On the slopes

Do the ski instructors speak English?

Most ski schools throughout Europe have English speaking instructors.

Can intermediate level skiers take ski lessons?

Ski lessons aren't just for beginners, you can carry on taking them at all levels of skiing in order to further improve your technique and confidence.

Do I need a lift pass photo?

We advise that you always take a passport sized photo with you for the lift pass, even if it states that a photo is not needed, in case of any changes in resort requirement.

At what age do the ski schools take children?

This depends on the resort and ski school. The Ski Area Guide on the Accommodation Details page will show the minimum age for ski tuition in your chosen resort.

How many hours is the ski school?

This depends on the resort and ski school. The Ski Area Guide on the Accommodation Details page will show the times and duration of the ski school in your chosen resort.

Can different aged children be in the same tuition group?

Yes, groups vary in age.

Can 3 year olds get tuition?

It depends on the facilities available in the resort that you are travelling to. Some resorts provide children's ski schools. Please see the Ski Area Guide on the Accommodation Details page for this information or call our team on 0871 200 7799.

Can I change from skiing to boarding if I don't like it?

Yes, but there may be an extra charge payable in resort for the hire of different equipment.

Can we hire ski clothing through you?

No, First Choice Ski does not have a ski clothing hire facility. Please check your local telephone directories for ski clothing retailers in your area.

Can skis be upgraded in resort?

Yes, skis can be upgraded in resort at a local charge.

What is a 'ski pack'?

Ski packs contain all of the essential equipment and services that are required for a skiing holiday. They include ski, board and boot hire, lift passes and tuition. These facilities can be booked through First Choice Ski up to 14 days prior to departure and the relevant information is displayed on the Holiday Price page when you book online. Please note that ski pack prices will vary between resorts according to high and low season dates.

What is 'ski carriage'?

Ski carriage is the carriage of skis in the luggage hold. These items are classed as oversized and incur an added charge. Ski carriage must be added to your booking if you are planning on taking your own skis.

What is the 'Skier's Code of Conduct'?

To ensure safe skiing for you and others on the slopes it is advised that you follow the Skier's Code of Conduct, and the rules of the piste:

1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above
4. Whenever starting downhill look uphill and yield to other skiers
5. Always use devices to prevent runaway equipment
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely

What area does the lift pass cover?

This depends on the resort. Many resorts have both local passes that cover just the local resort area, as well as area passes that cover the ski areas surrounding the resort. Please see the Ski Area Guide on the Accommodation Details page for more information regarding lift passes in your chosen resort.

How high is the resort?

Please refer to the Ski Area Guide on the Accommodation Details page, which will show the height of that resort.

Is it a good resort for beginners/intermediates/advanced/snowboarders?

Please refer to the Ski Area Guide on the Accommodation Details page for information about suitability of the resort for beginners, intermediates, advanced and snowboarders.

Is there a nanny service/children's club in resort?

First Choice Ski have kids clubs in Alpe D'Huez, Les Deux Alpes and Saalbach. For further information on childcare facilities please see the Resort Guide on the Accommodation Details page, under the heading 'Children'.

Is the resort suitable for children?

Whether the resort is suitable for your children or not is left to your discretion upon research of the Accommodation Details page and its Resort Guide. However, we recommend Alpe d'Huez, Les Deux Alpes and Saalbach for children and we do provide kids clubs in these resorts.

Is cross-country skiing available in resort?

The Ski Area Guide on the Accommodation Details page indicates if there is cross-country skiing available and how many kilometres cross country skiing there is in resort.

Is there enough to do in resort if you don't ski?

This depends on the resort which you are travelling to. The Resort Guide on the Accommodation Details page displays information about activities that are available other than skiing. However, if you don't intend to ski, you will be much better off travelling to one of the bigger, livelier resorts.

What happens if there is no snow?

We advise that you take out insurance cover that will cover you for piste closure. For example, the First Choice Ski insurance policy covers piste closure under the following terms:

'If, due to lack of snow or closure due to avalanche, only 15% or less of the lifts and/or runs are available in the pre-booked resort, compensation is payable of £20 per day for each whole day skiing lost, up to holiday cost. This applies to downhill skiing only. No other refunds will be made for pre-booked ski services.'

Is it a lively resort?

The Accommodation Details page displays information about après ski activities and the liveliness of the resort.

Resorts that are considered to be extremely lively display the lively resort icon.