Accommodation & Transport Safety

Accommodation

The safety of everyone on your ski trip is our primary focus here at SkiBound. We have an effective auditing process in place to manage all of the various accommodation styles we feature within our SkiBound programme. All units must undergo either a standard audit (if not used frequently), or undergo a rigorous full audit carried out by a member of auditing personnel. Both audit types are completed at regular interim periods in order to ensure our high expectations for quality and safety are maintained at all times. 

Our Health and Safety Audits are undertaken using the School Travel Forum Safety Management Standards, and the protocols set out by the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and developed by leading independent consultants. You can find out more details on these protocols on the STF and FTO websites. 

There are a number of measures we use to ensure the quality of accommodation in our SkiBound programme. These include emergency procedures, in-house fire precautions, hygiene, levels, guest security, general safety, electrical safety, staff training and awareness, medical facilities, and quality of ski equipment. If an accommodation unit is considered to no longer meet our high standards of quality control after being assessed by our trained Health and Safety advisors, it will be removed from our SkiBound programme and alternatives will be sourced that meet our expectations.

To find out more about rooming allocation, meals and other important information about accommodation, check our Important Information page.

Transport

Air Travel

Flying school ski groups to a wide range of overseas airports across Europe and North America, we seek out the best flight options for you. Whether you are flying to Europe or North America, our experienced Operations Team will source the right flights for you.

Our extensive experience in working with major airlines means SkiBound will always provide the best flight options available. We advise groups seeking to travel to the USA and Canada to contact us early to begin the booking process and ensure availability of the major scheduled airlines that operate from London. Groups seeking regional flights and direct flights must request these at the time of booking and are subject to availability and supplements. Please note that flights do not go on sale until 11 months prior to departure.

Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will be able to provide you with information on baggage allowance and Ski/Snowboard carriage. SkiBound uses a number of reliable carriers meaning regulations on particular baggage stipulations may vary. Our team will be able to advise Party Leaders on options available to those seeking to take their own ski and snowboard equipment on the school ski trip.

Coach Travel

We offer full-specification coach travel to a wide selection of our European resorts providing your school ski group with an easy and comfortable option. Our Operations Team work with well-established and reliable British coach operators to provide an efficient alternative to flying.

The fleet of high-quality coach companies are audited and checked to ensure they meet our strict standards for safety, suitability for Continental travel, and comfort. We typically offer space for 48 passengers on vehicles fitted with seatbelts, WC, and TV facilities. Some coaches may also feature additional facilities, including reclining seats, a fridge and a drinks machine. Groups consisting of a minimum of 40 full-paying passengers benefit from exclusive use of the coach in-resort at no extra charge.

There are a number of significant advantages to choosing coach travel for your European ski tour beyond the potential savings for your group against the cost of flights. Coaches will collect your group directly from your school and return you 9 days later allowing for simple organisation of your students in a convenient and familiar meeting point. Party Leaders can avoid the series of airport procedures with coach travel allowing for easy supervision throughout the journey. Groups can also benefit from the extra free places available with 1 free place for supervisory staff against every 8 full-paying passengers. Many school groups recognise these benefits and choose coach travel for their school ski trips year after year. It is important that Party Leaders allocate a budget for meals en route and allow for free places and in-resort representatives when calculating the total number on your coach.

Ferry Crossings 

SkiBound maintains a long-standing relationship with Britain’s largest ferry operators to bring school groups the best Channel crossing options. Channel crossings from Dover to Calais have a minimum sailing time of 75 minutes, while alternative routes from Portsmouth are also available. With up to 25 sailings available every day from Dover to Calais, the Channel ferry crossing continues to be a trusted option for coach groups. The range of large lounge areas, cafes, bars and shops means groups have the space to relax and unwind before continuing on the road. Please contact your SkiBound representative to find out more about ferry crossing options for your chosen resort. 

Eurotunnel 

The Eurotunnel provides our coach groups with the quickest way to reach Europe. Taking just 35 minutes, Eurotunnel crossings run 2-4 trains per hour, meaning groups will soon be on the road to their resort. Please enquire for details on Eurotunnel supplements for your school ski tour. 

Overseas transfer coaches 

Our overseas coaches face the same audit process as the UK coaches we use. Please note that many overseas transfer coaches and buses, especially in the USA and Canada, may not be fitted with seat belts. This also includes the yellow ‘Bart Simpson’ school buses and ski resort shuttle buses. The US National Highway Traffic Administration and Transport Canada have a number of safety rulings in place to evaluate regulations and standards to ensure the safety of its occupants.