Skis and Boots

There are usually three categories of skis and boots available in most resorts. The below categories can be used for guidance, although skis will vary from resort to resort.

Adult Ski Categories:

• Blue: This standard category is a carving ski suitable for beginners and early intermediates.
• Red : This superior category is a carving ski which is usually only one season old or new this winter and is suitable for all keen intermediate skiers.
• Black: This advanced or VIPcategory is normally the highest grade of ski available to hire. These are carving skis, generally this season's new models, and are suitable for good intermediate/advanced skiers

Snowboard and Child Ski Categories:

Most resorts offer just one category of snowboard and child skis & boots which is usually "standard" equipment and free helmets are included for children in many resorts when equipment is pre-booked.

Lift Passes

Local Lift Pass: This is the pass that covers just the resort and perhaps one in the near vicinity. This will suffice if you are a Beginner or Improver skier or boarder.

Area Lift Pass : As the name implies this covers a larger Area that may well include quite a number of resorts. All will be inter-linked in the same area and will be suitable for the more experienced skiers and boarder. Sometimes, if the resort is on the border of another country, it will include lifts in both countries eg Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia in Italy.

Family Lift Pass: This is sometimes available for 2 adults, plus 1 or 2 children

Senior Citizens and Young People: Many lift companies offer senior citizen reductions similar to those given to youths. These can sometimes be pre-booked or may be purchased locally. Proof of age may be requested in resort (e.g. passport).

Non-Skiers Lift Pass; Special passes often exist for non-skiers that allow you to use the lifts to get around without skiing and visiting friends in the mountain restaurants.

Ski School

Separate classes are available for beginners and other grades. Tuition prices generally refer to 3, 4, 5 or 6 consecutive days but most people opt for the whole week or 6 days.

Some ski schools do not operate on a Sunday, therefore when travelling on a Saturday, one day’s ski school may be missed. However, we still advise that you pre-book a 6 day ticket, as the price we have negotiated is often cheaper than booking 5 one-day sessions locally. In some resorts the difference is made up by offering our clients a longer class duration.

Ski schools in some Austrian and Swiss resorts are closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Note on Helmets

Compulsory for children

It is now compulsory for children to wear helmets in certain countries, regions and resorts. This includes Italy (aged 14 and under), Slovenia and Norway (aged 13 and under)

In many resorts children are required to wear helmets when attending ski school, although in some resorts ski schools do not insist on it as most children's lessons are in designated children's skiing areas.

Many more adults are now opting for helmets to be safer on the slopes.

Example Costs

Here is a rough idea of 6 day costs for each ski essential you may need:

• Lift pass : £125 to £200
• Skis Blue £60-70, Red £70-80, Black £80-90
• Skis & Boots : Blue £65-85, Red £75-105, Black £85-120
• Ski and Board School £100-130

Board hire is often a little more expensive than Ski hire and there are often less categories.

A better idea of lift passes are to be found on the separate resort pages.

First Time Skier or Boarder Saver pack

This Saver pack is for complete novice skiers or boarders and will give you everything you need to for your first week on the slopes. This package includes:

• 6 day standard ski or board hire and boots
• Ski/board tuition
• Lift pass*

*Please note: Not all first time ski or board packages include lift passes for 6 days and you may be on nursery slopes near to the resort for the first day or two.

Improver ski/board Saver Packs

If you're no longer a first time skier but you are looking to improve your skills then this is the perfect deal for you. This package includes:

• 6 day ski or board hire plus boots
• Ski/board tuition
• Lift pass

Ski or Board Pack Bundles

To make your ski holiday even better value for money there are a number of ski and board pack bundles that will save you money rather than buying the elements individually eg.

• Lift pass + standard skis
• Lift pass + snowboard
• Lift pass + ski board/carriage
• Lift pass + intermediate skis

Please note that these Saver Packs are not available locally and must be pre-booked.

Ski Extra's - Special Promotions

Our specialist consultants will be able to advice you exactly where we have these special deals that could save you and your family or group a significant amount of money.