Looking to plan a school ski trip but not sure where to start. Then take a look at our top 10 tips. For any other questions or if you need any help why not get in touch now.
1. Start planning early
The key to organising a successful school ski trip is in the planning. Early planning is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip so the sooner you can start organising your school ski trip the better. It is a good idea to start planning your trip at least 15 months in advance, particularly if you intend to travel during a peak period. It also gives parents more time to finance the trip.
2. Choose the right resort
Going to the right resort for your group is crucial to the success of the trip. With so many resorts on offer it can be tricky to decide where to go. It helps to consider the level of skiers in your group (beginners, intermediates, mixed abilities etc), size of the ski area and what après ski options are on offer. We’ve been to all of our resorts so can help find the best resort for you.
3. Get permission at an early stage
You will need to gain permission to run your trip from the appropriate authority at an early stage. This may be your Head of Establishment, Local Authority, Educational Visits Coordinator and/or School Governors. This approval should be sought and received prior to booking your trip and submitting any deposits.
4. Make sure your tour operator is fully bonded
One of the most important aspects when picking a Tour Operator is to make sure they hold all the relevant accreditations. These include an ABTA licence and membership of the School Travel Forum as this will guarantee their financial security and a robust Safety Management System. At Sloping Off we hold all these accreditations so you can be sure you are travelling with a reliable and responsible operator.
5. For cost and convenience travel by coach
If you’re looking to get the best price on your trip then travelling by coach is the best option. Travelling by coach works out to be significantly cheaper than going by air and although it takes a little longer it also has the added benefit of easier supervision of your group. You get on at your school and get off at your resort and with modern comfortable coaches you can normally get some sleep. At Sloping Off we only do coach trips so we can help provide the perfect coach trip for your group.
6. Check your price is all inclusive
Once you have decided on your resort, hotel and all the other elements of your package then make sure you check whether there are any extras to pay. Most companies will include ski equipment hire, insurance, lift pass and helmet hire but some will have hidden charges on top that can result in you having to go back to parents. At Sloping Off we communicate every detail of your trip clearly and in writing so you know exactly what’s included in your trip.
7. Consider getting your SCO qualification
The Snowsport Course Organiser is a useful course to go on before taking your group away. This is a basic course designed to advise leaders on how to organise school group courses safely, responsibly and effectively. It is recommended by many Local Authorities and we can help organise it for you as we run several throughout the year.
8. Prepare your group
Providing information and guidance to pupils is an important part of organising your course. Make sure your pupils understand what is expected of them and what the trip will entail. A course of pre-ski training exercises can help too. Make pupils aware of potential dangers and how they should act to control risk. A clause on expected behaviour signed by parents and pupils can be a good idea.
9. Prepare the parents
Holding a parents evening before departure is an excellent way to reassure parents about the trip and answer any questions they may have. It is also important to leave each parent/guardian a list detailing how to contact staff in resort in case of emergency and a list detailing how to contact the school and other parents.
10. Prepare yourself and your team
The support of your accompanying staff is vital particularly when dealing with any unexpected issues. To help things run smoothly make sure you clarify roles and expectations before you travel. Make a checklist and ensure that you have covered everything. Check with your tour operator that everything is in order and make sure all details are confirmed. Then pack and get ready to go!
And lastly…!
Have fun
Organising a school ski trip does take a lot of preparation but it’s well worth the effort. When you get out to resort then make sure you get the chance to enjoy yourself too, get some skiing in and have fun! When you book with us we will help you all the way through to make everything as smooth as possible.
