuality.

Behaviour
The laws in France apply the same to residents as non-residents. Even if you are a resident in the UK you will still be expected to abide by any local laws in France including driving, drinking and social behaviour. Skiing is a dangerous activity and cannot be undertaken safely when under the influence or effect of alcohol or lack of sleep. Snoworks reserves the right to refuse to train any candidate in this situation. Missing training could affect your ability to achieve the required level for BASI level 1 & 2. In case of persistent neglect of the above, Snoworks reserves the right to ask you to leave the course with no refund available.

Snoworks And Your Personal data

This is Snoworks’ Privacy Statement. It sets out how we deal with your personal data.  If you have any queries about this statement, please contact us by email info@snoworks.co.uk

1. "Personal Data" is any data that identifies you. The Personal Data which you supply to us you agree will be true. We will deal with your Personal Data in compliance with the current UK Data Protection Act 1998. Please note this applies only to Snoworks, not to other companies' or organisations' websites to which we may link.

2. Personal Data will be collected, processed and used by Snoworks for the purposes of providing the Snoworks service to you and the other purposes mentioned below. Personal Data may also be processed and used by such other organisations on our behalf for the purpose of providing the Snoworks service to you. The use of information will remain under the control of Snoworks at all times and WILL NOT BE SHARED WITH OTHER COMPANIES not involved in the supply of Snoworks-related services.

3. We may also contact you via email, post and text message to make you aware of news and services that we consider may be of interest to you, but only if you have given us permission to do so. At the time of registration we asked you whether you would like to receive additional information about our products/services. If you decided to "opt in" to this service you may at any time thereafter choose to stop receiving this information by emailing us at info@snoworks.co.uk or writing to us at Snoworks, P.O. Box 100, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 3AN, UK

4. We may collect Personal Data about your usage of the Snoworks service in order to provide a service to meet your needs. However, the data will only be disclosed on an anonymous and aggregated basis not in a way in which you will be identified.

5. Calls. Please note that any telephone calls made to Snoworks may be recorded and/or monitored for training and data protection purposes.

6. Photographs & Video: Snoworks reserves the right to use photographs and video taken during the delivery of its courses and training for reproduction on the Snoworks website or in other Snoworks marketing communications, including but not limited to print or online, without further consideration, accreditation or compensation. Snoworks reserves the right to crop or treat the photographs/video at its discretion. Full names will not be used unless participants express their desire to be identified.

Emergency Telephone Contacts

UK Office
Dialing from UK 0844 543 0503; From abroad 0870 122 5549
Phil Smith 0033 684440748
Emma Carrick-Anderson 0033 680165348

Snoworks Ltd. registered in the UK Number 250125.

(Updated September 2011)