The following booking conditions form the basis of your contract with Ski First Tracks Ltd. They set out our respective rights and obligations and you should therefore read them carefully.
1.Booking
To make your booking, you must complete our party details form (online or in hard copy). This must be signed by the party leader (who must be at least 18 years of age) on behalf of all persons named on the booking form, confirming your acceptance of these booking conditions. The number of people listed on the booking form must not exceed the number of persons specified in the booking.
The party leader will be responsible for all payments due in respect of the arrangements purchased. The party details form must then be completed and forwarded to us (if appropriate) together with a payment of the full non-refundable deposit of £125 per bed. If booking 10 weeks or fewer before departure the full payment must be made at the time of booking. In addition, it is essential you take out appropriate insurance cover at the time of booking.
Once we have received your booking form and all appropriate payments, we will, subject to availability, confirm your stay with us by issuing a final confirmation email. Please check the confirmation carefully as soon as you receive it and raise any queries immediately.
After we have dispatched your confirmation, no further reminders will be sent. If payment is not received in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you. In this case the cancellation charges set out in Section 7 will be payable.
If at any time prior to the start of your stay there is a change of party leader, Ski First Tracks must be notified, either by email or telephone, by the original party leader.
Under no circumstances are additional guests allowed to stay in the property, other than those specified on the party details form. Failure to comply with this may result in your booking being terminated immediately in resort and you and your party being asked to vacate the relevant property immediately. No compensation will be paid for this.
If you agree to reserve a whole property on an exclusive use basis the party leader is liable for the full cost of that property, as stated on your party details form, irrespective of party size and final number of guests confirmed. Party size should not exceed the stated maximum for the property.
2. Payment
Payments on behalf of a party must be made by the party leader in one lump sum. This applies to deposits and final balances. In the case of multiple payments from multiple individuals being made for party bookings, we charge a £15 admin fee per payment. The reason we make this charge is the extra administration and accountancy charges incurred in allocating multiple payments from different named individuals to a specific booking.
Accepted payment methods are bank transfer, Paypal and credit and debit card (via the Paypal platform).
Ski First Tracks will not be held responsible for charges incurred by yourself for international bank transfer costs or charges imposed on you by your bank or card issuer. This also includes payment discrepancies or additional costs caused by variations in exchange rates used by your bank or card issuer.
In the event of dishonoured payments, the party leader will be contacted to make immediate payment by other means. If there is a failure to make payment by other means we reserve the right to cancel the booking and retain any deposits paid and levy cancellation charges as outlined in Section 7 below.
Ski First Tracks then reserves the right to re-book the same week in the same accommodation to another client without notification.
In the event of late payment of your final balance, any charges or loss of revenue incurred on our behalf will be added to your balance. We reserve the right to cancel your stay should you fail to pay your final balance by the due date (10 weeks prior to arrival). No compensation will be provided.
Some services purchased from us are sourced in Euros; ski passes are an example. The Euro/GBP exchange rate we apply when we invoice you is the prevailing exchange rate published by the European Central Bank plus a margin of 3.55%. For example, if the ECB exchange rate is 0.87513, we will apply a rate of 0.9062.
3. Contract
A binding contract between us comes into existence when we dispatch our invoice to you. This contract and all matters arising out of it are governed by English law. In the unlikely event of any dispute between us, we both agree that this will be dealt with by the courts of England and Wales. When you book a stay with us, our contract with you takes effect when we confirm your booking.
Once the contract is made, we are responsible to you to provide the accommodation and catering service you have booked and you are responsible to us to pay for it, subject to these booking conditions. All those listed on the booking form are jointly and severally parties to the contract. We will send all documents and other information to the party leader signing the booking form. The party leader accepts responsibility for making all payments to us for all members of the party and for ensuring that the other members of the party are provided with copies of the information provided.
4. Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have adequate travel insurance in place for your stay with us (including any activities you may undertake during your trip), taken out at the time of booking. When you arrange your own insurance, you agree when we confirm your stay with us to indemnify us against any costs that we incur in connection with any event that should have been covered by your insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular requirements.
5. The cost of your stay
All prices quoted on the Ski First Tracks website include accommodation, one set of bed linen per bed, and one set of towels per person. We reserve the right to pass on any charges we incur for lost or heavily soiled laundry. Prices for catered stays include breakfast on 7 mornings (4 hosted with hot option, 3 self-service), self-service afternoon tea on 7 days, evening meals with wine on 6 nights.
Prices do not include flights or travel costs, travel and medical insurance, childcare, lift passes, equipment hire, lessons or local taxes (taxe de séjour).
We reserve the right to increase or decrease the prices of unsold accommodation at any time before your booking is confirmed. You will be given the correct current price of your chosen stay at the time of booking. Any ad-hoc or one-off discounts offered cannot be combined with our sole occupancy free place offers. Ad-hoc promotion discounts may not be combined with other discounts existing or offered. Club or association discounts are valid for 12 months and will expire unless renewed annually. Once your booking has been confirmed, we will guarantee not to surcharge any existing booked arrangements. Costs charged by suppliers with whom you have a separate contract, even if arranged by us, may be subject to change.
6. Local taxes (Taxe de séjour)
The local council charges a tourist tax (taxe de séjour); this tax is not included in the price of your stay and will be shown separately on your invoice. The rate of tax is set by the Mairie of Courchevel and depends on the tourist classification of the property. All our chalets have been classified by the French Accreditation Committee (COFRAC) and all have the same classification. The current tax rate is 0.99€ and this will be shown on your invoice in the sterling equivalent at the exchange rate set by the European Central Bank, plus a margin of 3.55%, on the day before your invoice date. The tax applies only to those aged 18 and over, which is why it is important to let us know the ages of your party.
7. Alterations and/or cancellations by you
Should you wish to make any changes to your accommodation or date arrangements after they have been confirmed, you must advise us in writing. Whilst we will endeavour to assist, we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet any such requests. Any alterations made to the existing booking except additions will be deemed to be a cancellation and the charges, as set out below, shall apply. It may also be necessary to levy an administrative charge to process any alterations.
Should you or any member of your party need to cancel your chosen stay once it has been confirmed, the party leader must immediately advise us in writing. Cancellation charges will then be payable as set out below to compensate us for the cost of making your booking and the risk that we may be unable to re-sell your cancelled arrangements. These charges are calculated from the date on which written notice of the cancellation is received by us.
Number of weeks before arrival Cancellation Charge
10 or more Deposit
6 – 10 60% of the cost of your stay
4 – 6 80% of the cost of your stay
4 or fewer 100% of the cost of your stay
In addition to the cancellation charge, we reserve the right to pass on any charges made by the suppliers of any services booked by us on your behalf. Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy.
8. Alterations and/or cancellations by us
We reserve the right to make minor alterations to your accommodation arrangements (for example change of room/chalet) and/or to the website before and after your booking has been confirmed. In the case of a minor or significant alteration being made we will advise you at the earliest possible date. Occasionally, it may be necessary to alter your room allocation or chalet without notice for operational or other reasons. In the event of a significant alteration, you may accept it or cancel your stay and receive a full refund. Ski First Tracks will pay no compensation.
Very rarely, it may be necessary for us to cancel a confirmed stay with us. We must reserve the right to do so. If we do so you will receive a full refund of all the monies paid. We accept no legal liability and will pay no compensation.
We may be forced to curtail your stay with us after the date of departure where circumstances amounting to ‘force majeure’ occur as described in Clause 9 below. In this very unusual situation, we regret we cannot make any refunds (except where refunds are obtained from a supplier), meet any cost or expenses you may incur as a result or pay any compensation.
9(a). Unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances
We will not have any liability, refund any monies paid or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by any event which we could not reasonably foresee or avoid. Such events include (but are not limited to) war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, epidemics or pandemics, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.
9(b). Our Liability
We accept responsibility for ensuring that all parts of our contract with you are properly performed subject to the following exceptions. We cannot accept liability where any failure to perform or improper performance was due to: (i) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or (ii) those of a third party not connected with the provision of your stay with us and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or (iii) an event which either ourselves or the supplier of the services in question could not have foreseen or forestalled even with all due care.
In the event of any liability being accepted, we shall not be liable for more than the price of the component booked through ourselves.
Activities operated by Ski First Tracks: If you undertake any Ski First Tracks organised activities or excursions, we cannot accept responsibility for any injuries or accidents, however caused. Ski First Tracks personnel do not have professional guiding, teaching or first aid qualifications. At all times clients must use their judgement based on their own abilities, and all activities are at their own risk.
10. Guest liability
When you book a stay with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or loss must be made at the time to ourselves or the third party concerned. If you fail to do so, you must indemnify us against any claims (including legal costs) made against us as a result of your actions.
When you book a stay with us you accept responsibility for the proper conduct of yourself and your party for the duration of your stay with us. If in our reasonable opinion you, or any member of your party, behave in such a way as to cause or to be likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any third party (including staff, neighbours or other clients) or damage to property, we reserve the right to terminate the stay of the person(s) concerned without notice and without refund. This includes excessive noise, inside or within the grounds of the property, after 22:00.
In this situation, our responsibilities (including any return transport arrangements) will immediately cease and we will not be responsible for meeting any costs or expenses they may incur as a result. We will not make any refunds or pay any compensation to the individual(s) involved or to members of his/her party or associates wishing to curtail their stay as a result.
11. Complaints
In the event that you have reason to complain whilst staying with us, you should immediately notify your chalet host who will try to put the matter right. If you are not satisfied with the way your complaint has been handled, you have 7 days from the end of the stay in which to write to us with full details. We cannot accept any liability in respect of any complaint which is not notified entirely in accordance with this clause. If you have any justified complaint which we accept, we will pay you reasonable compensation, but not more than the cost of your stay. Our resort employees do not have authority to vary our published terms and conditions or to agree any refund.
12. Conditions of suppliers
Please note that all services are provided subject to the conditions of the relevant supplier. Some of these conditions may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you. Copies of the conditions which affect you are available upon request from the supplier in question.
13. Special requests and dietary preferences
If you have any special requests, please clearly note them at the time of booking, or if after booking, electronically in writing. A special request will only be binding if we have confirmed in writing that it will be complied with. Therefore, unless we have agreed in writing to provide such a service or facility, failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part.
Our daily menu is fixed and we do not offer a variety of items. We are happy to cater for dietary requirements arising from medical conditions or religious conviction. All such requirements, food allergies or intolerances must be disclosed to us in writing at least 7 days prior to your stay and, if possible, noted on your booking form. We reserve the right to charge a supplement in resort to cover the additional shopping required if we are informed of special dietary requirements once you arrive in resort. We will do our best to cater for dietary preferences, for which a supplement of £25 will be made. Any such preferences must be disclosed to us at least 7 days before your arrival.
If we undertake to pass on requests to suppliers, we cannot guarantee such requests will be met even if we have confirmed that they have been passed on.
If you have any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, you must advise us in writing at the time of booking giving full details. If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate your particular needs, we must reserve the right to decline your booking, or cancel it when we find out the full details if you fail to provide these at the time of booking.
14. Passport, visa and health requirements
We cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto a flight or into any country due to failure on your part to carry the correct passport, visa or other documents required by any airline or authority. Requirements may change and you should check the up-to-date position with the Passport Office and your doctor in good time before departure. Before travelling you are advised to check with your own doctor for your own medical requirements.
15. Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the price of your stay.
16. Resort prices
Any prices given for activities, equipment hire, instruction, ski passes etc. were as accurate as possible at the time of going to press. We cannot however accept responsibility for any variation between that time and the date of your stay.
17. Arrival and departure
The property is available for access from 16:00 on the day of your arrival. If, however, you arrive earlier you may be able to leave your luggage with us whilst heading out to the slopes or into town. Earliest arrivals for bag storage are 09:00. We regret we cannot store baggage earlier than this due to disruption to current guests.
For departure, check-out is by 10:00; the property must be vacated by this time. If you would like to ski on your last day, and consequently are planning to book a later return flight, Ski First Tracks may be able to store your luggage free of charge. Ski First Tracks cannot guarantee availability of shower or changing facilities after check-out at 10:00. Anyone not skiing will not be able to stay in the property after check-out, as our hosts will be cleaning the property thoroughly for the next arriving guests. As we allow guests the flexibility to ski on departure day, we can permit outgoing guests to wait outside the main property areas (e.g. in external boot rooms) for their transfer pick up. We ask incoming guests to be understanding of our flexibility in this regard.
Any persons not booked into an Ski First Tracks property can only visit guests with prior permission of Ski First Tracks hosts.
18. Lost, stolen or damage to property
Any loss or damages should be reported to your chalet host immediately, and Ski First Tracks will endeavour to deal with any loss or damage issues during your stay.. In the event that damage is not brought to our attention during this period, and is learned of after your departure, Ski First Tracks will contact you with 72 hours of you leaving the property to confirm additional charges to be charged.
Any loss or damage, where-so-ever or howsoever caused, arising by the party leader, or members of the party, to vehicles, property, grounds and outbuildings owned by or managed by Ski First Tracks must be paid for in full. This is payable by the party leader, on behalf of the party, irrespective of which person was responsible.
Any client not properly securing the doors or windows of the property, including balcony and garage doors, will be liable for any Ski First Tracks property stolen as a result of that negligence.
Ski First Tracks will not be held responsible for any theft or loss of any personal possessions from our premises / vehicles. Whilst Ski First Tracks will endeavour to ensure the security of guests’ personal possessions, Ski First Tracks cannot guarantee it.
It is up to the party leader to ensure that each member of the party is responsible for the safety of all their own personal possessions, documents and equipment. No responsibility or liability will be accepted in respect of such items as it is a condition of your booking (and therefore reasonably assumed by Ski First Tracks) that all guests have taken out appropriate insurance to cover such loss and/or damage.
For the avoidance of doubt, please note that this section also applies to mountain bikes, road bikes, ski/snowboard equipment and any other “high value items” that guests have brought with them to our accommodation.
19. Security deposit
All self-catered bookings are subject to a security deposit of £500 which can be paid by cash, card or Paypal upon arrival into resort. This deposit is taken as security against damage, loss, breakages and additional cleaning charges as detailed below. This damage deposit will be kept for the duration of your stay and returned to you within 1 week of departure, less any costs attributing to any damages, losses, breakages or additional cleaning charges.
Should costs from any damage, loss or breakages accrue to an amount higher than the security deposit taken, the additional amount must be paid for in full by the party leader, on behalf of the party, irrespective of which person was responsible.
20. Fireplaces, stoves and chimneys
Care must be taken when using fire places, stoves and chimneys. Naked flames, fire places and chimneys are hot and can cause serious damage to property, belongings and people.
Fireplaces should never be overloaded with wood, allowed to burn out of control and should never be left unattended. Clothes or other items should never be dried in front of or on top of them.
Ski First Tracks accepts no responsibility for damage to guests, guest clothing or other property belonging to guests as a result of using a fire place, stove or chimney.
If a guest damages Ski First Tracks property as a result of using a fire place, stove or chimney, they will be charged accordingly.
21. Children
Although we pride ourselves on being a family friendly business, and take great care to create a safe environment, our properties are not childproof. Ski First Tracks will not be held responsible for any accidents occurring within the properties. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure their children are supervised at all times. Particular care must be taken with fire places, chimneys and staircases as fire-guards and stair-gates are not provided.
Ski First Tracks can provide a limited number high-chairs and travel cots for infants and babies. These are subject to availability and must be requested. However, Ski First Tracks accept no responsibility should an accident or injury occur as a result of the use of such items. Parents assume full responsibility for the safety and well-being of their children at all times.
Please advise us at least 7 days before your arrival (and preferably on your booking form) if you require child meals.
22. Outdoor shoes and equipment
It is important that, for your comfort, a pair of slippers or indoor shoes are included in your packing as ALL outdoor shoes, which include ski/snowboard boots and mountain biking/cycling shoes, are strictly forbidden anywhere inside the property and communal areas. This is for reasons of both safety and comfort.
All outdoor equipment, which includes but is not limited to mountain bikes, skis, snowboards, dirty, soiled or extremely wet clothing, must be stored in the designated area as provided by Ski First Tracks on arrival.
Under no circumstance is the repair, or maintenance and cleaning of such outdoor equipment allowed within the internal space of the property, including terraces, balconies and garden areas.
23. Smoking
For health and safety reasons, smoking is strictly prohibited within our properties, on property balconies or terraces, and within Ski First Tracks vehicles. If guests wish to smoke they must do so outside of these areas or within the designated smoking spaces.
24. Illegal substances
Smoking or taking illegal substances in or around Ski First Tracks properties will not be tolerated. Any guest involved in such activities will be asked to vacate the property. Ski First Tracks reserve the right to refuse to further accommodate them and contractual obligations will be terminated immediately. No compensation will be payable.
25. Responsibilities and behaviour
All guests should act and behave in such a manner so as to not affect or disrupt the enjoyment of other guests, local residents or have a negative effect on the reputation of Ski First Tracks. Excessive noise inside, outside or within the property, grounds or communal areas after 22:00 also comes under this section, and will not be tolerated. Ski First Tracks reserves the right to refuse to further accommodate your party if you are in breach of this clause and contractual obligations will be terminated immediately. No compensation will be payable.
26. Our website and chalet descriptions
We have taken great care in the production of our online brochure and accompanying literature but regret that we cannot be held responsible for circumstances outside of our control such as public holidays, religious festivals, maintenance work to, breakdown of, or closure of lift systems, adverse weather conditions, alterations to the furnishing of properties made by the owners, nor guarantee the working of equipment such as televisions, telephones, etc. If any change becomes apparent which we believe will materially affect the enjoyment of your stay then we will notify the party leader immediately it is brought to our attention.