Chris - mountaintracks.co.uk

The Top of Europe

Summer in Grindelwald is an odd mix of frenetic Japanese tourists with a sprinkling of climbers and walkers. It was mine and Tim's meeting place for the planned week of bagging some classic Bernese Oberland Peaks. Despite the tourist chaos, Gridelwald's position nestled below the Eiger gives it great gravitas. Tim was blown away by the North Face's size and complexity which for me is nearly as intimidating as the Kleiner Scheidegg gift shop!

Next stop on our journey was to the 'Top Of Europe' via the Jungfraujoch Railway. As with most things in Switzerland it's eye-wateringly expensive but offset by the fact that it's a) spectacular and b) it saves you nearly 2000m of uphill! On the way up Tim and I made the most of the train stops to gawp at the view from the Eiger Nordwand window and a postage stamp sized Grindelwald below. We both had a chuckle about 'The Eiger Sanction', Tim promptly telling some tourists we were real Mountaineers unlike 'Clint Eastwood'.

Arriving at the Jungfraujoch the intoxicating smell of the curry (there's an Indian restaurant) mingles with the equally intoxicating views. Tim took a few snaps from the numerous viewing platforms then we headed down the chilly tunnels to the Jungfraufirn Glacier. The sheer enormity of the Bernese Oberland then hits you with panoramics of all the major peaks. We roped up and headed off up the easy track to the Monchjoch Hut (3627m). Tim took his time as day one at that altitude takes its toll on someone who's from Holland! Tim and I played along with the Dutch theme all week with Tim very keen to extoll the virtues of clogs, windmills and Amsterdams coffee shops!

We booked into the Monchjoch hut dumped some kit (including 6 litres of extra water as its about £12 a bottle in the hut) and headed of up our acclimatisation peak. Trugberg (3880m) is directly opposite the hut and its rocky ridge is great fun. Even though its only 250m of vertical from the hut a direct ascent along the ridge can be quite time-consuming. There is an easier way up the South-east flank but its a longer walk. This was Tim's first experience of Oberland rock and he soon realised its not like Chamonix granite and proceeded to pull off several holds along the ridge. (Note to oneself: treat the rock like Weetabix!) Standing on the North summit (3850m) we were treated to spectacular views with headaches to match. The summit's 360 degree panorama included all our week's objectives: the Monch (4107m), Jungfrau (4158m), Gross Fiescherhorn (4048m) and the Finsteraarhorn (4273m). Back at the hut we settled in for an evening of necking Ibuprofen, eating Rosti and drinking Weissbeer.

We both decided comfort mountaineering was the name of the game and trundled down for a leisurely breakfast a 7am. The Monch (4107m) is a great introduction to the area with some nice rocky climbing. On the tricky bits there are fixed spikes and pegs but it never really gets that hard. Having said this it's not easy as the guidebook suggest so treat the PD grade as given for it's relative short length and close proximity to civilisation. Conditions were perfect and starting from the hut we managed to miss the teams coming up on the first train. We summited at 11.30 and chilled out in the sun watching the ant like climbers following us up. Whilst descending the narrow summit ridge we had a few precarious moments passing other teams who weren't quite as confident balancing one foot in front of the other. Back to the hut for more Rosti, Weissbeer and Ibuprofen.

Day three and the Jungfrau (4158m) was firmly in our sights. Alas no comfort start today we were up for a 4am breakfast and off within an hour. The Jungfrau is a longer day with most of the difficulties on steep snow. An early start allowed us to avoid the slopes being a harrowing slushfest on descent. There were quite a few parties heading our way so the hut's boot room was the usual chaotic melange of people trying on the wrong boots and crampons! We managed to get a head start on most teams, roped up for the glacier and headed out into the darkness. There's something quite magical, frost crunching under your crampons and following the cone of light from your head torch with the backdrop of a thousand stars. Dawn arrived with an orange hue over the Aletchhorn, time for a drink and snack before the easy rock step. By the time we got to the Rottalsattel the sun was fully up and we could see the steep snow slope that guards the summit. Some years this snow slope can be very icy so the local guides fix steel stakes at 30m intervals. Tim and I puffed and panted up the steep slope but the steps were still frozen so we made rapid progress. After an hour we reached the easy summit rocks and relaxed taking in the vista and snapping a few pictures. I was keen to get down before the sun melted the track so we reversed our steps on the snow slope to the saddle. There we could relax as its pretty mellow below the Rottalsattel so we lounged around watching other teams. The frozen descent slope was now softening and a few teams were regretting not setting out earlier. I'm not sure what 'thank god for those metal spikes' is in Swiss German but there was plenty of shouting and random rope shenanigans going on!

Back in the Monchjoch hut we got an updated weather forecast and an afternoon power nap. The forecast looked mint so we decided to go for broke. We were both well acclimatised and feeling pretty strong so traversing from the Monchjoch hut early the next morning across the Ewigschneefeld or as we named it 'earwigs ski field' felt like a breeze. We ascended towards the Fieschersattel and then the fun began! Tim and I both looked at each other and then down into the black hole of a Bergschrund in front. I dropped all the coils I dared and shouted at Tim to keep the rope 'piano wire tight'. I managed to climb into and then out of the hole with some tentative moments on hollow snow to a sort of stance (ie bury an axe, dig a bucket seat, cross you fingers and hope no one falls in). Safely across we now had to negotiate the choss-filled gully up to the Fieschersattel. Its not far but after day one's 'Weetabix' experience Tim was well versed in the art of disposable holds and 'swarming'. This is a special technique used in those situations where you want to equally weight (or not weight) all the holds with several points of contact including the good old 'alpine knee'. I did mention to Tim at the top I'd only skied down it in winter and it was pretty solid then. Tim just shot me a glance which didn't mask his thoughts, 'Olly you're a muppet'!

After this much excitement we bailed on the Grosser Fieschhorn and made do with the Hinter. The descent down to the Finsteraarhorn hut is very long. I was acutely aware we had to keep our whits about us as the descent track is heavily crevassed and at one point threatened by serac fall. We had been on the go for 10 hours by the time we fell into the hut, desperate for a cup of tea and cake.

The Finsterarrhorn (4273m) is the biggest peak in the Oberland and our final objective. We both found it hard getting out of bed for a 3am breakfast. It's always a case of forcing stale bread and jam down with lots of coffee, a bit of tactical jiggling around then off to the loo before you put your harness on. Once we were out of the hut the 3 coffees and bitterly cold air soon woke us up. The first part of the route ascends a steep glacier and crosses a rocky spur onto another glacier. Tim and I were both firing on all cylinders now arriving at the Hugisattel just as the sun was rising over the Lauteraarhorn. From this saddle the route follows an exposed rocky ridge to the summit. It was pretty icy so we kept our crampons on to the summit. I was conscious of the time so we took a few pictures, admired the unparalleled views and then reversed the route in descent. Everything was going swimmingly until we reached the glacier above the hut. The sun had now reached furnace level overhead and the ascent tracks had melted out. Finding our way through the crevasse field was an absolute mission that wasted an hour of my patience and included the odd exciting moment where one of us would step through a slushy snow bridge and into the abyss. We both breathed a sigh of relief as we reached the easy rocks above the hut smug in the knowledge that most of the teams behind us were in for a tough time.

The final day was a long walk over the Grunhornlucke to the Konkordiaplatx and back to the Jungfraujoch. Tim and I were cursing in the midday sun as the glacier was frying us. At one point Tim started hallucinating about helicopter rides to Grindelwald or exiting down the Aletsch glacier to Fiesch. I assured him that the helicopter option was only possible if we engineered an accident and the second option walking to the cable car above Fiesch may involve a full knee replacement. We both ran out of water well before the top and quenched our thirst on 'snow lollies'.

On reaching the Jungfraujoch both of us downed a beer and proceeded to get the mother of all headaches. The joys of mountaineering, but what an amazing week!

FACT FILE

Flights
All these airports link seamlessly with Swiss public transport to the Grindelwald or Fiesch

Geneva Airport
Basel (Euroairport)
Zurich Airport

Start Points
Grindelwald (Junfraujoch Railway)
Fiesch (Cable Car) a long walk but cheap!

Huts
All huts take Swiss Francs and Euros (poor exchange rate) some take Credit Cards.
Monchjoch Hut (SAC)
Finsteraarhorn Hut (SAC)
Konkordia Hut (SAC)
Some of the huts 'might' allow you to stay in their winter rooms and cook for yourself.
Stealth Bivvying in the Jungfraujoch tunnels?!

Map
Swiss 1:50,000 Landeskarte (264 – Jungfrau)

Equipment
All the usual alpine kit including;
Mountaineering Axe
Mountaineering Crampons
Harness
50m single rope is useful
Helmet
Crevasse rescue kit
A few wires and a couple of cams
A couple of ice screws

If you would like a guided mountaineering trip similar to the above have a look at our Oberland 4000ers week.

Walkers and Trekkers can enjoy the scenery and trek across the spectacular glaciers without having to climb any peaks on our Bernese Oberland trek.

Winter Ski touring Equipment

The clothing and equipment you carry for winter backcountry skiing and ski touring is always a thorny subject with a vast array of kit on offer to baffle and confuse!

Remember the golden rule, ‘light is right’. Todays ski shops are awash with good quality, lightweight kit. The second rule is ‘be prepared for changing conditions’. During the ski touring season temperatures can be well below freezing in the mornings and reach double figures in the midday sun. Carry layers that allow you to adapt to the prevailing weather conditions.

Choose a good ski rucksack which concentrates all weight around the hip area. This prevents you overbalancing when turning downhill. Narrow tall climbing rucksacks aren’t ideal as they have a high centre of gravity. A secure way of attaching skis for carrying is also essential.

Your Mountain Guide will carry a rope, crevasse rescue equipment, map compass and other safety material. Your technical equipment should include a harness (with locking carabiner), ice axe, aluminium crampons (for advanced ski tours you'll need steel crampons), fitted skins, ski crampons, shovel, probe. We recommend a modern digital avalanche transceiver with new batteries.

Touring skis should be between 85mm and 100mm underfoot. Bindings can be either traditional 'Fritchi' or 'Dynafit' pin style. Ski Touring boots must have a walk mode and rubber sole. Poles ideally should be telescopic as I skin uphill with my poles at least 10cm longer than when skiing downhill. Don't forget large baskets on the end for pushing in soft snow.

Warm ski gloves can be supplemented with some thin, lightweight gloves for skinning with.

Pack a warm hat, sun hat and a pair of dark sunglasses. You must also carry ski googles with flat light lenses. Skiing in a white out without them is torture and dangerous.

Bring a water bottle (at least 1 litre and avoid 'Camelback' style systems as they freeze). Purchase a waterproof case for your money, passport, cards. A waterproof bag or stuff sack is essential to keep clothing dry in your rucksack.

For the huts, silk sleeping bag liner, ear plugs, toothbrush, wet wipes, suncream, lip block, book, ipod, and head torch. Some teabags and powdered milk is useful if you enjoy a proper cuppa! Snack food is a personal thing but I usually take some cereal bars, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and jelly sweets.

Clothing wise a lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers are essential for bad weather. I use a soft shell jacket, fleece top, thermal long sleeve top. If the weather is cold I’ll have an extra thermal top and trousers. A lightweight duvet jacket or extra fleece is always at the bottom of my rucksack just in case. Soft shell trousers are great for ski touring and if a multi day tour I will carry an clean pair of socks and thermal. Check out the Berghaus ‘Extrem’ range, it's excellent technical kit that will cover most bases both winter and summer.

Remember when packing, heavy or spare stuff goes at the bottom and light, regularly used stuff at the top or in pockets.

There you have it! Hopefully this has shed some light on the mystical art of packing your rucksack! If you would like any more advice on technical equipment then use the search function on our website to access in depth articles.

1. Light touring skis and bindings
2. Extendable ski poles (large baskets)
3. Ski rucksack around 35 litres (must have a way to carry your skis)
4. Minimum 1 litre water bottle
5. Ski touring boots with walk mode and rubber sole
6. First aid kit including, blister plasters, pain killers, zinc oxide tape
7. Sheet sleeping bag for hut nights
8. Camera with spare battery
9. Hut kit, toothbrush & paste, sun cream, lip salve, ear plugs, small head torch
10. A waterproof container with music player, book, phone and charger
11. Avalanche probe at least 2.5m long
12. Metal shovel
13. Harness and 1 locking carabiner
14. Sung glasses and low visibility goggles
15. Spares kit with, pole basket, skin wax, plastic scraper, pen knife, duct tape
16. Dry bag for all kit and waterproof container with valuables, passport, money
17. Transceiver with fresh batteries (must be a modern digital type)
18. Ski Crampons (cuteau)
19. Warm hat and sun hat
20. Snack food
21. Thin gloves for skinning in
22. Thick ski gloves
23. Two ski ties for joining skis when on your rucksack
24. Ski skins (please check they fit your skis)
25. Lightweight waterproof jacket and trouser
26. Lightweight duvet jacket
27. Soft shell jacket
28. Aluminium crampons (on some advanced tours steel ones may be needed)
29. Aluminium ice axe (on some tours a steel head may be needed)
30. Spare socks and thermal for multi day tours
31. Soft shell trousers (add some thermal leggings if the forecast is cold)
32. Long sleeve thermal and fleece jumper

Mother nature provides us with 5 warning signs of high avalanche risk.

All backcountry skiers should be on the look out for the presence of one or more of these signs. The more flags that are present, the higher the risk of an avalanche. The presence of these dangers doesn’t necessarily mean that off-piste skiing is cancelled for the day, but it will mean that your ski routes will need to be planned accordingly, with the risk firmly in mind.

Remember, aspect, altitude and time of day are critical variable when judging avalanche risk at a given place, so conditions which manifest in one location may be totally different to another location. Also timing is crucial, throughout the day avalanche risk can rise and fall dramatically with changing temperatures. This is especially the case in spring.

Here are the 5 red flags, remember them, and always be on the look out.

Recent avalanche activity. 

This simple rule is often overlooked! Evidence of recent avalanches, is an indisputable sign of instability. When making observations always take care to scan the whole of the visible landscape. If there is evidence of recent slides, take careful note of the aspect, altitude, type of avalanche (i.e. slab, wet snow slide, slough or layer failure). It is possible to gauge the age of the slide by examining the freshness of the debris.
As a general rule, if you see recent avalanche activity, the snowpack is unstable.

Cracking, Blocking or Whooping of the Snow Pack

Cracking and blocking indicate the presence of wind slab, which is an unstable form of snow. Wind slab is formed by the wind driving together the snow particles into a homogenous mass which can propagate over a wide area. Always be on the lookout for cracks under the skis. If you see extensive cracking or ‘shooting cracks’, this indicates extreme instability, so get off the slope.

A "whoomping" sounds coming from within the pack itself means that a weak layer is collapsing and that the snowpack is unstable. Usually this sound is triggered by the weight of the skier. This warning sign can be particularly relevant when there has been significant new snow on the top of an older pack which has turned ‘sugary’. Whoomping is a sure sign to stay off steep slopes.

Significant Snowfall in the last 24 Hours

New snow hasn’t had any time to bond or compact so is inherently unstable. In addition, a lot of avalanches are triggered by skiers on the first day after snowfall because people are keen to get fresh tracks in the new snow. The combination of significant new snow accompanied by wind is recipe for wind loading and instability.

It is also worth noting that significant rain on top of the snow raises the chances of wet snow slides.

Strong Winds

Unstable wind slabs are created by strong winds. Wind blown snow is compacted and bonded by the wind. If the wind is blowing or has blown recently it has probably created dangerous slabs and increased the avalanche danger. The wind is most relevant during or soon after significant snow. However wind slabs can still form at any time, due to the transportation of particles from the windward aspects to sheltered aspects. Wind slab deposits are usually found on the leeward or sheltered side of prominent terrain features such as ridges, peaks and passes. This is called ‘top loading’. But wind can also blow across a slope which is called ‘cross loading’. Wind slabs are usually found at higher elevations.

Temperature Rise

If the temperature is on the rise, then beware! Especially later in the ski season it will be cold powder skiing in the morning and then warm up significantly in the afternoon. Along with the rise in temperature comes rapid changes within the snow pack. Rising temperatures cause partial melting and lubrication within the snow structure. The snow becomes both heavier and more mobile. If temperatures rise significantly above zero then the snow becomes saturated and wet slides could occur. Rolling balls, and point releases all indicate wet unstable snow. It is worth noting that direct sunlight leads to a rapid temperature increase especially on southerly and westerly slopes even when the air (shade) temperature stays below zero.

Ski Safe

• What will happen if my trip will be cancelled because of the COVID-19

If Mountain Tracks has to cancel the holiday because of Covid-19, or a related or mutated version of Covid-19,  then we will refund the cost of the holiday that you paid to us. If you would prefer to transfer your deposit to another holiday, in this scenario all amendment fees would be waived.

• Will Mountain Tracks refund me if I must cancel my holiday due to showing COVID-19 symptoms a week or two prior to the trip commencing?

If you have to cancel the holiday then we will not be able to refund you as we will be liable to costs from suppliers but you may be able to make a claim on your insurance, we know many insurers will cover Covid-19 on a personal illness basis. We would suggest that you check this with your insurer at the time of or before booking your holiday with us.

• When will Mountain Tracks make the decision to potentially cancel a holiday due to COVID-19?

We are constantly monitoring regional and national regulations for all the countries that Mountain Tracks aim to visit this season. It is an ever-changing environment, so there is no set date as to when we would cancel a holiday.

We aim to review Covid regulations between 4 – 5 weeks before a trip's departure. If it is looking certain that a trip will not be running due to Covid then we will make the decision to cancel at this time. If it is still not clear if a country will be open for travel, then we may leave this decision until a few weeks before departure.

If there is a last-minute decision by the Government, a few days before your departure, and the FCDO advise against travel to the country you are due to be visiting, then we will once again cancel the holiday and provide you with a full refund on any money that has been paid to us.

• What will happen if I show COVID-19 symptoms whilst on my Mountain Tracks holiday?

In this case, you will have to isolate from the rest of the group, follow local guidelines and contact your insurer about medical treatment or repatriation if appropriate.

Please also ensure that you notify your Course Director and/or the Mountain Tracks HQ (via phone call or text from your place of isolation) and we will do our best to support where necessary.

• Which trips and courses are covered by Our Covid Promise?

All of our Mountain Tracks holidays and courses fall under Our Covid Promise.

• How do I find out more information about a particular trip?

By clicking on the tabs alongside 'Scheduled Trips' you'll find more information about a particular trip: on the right-hand side, you'll see what's required in terms of skills and stamina and equipment. Once you're booked on a trip we'll also send you an up to date briefing that details arrangements regarding travel and meeting up, required equipment and any other preparatory steps you should take to prepare for your Mountain Tracks holiday. If you've any questions please feel free to get in touch with us by email or phone: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or tel: +44 (0)20 8410 3449. You can also contact us on Skype: mountaintracks
You can pay for your trip through our website by credit or debit card and we can accept these methods over the phone.  We can also take payment by bank transfer. 

• What level of fitness should I have for one of your trips?

For each of the Mountain Tracks trips we outline a skill level and stamina level: you'll find this information at the trip level on the information bar. If you need more background to how we have devised our ratings on skill and stamina levels just click the levels to open a window to read a full description of them all.

• What type of people travel on Mountain Tracks trips?

Our clients come from a diverse range of different backgrounds and we have many that return year after year for the unique Mountain Tracks experience. Our group trips are a great way to meet others that share a love of the mountains. We offer a bespoke service too for clients that have a specific itinerary in mind that they'd like to schedule around their particular calendar - please do get in touch if you'd like us to discuss the options and devise a tailor-made trip especially for you.

• Is there an age limit on your trips?

No, Mountain Tracks does not operate any age restrictions on its trips. Most of our customers are aged between 30 and 65 - thus a wide range; we tend to have a mixture of ages on all of our trips. As long as you fulfil our skill and stamina levels for the trip you wish to join you'll enjoy your Mountain Tracks activities. Children under 16 years old should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

• What are the qualifications of your mountain guides and ski instructors?

All the Mountain Tracks guides are IFMGA-qualified, thereby ensuring you get the safest, most rewarding day out and the best routes and conditions the mountain has to offer. IFMGA mountain guides are the most highly qualified professionals, internationally recognised and uniquely trained - our guides are unmatched in their ability to find the optimum experience for our guests based on expert knowledge of local conditions: it's this expertise which guarantees our guides will make sure you get the very best from your trip.

Our ski instructors are all qualified to BASI Level 4 and have a wealth of experience teaching. They'll ensure you get the most from your off-piste skiing and provide the support and instruction you need to develop your technique.

• Can you facilitate clients on your trips travelling from North America?

We've had many clients travel with us from the United States and Canada to enjoy our trips in Europe and further afield. If you'd like to join us please do contact our office: we'll be happy to offer advice and provide guidance on making travel arrangements.

• I'm a solo traveller, can Mountain Tracks accommodate me on a trip?

Yes, we have many solo travellers on our scheduled trips and can also provide private guiding arrangements for those who have a particular objective in mind, or who would like to tailor a trip according to their calendar or schedule. On certain trips, solo travellers may have to pay a supplement if they wish to stay in their own room, while on others this arrangement may not be possible (depending upon the accommodation provided). We'll do everything possible to accommodate your needs, so just get in touch if you've any questions: we're always happy to help!

• What type of accommodation will I be staying in during my trip?

Accommodation on Mountain Tracks trips varies depending upon the activity. We select hotel accommodation that provides a welcoming service and comfortable surroundings in a suitable location for the trip activity. On certain trips such as our hut-to-hut ski tours, you'll be staying in mountain huts that offer more basic services. The high Alpine huts are one of the big attractions to mountaineering or trekking in the Alps. They allow us to enjoy the mountains with only light packs and without having to worry about meals or finding somewhere to sleep! Most huts have only very basic facilities. Sleeping arrangements are in mixed-sex dormitory-style rooms with bunks; there can be up to 20 people in one room. You can discover more about the accommodation on a specific trip by clicking on the 'Essential information' tab towards the bottom of each of our trip pages. If you've any questions please do drop us a line.

• Which of the trip arrangements will I have to arrange myself? Can Mountain Tracks assist?

On most trips, you'll need to make travel arrangements to get to the meeting place for the trip you're booked on as well as onward travel when you depart. We can provide suggestions as regards air, rail and coach travel depending upon the destination. We've also expertise in advising as to the local ground transportation for resort and airport drop-offs.

• I'm a vegetarian/vegan, can special diets be accommodated?

We've experience of ensuring that our guests with different dietary needs are looked after. Please get in touch with us and we can advise as to the possibilities based on the trips you are interested in: we'll do our best to help you!

At Mountain Tracks we recognize that travel and tourism has a significant impact on the environment and as tour operators we share a responsibility for developing programmes that minimize any adverse impact on the world’s diverse cultural and natural habitats whilst benefiting and empowering local communities.

We are conscious of our responsibility for ensuring the economic, social and environment aspects of our business actively support the global challenge of sustainable tourism and promote the interests of local communities.

Through our Responsible Tourism Policy we aim to develop quality products and services which:

• Maximize the positive and minimise the negative economic, environmental, and social impact of our trips
• Generate greater economic benefits for local communities by involving local people in our activities
• Provide our clients with a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
• Use resources sustainably, reduce waste and avoid over-consumption
• Help create better places for people to live in and for people to visit
• Support the conservation of natural and cultural heritage

39. OUR SKI CLUB HOLIDAY PACKAGES ARE PROTECTED

    ATOL PROTECTION No.2911

    The Ski Club of Great Britain’s holiday department, Ski Club Winter Arrangements Limited (2911) hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate Your Financial Protection When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

    ABTOT PROTECTION No.5064

    The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Ski Club Winter Arrangements Limited (5064), and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages and 2. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EEA, which are sold to customers outside of the EEA. ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EEA are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Ski Club Winter Arrangements. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company. You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here.

    BOOKING CONDITIONS

    All contracts in respect of these holidays are made with Ski Club Winter Arrangements Limited (Company Number 02099115, whose registered office is at Connect House, Alexandra Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 7JY) of which “Ski Club of Great Britain”, “Mountain Tracks” and “Ski Club Freshtracks” are trading names. All bookings are subject to these Booking Conditions and our “Holiday Information” document.
    

    SKI CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

    1. (a) Freshtracks: It is a condition of booking a Freshtracks holiday that you must be a member of the Ski Club of Great Britain to book these holidays. Membership numbers must be provided when the booking is made, as they are required to be stated on the booking confirmation. If you are not a current member at the time of booking, you will be asked to join/renew before confirmation of booking.
       (b) Mountain Tracks: When booking a Mountain Tracks holiday, you automatically become a Ski Club of Great Britain beginner digital member at no additional cost. This is an exclusive membership only available to Mountain Tracks clients.

    HOW TO BOOK

    2. Please follow carefully all the booking details and subsequent instructions. We shall not be liable for your failure to do so. You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of booking. The member who makes the booking is responsible for ensuring that these Booking Conditions are drawn to the attention of every person on whose behalf he/she has made a booking. We will only deal with that member in all subsequent correspondence and dealings. When you make a booking you are confirming that you understand these Booking Conditions and have the authority to accept, and do accept them on behalf of yourself and all members of your party. You are also responsible for making all payments due, ensuring the accuracy of all personal details and other information supplied in respect of yourself and your party, notifying us of any changes or cancellations and for receiving correspondence and keeping your party informed of any changes to your booking.
       3. Before the start of the package, we will provide you with the necessary receipts, vouchers and tickets, information on the scheduled times of departure and, where applicable, the deadline for check-in, as well as the scheduled times for intermediate stops, transport connections and arrival.
       4. Any special requirements notified to us by you, and that we have accepted, we will confirm in writing and they will form part of the Booking Conditions, until such time they do not form part of the contract between you and us.
       5. We will provide information enabling direct contact by a parent or another authorised/responsible person where an unaccompanied minor is travelling on the basis of a package travel contract which includes accommodation.

    MAKING A PAYMENT

    6. We accept, credit and debit cards (except Amex & Solo). This means that you may telephone your requirements for immediate booking. You will be sent a booking confirmation which must be checked carefully. In the event of any discrepancy, please raise any queries with us immediately. A non-refundable deposit of £300 per person will be payable at the time of booking. If you book within 10 weeks of the departure date the total cost of your holiday and that of your group must be submitted immediately.
       7. We reserve the right to vary the deposit and balance due date particularly for (though not limited to) holidays that include heli or cat skiing. We will inform you of these specific terms at the time of booking. Receipt of the deposit by us does not imply confirmation of that booking. No booking shall be confirmed or contract come into existence until we issue a written confirmation invoice along with the booking confirmation. We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason for such refusal and shall in that event return any deposit received to its sender.
       8. The balance of the total cost of the holiday as shown on our confirmation invoice must be paid at least 10 weeks before departure. The balance payment can be made by bank to bank transfer quoting your booking reference number or by credit and debit cards (except Amex & Solo). If the balance has not been paid by such a date, we reserve the right to cancel the booking within seven days thereafter and to retain the deposit by way of our cancellation charge. Any dispute as to the amounts shown in the invoice must be taken up with us within 48 hours of receipt of the invoice. Thereafter the person who made the booking guarantees payment to us in accordance with these Booking Conditions of the total amount shown on the invoice. For cancellation procedures see Section 5 below.
       

    AMENDMENT OR CANCELLATION BY YOU

    9. (i) Covid-19: This section remains in force throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but has been amended by paragraphs 17 to 19 (our “Covid-19 Policy”). In the event that any of the matters provided for in this paragraph 9 contradict our Covid-19 Policy then our Covid-19 policy shall prevail. Our Covid-19 Policy may be updated from time to time as the pandemic progresses.
       (ii) If you wish to alter or change any detail in the booking confirmation, or wish to make alternative arrangements to those advertised in the brochure, the request must be made at the time of booking or in writing as soon as possible. We will do our best to make the change but cannot guarantee to do so. Where a change can be made, a minimum charge of £30 per person is payable to cover administrative and other costs we incur in making the alternative arrangements. These further costs could increase closer to the departure date that changes are made. You will also be required to pay any additional costs arising from any alterations. Any transfer of a scheduled flight will also be subject to any charges imposed by the airline. Please note that airlines may not allow transfers on scheduled flights and that a flight booking may have to be cancelled and rebooked, in which event the rebooking will always be subject to flight availability and to payment of any charges imposed by the airline which may, in some cases, be the full cost of the ticket. Please also note that airlines and other transport providers normally regard name changes as a cancellation and re-booking, and any alteration may incur a 100% cancellation charge in respect of their fare.
       (iii) You may transfer your package travel holiday to another person who satisfies all of the conditions applicable to that package. In order to do so, you must give us notice in writing of your intention at least 7 days before the day the package is due to start. We will inform you of any additional fees, charges or other costs in relation to the transfer, all which must be reasonable and which will not exceed those actually incurred, and we will provide proof of those costs, if necessary. You and the person you are transferring the holiday to will both be liable to pay these transfer costs.
       (iv) You or any member of your party may cancel your holiday arrangements at any time. All cancellations must be received in writing, signed by the person who made the booking and acknowledged by us. However, if the holiday is cancelled up to 10 weeks before the departure date the deposits paid by you will be forfeited. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements the following cancellation charges will also be payable if the holiday is cancelled by you for whatever reason after the balance due date. Notice of cancellation before departure:
       Proportion of holiday cost payable
       70-43 days 30%
       42-31 days 50%
       30-0 days 100%
       (v) Freshtracks Course Only holidays. These bookings must be paid for in full at the time of booking. All cancellations must be received in writing, signed by the person who made the booking and acknowledged by us. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, all cancellations are subject to a £100 non-refundable fee. The following cancellation charges will be payable if the arrangements are cancelled by you for whatever reason. Notice of cancellation before departure:
       Proportion of holiday cost payable
       70-31 days 50%
       30-0 days 100%
       (vi) Ski Club Performance Series. All bookings on a Ski Club Performance Series course must be paid in full at the time of booking. All cancellations must be received in writing, signed by the person who made the booking and acknowledged by us. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, all cancellations are subject to a £100 non-refundable fee. The following cancellation charges will be payable if the arrangements are cancelled by you for whatever reason. Notice of cancellation before departure:
       Proportion of holiday cost payable
       31+ days 0%
       30 - 0 days 100%
       (vii) All cancellations must be received in writing, signed by the person who made the booking and acknowledged by us.
       (viii) You may terminate the contract in unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances without paying any termination fees and will be entitled to a full refund payable within 14 days, but you will not be entitled to any additional compensation. NB: An unavoidable and extraordinary circumstance means a situation at the destination beyond your control and the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples of some unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances for the purpose of this section include warfare, other serious security problems, risks to human health, or natural disasters which make it impossible to travel safely to the destination.
       (IX) Failure to pay the balance by the due date shall also entitle the Ski Club to cancel the booking and retain the deposit by way of a cancellation charge. Failure to pay any other amount by the due date shall entitle the Ski Club to cancel the booking and to retain an amount by way of a cancellation charge as set out in Clause 9(iii-iv). Cancellation charges due on heli-skiing holidays are according to each helicopter skiing operator’s booking conditions. These will be made known to you before you book.
       (X) We regret that we cannot provide you with a refund if you do not use any part of your holiday included in your package, such as unused coach travel, unused air tickets or on unused sections of other types of ticket, whether travel or otherwise, unless a refund can be obtained by us from the carrier or provider.

    PRICES

    10. (i) We reserve the right to alter the prices and any other information relevant to any of the holidays shown in our brochure or on our website. You will be advised of the current price of the holiday that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed.
        (ii) We may amend the price of your holiday after the contract is agreed, but only due to changes in transportation costs such as fuel or other power sources or changes in VAT or other government-imposed charges and currency changes in relation to an exchange rate variation. You also have the right to a price reduction if any of these costs decrease before the start of the holiday, minus any attributable administration fees. We will notify you in writing of any change in price at least 20 days before the start of the package, along with a calculation and justification for any change.
        (iii) In the case of any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your holiday arrangements (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges), this will be absorbed or retained. For larger variations between 2% and 8%, the first 2% will still be absorbed for increases but you will be required to pay any amount over and above that. In the latter case there will be an administration charge of £1 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission.
        (iv) However, if this increase is more than 8% of the total price of your holiday arrangements, we will inform you in writing and give you reasonable time to accept the change, if you do not respond we will send you a second notification. If after this second notification you still do not respond, we will terminate the contract and refund all payments within 14 days. Upon receiving notice of the increase, you may cancel your holiday arrangements and receive a full refund of all monies paid with no termination fees (and any applicable compensation for lack of conformity). If you wish to terminate the contract, we may also offer you a substitute package in place of the original package, and if this is of a lower cost we will provide an appropriate price deduction. If you do not wish to accept the substitute package, we will give you a full refund within 14 days of termination.
        Please note that holiday arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.
        (v) The prices of holidays in this brochure are calculated based on costs known at June 2020.

    SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS

    11. The majority of our holidays are priced and sold on a shared room basis and we will do our best to help individuals find a room sharer but this is not always possible. If, when rooming lists are finalised, there is an imbalance in numbers so that a sole occupancy supplement is incurred, this cost will be passed onto you. Please note that where individuals have been allocated or have specifically asked to share a room with another/other member(s), and one or more of the individuals in the allocated room cancels their holiday, we reserve the right to resell the cancelled place should we have the demand and you may therefore end up sharing a room with another individual.

    CHANGES AND CANCELLATION BY US

    12. (i) We reserve the right to change the terms of the package holiday before the start of the package. We will only make such changes if they are insignificant and if we inform you in writing.
        (ii) If circumstances beyond our control affect any of the main characteristics of the package or we can no longer fulfil the agreed special requirements, we will inform you of the fact in writing and give you a reasonable time to accept the change, if you do not respond we will send you a second notification. If after this second notification you still do not respond, we will terminate the contract and refund all payments within 14 days. Upon receiving notice of the change, you may accept the change or cancel your holiday arrangements and receive a full refund of all monies paid with no termination fees (and any applicable compensation for lack of conformity). If you wish to terminate the contract, we may also offer you a substitute package in place of the original package, and if this is of a lower cost, we will provide an appropriate price deduction. If you do not wish to accept the substitute package, we will give you a full refund within 14 days of termination.
        (iii) “Force majeure” means unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control or the control of our suppliers, the consequences of which neither we nor our suppliers could avoid even with all due care, including, but not limited to, epidemic or outbreaks of illness (including Covid-19), war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity or threat of it, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, drought, technical problems with transport, machinery or equipment, power failure, changes imposed by rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline, closure or congestion of airports or ports, and adverse weather conditions. If your holiday package is cancelled due to "force majeure" we will notify you without due delay and give you a full refund of any payments made for the package, or you can choose a credit note of the same value towards a future holiday. However, unfortunately we are unable to refund you for any elements of your trip not included in our package or give you any additional compensation.
        (iv) We reserve the right to cancel any holidays that are subject to a minimum number of participants where there are insufficient numbers or where we cannot perform the contract due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances and we notify you without undue delay before the package starts. We will not cancel your holiday less than 20 days before departure except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance, unless it is agreed with you. If it is necessary to cancel your travel arrangements, compensation will not be payable by us in the event of force majeure, your late or non-payment or where there are insufficient numbers to operate the holiday.
        V) Mountain Tracks: Our qualified Mountain Tracks IFMGA guides and BASI4 instructors will act as Course Directors. The Course Director may deem it necessary to change part or all of the itinerary if they believe that carrying on with the original itinerary could pose a risk to the safety of the group due to circumstances out of our control, including but not limited to the weather and snow conditions.
        

    HOLIDAY INSURANCE

    13. Valid and adequate travel insurance is mandatory across all of our holidays. It is your responsibility to ensure that your policy provides cover for all the activities that you participate in during your trip. The Ski Club insurance policy is an option but it is a condition of booking that all clients have insurance which provides at least the same level of cover as that of the Ski Club Travel Insurance policy as detailed on skiclubinsurance.co.uk. It is your responsibility to comply with the insurance company’s requirements and if you suffer from a disability or medical condition, you should disclose this to insurers. Your policy of insurance should provide cover for personal injury, death, medical and repatriation costs in the countries which you intend to visit, together with cover for loss of baggage and valuables, personal liability, delay, cancellation, curtailment, missed departure and legal expenses. Your policy of insurance should also include cover against losses caused by the effects or consequences of Covid-19. We also advise that your policy should include skiing off-piste without a guide. Insurance premiums must be paid at the same time as booking the holiday for cancellation cover to be effective. Please read the full policy wording carefully. Cancellation cover commences on payment of your premium; other sections of the cover apply during your holiday including the outward and return journeys. Please keep insurance details with you whilst on holiday. No liability will be accepted by the Ski Club of Great Britain for any members travelling without adequate insurance as defined in section 13. Please note that claims relating to COVID-19 vary between providers, please ensure you check your policy carefully before purchasing.
        

    OUR LIABILITY

    14. (i) We, as the organiser of your holiday, are responsible for the proper performance of all the travel services included within your holiday package. We do not own or manage the aircraft, ships, accommodation, restaurants, and other facilities used in conjunction with the holidays advertised in this brochure. We also arrange for other tour operators to run some holidays on our behalf. While we have exercised reasonable care in selecting tour operators, providers of travel, accommodation, restaurants and other facilities, we will not have had the opportunity to inspect and do not by our brochure or by our website represent that we have inspected such aircraft, ships, accommodation, restaurants or other facilities. However, we accept responsibility for our employees, agents, suppliers, and sub-contractors while acting within the course of their contractual duties and because of our obligations to you:
        (ii) If any of the travel services are not performed in accordance with these Booking Conditions, we will, within a reasonable time set by you, remedy the lack of conformity unless remedy is impossible or it entails disproportionate cost to us. You may also remedy the lack of conformity and are entitled to a reimbursement of the necessary expenses.
        (iii) If we are unable to remedy the lack of conformity within a reasonable time set by you due to impossibility or disproportionate cost, we will offer you an appropriate price reduction and compensation for any damage incurred as a result for any period where there is a lack of conformity (unless we believe the lack of conformity is attributable to you).
        (iv) We are not obliged to offer compensation for damages if we can prove that the lack of conformity is attributable to you, or to a third party unconnected with the travel services where unforeseeable or unavoidable or due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances.
        (v) If we are unable to provide a significant proportion of the agreed travel services as agreed we will offer you, at no extra cost, suitable alternative arrangements of, where possible, equivalent or higher quality than those specified in the contract. If we provide alternative arrangements of lower quality we will grant you an appropriate price reduction. If we cannot provide alternative arrangements or you reject those offered, you may be entitled to a price reductions or compensation for damages.
        (vi) If a lack of conformity substantially affects the performance of the package and we are unable to remedy the lack of conformity within the reasonable period, you may terminate the contract without paying a termination fee and you may be entitled to a price reduction, or compensation for damages.
        (vii) If (v) and (vi) above apply, and the travel services include carriage of passengers, we will also provide repatriation at no cost to you with equivalent transport without undue delay.
        (viii) If we are unable to ensure your return as agreed due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation for a period not exceeding 3 nights per traveller or for the period specified under the Union passenger rights legislation applicable to the relevant means of transport. This limitation does not apply to disabled, pregnant or unaccompanied minors as long as you let us know of their needs at least 48 hours before your holiday.
        15. Our liability (except in matters involving injury, illness or death) is limited to three times the total price of the package cost of the holiday (excluding insurance premium and amendment charges). If you or any member of your party is killed, injured or becomes ill as a result of transport by aircraft, ship, train, coach or any other vehicle, our liability to pay compensation and/or the amount of compensation we will pay is limited in accordance with the Montreal and Warsaw Conventions (applies to transport by air), the Athens Convention (applies to transport by ship), the Berne Convention (applies to transport by rail) and the Geneva Convention (applies to transport by road). The terms of these conventions are incorporated into and form part of your contract with us. You can get copies of the relevant conventions on request. You should note that these conventions may limit or remove the carrier’s liability to you and the amount which the carrier has to pay to you. Where the services are provided by air or sea carriers our liability is limited as if we were the carriers within the appropriate international conventions. Should any payment be made to you or any member of your party by us in any of the circumstances referred to under Clauses 14 , we reserve the right to have you assign to us any rights or claims against the person or organisation responsible for causing the illness, injury or death. You must also assist us and our insurers in pursuing any such claim. All claims must be notified immediately to us and confirmed in writing within 50 days. Any amounts recovered in excess of the payments made by us to you will be passed on to you after deduction of our costs. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability in the event of death or injury that occurs as a result of our negligence.
        16. We can accept no liability for:
        (i) failure to deliver special requests, where these have not been confirmed in writing to you;
        (ii) extra costs as a result of you missing a flight; or
        (iii) refusal of travel due to a missing or invalid passport or visa. For more information on passport and visa requirements, please see the Holiday Information documents;
        Iv) you failing to meet the fitness and skill level required for a holiday booked as indicated on the trips website. For the avoidance of any doubt the Course Director may in their sole discretion exclude you from any activity where you do not the required fitness or skill level.

    Covid-19 Policy:

    17. We both acknowledge the ongoing COVID-19 global crisis and accept our obligations to comply with any official guidance from governments or local authorities, both in the UK and whilst on holiday. Please note that we will have no liability for any refunds, compensation, costs, expenses or other losses of any kind incurred by you or any member of your party (including, where applicable, the cost of medical treatment or additional accommodation), in the following circumstances:
        (i) If you, or anyone in your booking party, tests positive for Covid-19 and are required to self-isolate or go into quarantine for a period of time, or are notified or otherwise become aware that you have, or suspect you may have, come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 (or where they otherwise suspect they may have Covid-19) and are required to self-isolate or go into quarantine for a period of time. You must immediately tell us should you suspect you have Covid-19 or its symptoms or have come into contact with someone who does prior to or during your holiday. You agree for us to share that information with any third party who reasonably should be told.
        
        If this happens within 14 days of your departure date, you must contact us as you may no longer be able to travel. At our sole discretion we will offer you one of the following options where possible and subject to availability:
        • Transferring your booking to a later date: We will notify you of any impact on the price the postponement may have (please note that you may have to pay full cancellation charges on some or all elements of your holiday, such as the flight, as well as any increase in cost imposed by other suppliers)
        • Cancelling your holiday: You will be deemed to have cancelled the holiday and our standard cancellation charges and conditions apply. You may be able to claim these costs back from your travel insurance.
        (ii) You fail any tests, checks or other measures imposed by a supplier, airline, port or airport, border control authority or other government body or local authority or fail to submit for testing or assessment when requested to do so, and as such you are denied entry to board the flight, entry to the destination, access to the services or you are otherwise unable to proceed with the holiday, or that portion of the holiday.
        18. You also acknowledge that the suppliers providing your holiday, including airlines, hotels and excursion providers, will need to comply with national and/or local guidance and requirements relating to Covid-19, and have implemented certain measures as a result. This will likely include specific requirements regarding personal protective equipment, such as use of face-masks by staff (and you may be required to wear a face-mask as well), social distancing, maximum number restrictions on the use of certain facilities, designated alternative entrance and exit routes, mandatory hand sanitisation, limited entertainment options (such as spa and bar facilities) and limited food/drink availability. We do not expect these measures to have a significant impact on your enjoyment of the holiday and all measures will be taken with the purpose of securing your safety and those around you. You will not be entitled to any refund or compensation in respect of any measures taken in connection with your holiday in respect of Covid-19.
        19. We will not be responsible for covering the cost of any curtailment of your holiday, missed transport arrangements, additional accommodation required, or other associated costs incurred by you. You must ensure you have travel insurance which indemnifies you for these costs. It is a condition of you booking your holiday with us that you obtain travel insurance which includes cover against losses caused by the effects or consequences of Covid-19. Before departing on holiday, we strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with any Covid-19 rules and restrictions to travel imposed by your government and of those rules and restrictions imposed by the authorities of your holiday destination. You acknowledge that rules regulations and restrictions to travel can be imposed at short notice. You also acknowledge that as a result of the impact of Covid-19 hotels ski slopes shops and restaurants may close at short notice and your holiday may be affected.

    PROBLEMS NOT CONNECTED TO OUR HOLIDAY PACKAGE

    20. Should any member of your party suffer illness, injury or death through misadventure arising out of an activity which does not form part of the holiday package we have arranged for you, we cannot accept liability. We are obliged to provide assistance to you should you be in difficulty. This is another area where it is important to have adequate holiday insurance cover. We may provide you with information on our website, in our brochure or when you are on holiday about activities and excursions which are available in the area you are visiting but which you cannot book with us in the UK and which are not part of your holiday arrangements. We have no involvement in any such activities or excursions which are neither run, supervised or controlled by us. They are provided by local operators or other third parties and we cannot accept any liability in relation to such activities or excursions.

    TRANSPORTATION

    21. As set out in Clause 14 above, transportation on aircraft, coaches, trains or ships is subject to the conditions of carriage of the carrier, some of which may limit or exclude liability. These conditions are often the subject of international agreement between countries and copies of the conditions which apply to your holiday journey and will normally be found on the carrier’s tickets. They are available prior to that time from our office. Under EU Regulation 261/2004 you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However, reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us.

    LUGGAGE, SKIS AND EQUIPMENT

    22. All luggage, skis, snowboards, boots, equipment and other personal effects shall be at all times and in all circumstances the owner’s own responsibility and taken on holiday at the owner’s risk. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage or delay to your luggage and effects unless directly caused by the negligence of one of our employees. In the event that damage is caused to baggage while in transit with airlines, or at airports this must be reported immediately to the airline or their representatives and a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) form completed by the airline or their representative. This must be completed before leaving the airport. It will not be possible to make a claim against an airline if the damage is discovered after leaving the airport and we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or damage or delay to luggage.

    COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

    23. (i) Freshtracks: We hope you will not experience any problems with your holiday. If you do, however, you must take it up with your Club Representative without undue delay so that we can attempt to solve it at once. If the problem cannot be resolved in a short time your Representative will complete a complaint form, which you will be asked to sign to ensure that it sets out your full complaint properly and which we undertake to investigate as soon as possible and report back to you. If you are unhappy with the outcome of our investigation you must put this in writing to us within 28 days of the end of your holiday.
        (ii) Mountain Tracks: If you have a complaint you should inform the Course Director or another Mountain Tracks representative as soon as possible so that they have an opportunity to take appropriate action on the spot. If after the trip is completed, you feel that your complaint has not been properly dealt with you must notify us in writing within 28 days of its scheduled completion. We will then try to reach an agreement with you.
        (iii) Your failure to comply with this complaints procedure may deprive us of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst on holiday and may affect your rights under this contract.
        24. You can also refer your complaint to an alternative dispute resolution entity who can help resolve consumer disputes and whose decisions are binding on us. For more details, please contact us using the details in Clause 37.

    GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

    25. These terms are governed by English law. Any claim or dispute arising out of these terms (including non-contractual disputes or claims) is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

    FOR YOUR PROTECTION

    26. We provide full financial protection for our package holidays. For flight based holidays this is through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence No. 2911. 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. When you buy a package holiday which does not include a flight, protection is provided by a bond held by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Ltd, Membership No. 5064. We will provide you with the services you have bought (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we are not able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the service you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

    DATA PROTECTION

    27. Information about you and members of your party, including your names, contact details and any special needs, disabilities or dietary requirements is collected by us when you request information or make a booking with us. You are responsible for ensuring that other members of your party are aware of our booking conditions and privacy policy and that they consent to your acting on their behalf in your dealings with us. We may disclose this information to our service providers (who may be located outside the UK /EEA) for the purpose of providing you with your travel and holiday arrangements. Only information necessary for this purpose will be disclosed to them. In the case of air travel, it may be mandatory for us to disclose information for security and anti-terrorism purposes or other purposes imposed on us by governments or airlines.
        28. We may use your information for the purposes set out in our data protection registration at the Information Commissioner’s Office. We may disclose your information to companies who act as data processors on our behalf in order to fulfil your booking contract. Some information, for example relating to your religion or health, may be “sensitive personal data” within the meaning of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We need this information to cater for your needs (e.g. dietary or medical requirements), but it is collected on condition that we have your positive consent. If you do not agree to our use of your information, we cannot accept your booking. By making a booking with us, you agree to allow your insurers, their agents and medical staff to disclose relevant information to us in circumstances where we may need to act in the interests of everyone in the group with whom you are travelling (For example, if you contract an infectious illness whilst on holiday, we may immediately need to make special arrangements for you and ensure that you do not return with the group). From time to time we may contact you by post with information about our services and products. If you do not wish to receive such information, please change your communication preferences in the ‘My Ski Locker’ section of www.skiclub.co.uk or contact us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
        29. Data protection laws grant you, as a Data Subject, certain ‘information rights’, which are summarised below:
        Right of access - You have the right to obtain a copy of information we hold about you.
        Right of rectification or erasure - If you feel that any data that we hold about you is inaccurate, you have the right to ask us to correct or rectify it. You also have a right to ask us to erase information about you where you can demonstrate that the data we hold is no longer needed by us, or if you withdraw the consent upon which our processing is based, or if you feel that we are unlawfully processing your data. Please note that we may be entitled to retain your personal data despite your request, for example if we are under a separate legal obligation to retain it. Your right of rectification and erasure extends to anyone we have disclosed your personal information to and we will take all reasonable steps to inform those with whom we have shared their data about your request for erasure.
        Right to restriction of processing - You have a right to request that we refrain from processing your data where you contest its accuracy, or the processing is unlawful and you have opposed its erasure, or where we do not need to hold your data any longer but you need us to in order to establish, exercise or defend any legal claims, or we are in dispute about the legality of our processing your personal data.
        Right to Portability - You have a right to receive any personal data that you have provided to us in order to transfer it onto another data controller where the processing is based on consent and is carried out by automated means. This is called a data portability request.
        Right to Object - You have a right to object to our processing your personal data where the basis of the processing is our legitimate interests including but not limited to direct marketing and profiling.
        Right to Withdraw Consent - You have the right to withdraw your consent for the processing of your personal data where the processing is based on consent.
        Right of Complaint - You also have the right to lodge a complaint about any aspect of how we are handling your data with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, which can be contacted at www.ico.org.uk.
        Right to Opt-out of Marketing Communications - You have the right to opt-out of marketing communications we send to you at any time. You can exercise this right by clicking on the “unsubscribe” or “opt-out” link in the marketing emails we send you.
        Any Data Subject Access Requests or Data Removal requests should made in writing or e-mail. You may be charged an administration fee for this. Any request should be addressed to Data Compliance, The Ski Club of Great Britain, Connect House, 133-137 Alexandra Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7JY.
        For full Privacy Policy terms please visit /privacy-policy .

    ACCURACY OF HOLIDAY DESCRIPTIONS

    30. Care has been taken in the planning and production of the holiday descriptions so that you may obtain an accurate picture of the holiday of your choice. Nevertheless, there may be times when an advertised facility is either modified or not available due to, for example, adverse weather conditions or insufficient bookings or other factors beyond our control. We therefore reserve the right to alter or vary the content of the brochure or our website at any time.

    YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

    31. By booking a holiday with us you undertake to deport yourself in a safe and orderly fashion and not to disrupt the enjoyment of others on holiday with you nor to prejudice the reputation of the Ski Club of Great Britain with the owners of the accommodation or the suppliers involved in the agreement. Most people go on holiday for rest and relaxation, so if in our reasonable opinion or that of any airline pilot, hotel manager, tour leader, or other person in authority, your behaviour is causing danger, damage to property or persistently affecting the enjoyment of others, we reserve the right to terminate your holiday. Should this happen, we shall not be under any obligation whatsoever to pay compensation or meet any costs or expenses (including but not limited to alternative accommodation and return transportation arrangements) you may incur as a result of your travel arrangements being terminated. Also, we will be entitled to recover compensation for any damage caused from the offending party and/or the person who signed the booking form in the event a resulting claim is made against us by a third party. If the Captain of your flight reasonably believes that you could be a danger or disruptive, he can refuse to let you on the flight. If this means that you are not allowed to board the flight, we will treat your booking as cancelled from that moment, and you will have to pay full cancellation charges. We will not be liable to pay you any compensation. We cannot accept liability for the behaviour of others in your accommodation or on your flight, nor if any facilities are removed as a result of their actions.

    OUR HOLIDAY REPRESENTATIVES

    32. Freshtracks: The day-to-day organisation of the holiday in the resort is undertaken by the volunteer Ski Club Representative and they have been asked to make sure the arrangements made are the best, in their opinion, for the group as a whole.
        31. Mountain Tracks: Our qualified Mountain Tracks IFMGA guides and BASI4 instructors will act as Course Directors on our Mountain Tracks trips and are permitted to make decisions in the interest of the group as a whole's safety and enjoyment.
        33. Any Member wishing to ski/snowboard with the Club agrees to follow the FIS rules of conduct and the following:
        (i) You must ensure that your equipment is in good working order before setting off for the day and that you are suitably clothed for the proposed itinerary and all possible weather conditions. You must decide whether or not a particular run or route is within your competence.
        (ii) It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you are suitably insured for the activities intended to be undertaken. You are responsible for your own safety, and you must be aware of the safety of other group members. Skiing is an inherently risky sport and you must be physically fit and have sufficient skill and experience to enable you to participate without risk to yourself or the safety of others. If you are unable to effect linked snowplough turns competently or if your level of fitness and/or ability does not appear to conform to that of the rest of the group, you will be asked to join the local ski school at your own expense or will be asked to make your own skiing arrangements.
        34. No refunds or compensation will be paid in these circumstances. At the end of each holiday every member will be issued with a Club profile which will be recorded on the Ski Club membership database.

    SAFETY

    35. Skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports can be dangerous. When skiing off piste or ski touring there may be an element of increased risk. You must be competent and fit enough to undertake these sports and you must take all reasonable precautions for your own safety and the safety of any children for whom you are responsible. You must ensure that your equipment is in good working order and that you are suitably clothed for a day’s skiing or snowboarding. Children should wear proper helmets at all times when they are participating in winter sports. When venturing off piste it is advisable to wear an avalanche transceiver. These are provided for and should be worn by every person on every All Mountain, Off Piste and Touring holiday. All members on all these holidays will be expected to provide their own backpack shovel and probe. It is your responsibility to ensure the equipment is in good working order for the duration of the trip and is returned to your Ski Club Representative at the end of your stay. Unless you are accompanied by a professional mountain guide or ski instructor, you must use your own judgement when deciding which route to follow. When you are skiing under the guidance of a professional mountain guide or ski instructor organised through the Ski Club you should follow their reasonable instructions. In the event that you feel that any route is beyond your capability to ski safely, you must inform the Ski Club Representative, mountain guide or ski instructor immediately. You must accept that Ski Club Representatives, mountain guides and ski instructors have the right to prevent you from participating in any programme organised by the Ski Club if, in their reasonable opinion, you cannot participate safely because your standard of skiing or fitness is inadequate, or your conduct may present a danger to others. Neither the Ski Club of Great Britain nor Ski Club Winter Arrangements Limited has any liability to you in these circumstances. Safety standards in many foreign countries may be lower than those taken for granted at home. While hotels and facilities should meet local safety regulations these rarely match UK standards which are amongst the highest in the world. We do not inspect the safety of ski lifts, ski runs and so on. These are operated locally and do not form part of your package with us.

    SNOW AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

    36. We cannot accept responsibility for the snow or weather conditions experienced during your holiday with the Ski Club of Great Britain. Where we have used the word ‘powder’ in the description of your holiday, we will endeavour to find the best available snow, but if conditions are such that no powder is available (for weather or safety reasons) we accept no responsibility. Nor do we offer a snow guarantee, but we have specially chosen resorts with good snow records.

    DATES OF VALIDITY OF BROCHURE

    37. This brochure is valid between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021.

    CASH DECLARATION

    38. Please note that, as part of the fight against terrorism, international crime and money laundering, EU Regulation (EC) No 1889/2005 requires all passengers entering or leaving the European Union through its external control points with €10,000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies or easily convertible assets – e.g. bonds, shares, traveller’s cheques etc.) to declare the sum to the customs authorities of the Member State which he/she is entering or leaving. If you are likely to need to make a declaration under this regulation please contact the HM Revenue & Customs National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk for further information on how to comply.

    CONTACTING US

    39. Should you need to request assistance or find yourself in difficulty or if you would like to complain about any lack of conformity perceived during your holiday with us, please contact us at:
        
        Ski Club Freshtracks / Ski Club Mountain Tracks
        Connect House
        133-137 Alexandra Road
        Wimbledon SW19 7JY
        Tel 020 8410 2022
        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Scope

This document provides you with information about how Mountain Tracks are handling, or are intending to handle, your personal information:

If you are aged 16 or under, please obtain your parent/guardian’s permission before you provide any personal information to us.

About us

Mountain Tracks are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy and complying with the principles of applicable data protection laws. This notice sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us. Please read the following carefully to understand our views and practices regarding your personal data and how we will treat it. The data controller of the personal data referred to in this policy is the Ski Club of Great Britain Limited - parent company of Mountain Tracks - Connect House, 133-137 Alexandra Road, Wimbledon, London, UK, SW19 7JY.

Collection of personal data

Mountain Tracks may collect and/or create or otherwise obtain and process the following data about you:

• Information about you, that you provide by filling in forms while registering for activities, travel insurance, holidays, communications and competitions on our website.
  Mountain Tracks websites–
  • mountaintracks.co.uk

This includes:

• Information provided at the time of registering to use our websites, subscribing to our communications, entering competitions, booking onto Mountain Tracks holidays, purchasing insurance products or requesting further services.
• Information from your social media accounts but only where you have given us permission to use it. For example, posts, pictures and video footage you share on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• We may also ask you for information when you report a problem or make a complaint and, if you contact us, we may keep a record of that correspondence.
• We may also ask you to complete optional surveys that we use for research purposes and to provide you with a more relevant customer experience.
• Details of when you digitally interact with Mountain Tracks via our websites and other digital channels and the resources that you access which may include the use of cookies (subject to our Cookie policy below).
• Information about emails and other communications we have sent to you and your interaction with them.
• Information from third parties where you consent to those other organisations sharing information they hold on you with us, and where those other organisations lawfully share your information with us.

How we use your information and the basis of processing

Mountain Tracks will use your personal information to:

• Ensure that content from our websites is presented in the most effective manner;
• Authenticate you when you register;
• Carry out our obligations arising from any contracts entered into between you and Mountain Tracks;
• Provide you with information, products or services that you request from Mountain Tracks or which we feel may interest you, where we are legally entitled to do so;
• Notify you about changes to our services;
• To gather statistics about bookings and people interested in mountain sports, or:
• To segment your personal data to make sure that you only receive information that is relevant to you. For example, if you request trip details for a particular product.

Mountain Tracks will not use any of the personal information we collect from you to make automated business decisions.

The legal basis on which we collect and process the personal data described above depends on the personal information concerned and the specific context in which we collect it. However, we will only use your personal information where we:

• Have your consent to do so;
• Need the personal data to perform a contract with you;
• Need to process your personal information for our legitimate interests and only where our legitimate interests are not overridden by your data protection interests or fundamental rights and freedoms;
• Have a legal obligation to collect personal information from you; or
• Need the personal information protect your vital interests or those of another person.

If we ask you to provide personal information to comply with a legal requirement or to perform a contract with you, we will make this clear at the relevant time, and advise you whether the provision of your personal information is mandatory or not (as well as the possible consequences if you do not provide your personal information).

Information security

Mountain Tracks will take all steps reasonably necessary including policies, procedures and security features to ensure that your data is treated securely and protected from unauthorised and unlawful access and/or use, and in accordance with this notice. Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure and, although we will do our best to protect your personal data transmitted to us via the internet, we cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted to our websites from your device. Any transmission is at your own risk.

Where we have given you (or where you have chosen) a password which enables you to access certain parts of the websites, you are responsible for keeping this password confidential. We ask you not to share such a password with anyone.

Where any payments are being collected on our behalf, we require our payment providers to be compliant with the Payment Card Industry’s Data Security standards (PCI-DSS).

Recipients of personal data

We will share information about you with some of our suppliers who process data on our behalf to help us to provide services to you. We undertake this data sharing on the basis of our legitimate interests.

Categories of organisation and purpose

• Database hosting companies - to host Mountain Tracks digital platforms (e.g. Mountain Tracks website) and associated customer databases to enable customers to log in and interact with the websites.
• Email broadcasting companies - to send emails to our customers.
• Mailing houses - to send products and benefits to our customers that are not directly produced by Mountain Tracks (e.g. brochures).
• Mountain Tracks partners – delivering services on behalf of the Mountain Tracks (e.g. insurance underwriters, guiding companies, travel companies) to manage Mountain Tracks activities or products and communicate with participants.

International transfer of personal data

We do not envisage transferring any information about or relating to individuals to anyone who is located outside of the European Economic Area except for bookings related to Mountain Tracks holidays.

However, on some occasions, the information we collect may be transferred to organisations who may store and use such data at premises in other countries. Where we allow an organisation to process your personal information outside of the European Economic Area, we will ensure that we create and maintain appropriate safeguards with those organisations so that your personal information is subject to the same standards and protections as when we are processing your personal information inside the European Economic Area.

Data retention period

We will hold information about you in our data systems only for as long as we need it for the purpose for which we collected it, which is as follows:

• As long as you continue to log into our websites or use our services (including engaging with emails, booking holidays or guiding, or downloading content) we will retain and process information about you. In such cases, you will be considered to be an ‘active’ customer. If you have not been ‘active’ as a customer for a period of six years, Mountain Tracks will deactivate your customer account and anonymise any personal data relating to you.
• Personal data linked to the processing of insurance claims, subject access requests, disputes, safeguarding investigations, disciplinary or police matters will only be kept for as long as it necessary for those purposes, as each is applicable.

IP addresses and cookies

We may collect information about your computer, including where available your IP address, operating system and browser type, for system administration and to report aggregate information to our advertisers. This is statistical data about our users' browsing actions and patterns and does not identify any individual.

For the same reason, we may obtain information about your general internet usage by using cookie files stored on the hard drive of your computer. Cookies contain information that is transferred to your computer's hard drive.

In addition to the above we use third party cookies and pixels to advertise Mountain Tracks and our products across the internet (for example via Google AdWords Remarketing and other services). Remarketing will display relevant adverts tailored to you based on what parts of the Mountain Tracks websites you have viewed by placing a cookie on your machine. This does not in any way identify you or give access to your computer. Remarketing allows us to tailor our marketing to better suit your needs and only display adverts that are relevant to you.

You may refuse to accept cookies by activating the setting on your browser which allows you to refuse the setting of cookies. However, if you select this setting you may be unable to access certain parts of the sites unless you have adjusted your browser setting so that it will refuse cookies, our system will issue cookies when you log on to the sites. 

Please note that our advertisers may also use cookies, over which we have no control.

In addition to cookies, Mountain Tracks records the activity of users signed in to our websites in order to help us improve your customer experience and provide you with support.

Below is a list of all the cookies that run across the Mountain Tracks website.

The data subject’s rights

Data protection laws grant you, as a Data Subject, certain ‘information rights’, which are summarised below:

• Right of access - You have the right to obtain a copy of information we hold about you.
• Right of rectification or erasure - If you feel that any data that we hold about you is inaccurate, you have the right to ask us to correct or rectify it. You also have a right to ask us to erase information about you where you can demonstrate that the data we hold is no longer needed by us, or if you withdraw the consent upon which our processing is based, or if you feel that we are unlawfully processing your data. Please note that we may be entitled to retain your personal data despite your request, for example if we are under a separate legal obligation to retain it. Your right of rectification and erasure extends to anyone we have disclosed your personal information to and we will take all reasonable steps to inform those with whom we have shared their data about your request for erasure.
• Right to restriction of processing - You have a right to request that we refrain from processing your data where you contest its accuracy, or the processing is unlawful and you have opposed its erasure, or where we do not need to hold your data any longer but you need us to in order to establish, exercise or defend any legal claims, or we are in dispute about the legality of our processing your personal data.
• Right to Portability - You have a right to receive any personal data that you have provided to us in order to transfer it onto another data controller where the processing is based on consent and is carried out by automated means. This is called a data portability request.
• Right to Object - You have a right to object to our processing your personal data where the basis of the processing is our legitimate interests including but not limited to direct marketing and profiling.
• Right to Withdraw Consent - You have the right to withdraw your consent for the processing of your personal data where the processing is based on consent.
• Right of Complaint - You also have the right to lodge a complaint about any aspect of how we are handling your data with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, which can be contacted at www.ico.org.uk.
• Right to Opt-out of Marketing Communications - You have the right to opt-out of marketing communications we send to you at any time. You can exercise this right by clicking on the “unsubscribe” or “opt-out” link in the marketing emails we send you. To opt out of other forms of marketing (such as postal marketing or telemarketing), then please contact us using the contact details provided below.

Changes to our privacy policy

Any changes we may make to our Privacy Notice in the future will be posted on this page and, where appropriate, notified to you by date-stamped communication.

How to contact us

If you wish to contact us about your personal data or exercise any of the rights described above please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mountain Tracks, Connect House, 133-137 Alexandra Road, Wimbledon, London, U.K. SW19 7JY