Due to the nature of group travel and the discounted group rates we receive, not all airlines allow the use of frequent flyer programs. Additionally, travellers are not eligible to receive frequent flyer miles for their travel.
- To find out whether the airlines for your tour allow for frequent flyer points, please check with your coordinator at the time of your booking.
Individual travel program and tertiary students travelling individually may be eligible to redeem / earn miles and should contact their WorldStrides tour coordinator with specific questions.
We strongly recommend that all participants take out travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Through our partnership with QBE, travellers can take advantage of a policy specifically for school groups that include at least 1 teacher and eight students at specially negotiated rates. Please contact us on 1800 331 050 for a copy of our current policy, or for further information. Please note the cost of insurance is not included in your quoted program cost and can be added if required.
It is strongly recommended that you hire or purchase waterproof clothing for snow activities.
Alpine weather is unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. Wear your clothing in layers with insulating items on the inside and wind and waterproof clothing on the outside. Several thin layers made of wool or synthetic fibres have insulating properties and are better than thick, bulky layers. Jeans, cotton or nylon clothing is unsuitable as these fabrics are not protective enough. Body heat is lost from the head, feet and hands, so it is important to wear beanies; long, thin woollen socks and waterproof gloves.
TIP: Quality waterproof outer jackets and pants may be hired from our resort. Due to health regulations, you will need to purchase your own gloves and beanies.
All students travelling outside of Australia must have a valid passport with an expiry date of no less than six months after the date the trip concludes. Please contact us for more information about entry visa requirements.
This will vary depending on your destination. WorldStrides will provide you with all the details in you quote letter.
As a guide:
• Clothing: a waterproof jacket and pants with warm, breathable layers underneath. The jacket and pants can be hired. Other options are waterproof snow boots or any waterproof/water-resistant, sturdy footwear. Gum boots and Ugg boots are unsuitable for snow.
• Bedding: Bedding is included in all international snow tours. Within Australia there are some locations that require you to bring your own. Make sure you check your booking details to see if bedding is included in your tour. If bedding is not included you must bring a sleeping bag or top sheet and doona/quilt cover and a bath towel. The following will be supplied by the lodge: pillow, pillowslip, mattress protector, fitted sheet and bathmat.
If your group is staying at the Snowbird at Mount Hotham or Cooroona or Halley’s Lodge at Falls Creek, you can hire bed linen for $25 per person per stay
If lightning storms occur in the vicinity of the mountain, chairlifts and T-bars will be closed as necessary for the safety of guests and staff. Mountain staff will direct guests and you are encouraged to return to buildings and shelters during the storm. Lift and resort facilities will be reopened once the storm has passed.
If there is insufficient snow at your chosen resort to open any runs, you will be contacted prior to your arrival date to discuss options. In Victoria, each resort has a snow guarantee in place, which means that if a certain number of lifts are not operating a certain number of days before your stay, you are entitled to a refund or credit. Terms and conditions apply.
The strength of UV rays at altitude is far stronger than at sea level, and the reflective effects of snow can magnify this further. To avoid severe sunburn and snow blindness, please ensure you are always wearing a high SPF (minimum of 30+) broad spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles meeting Australian standards for UV protection.
In Australia, the peak snow season runs from the June long weekend until the October long weekend. All Australian snow resorts have snow-making facilities to maintain or top up snow cover in periods of low snowfall.
International destinations have different peak times. New Zealand follows a similar season to Australia with June-August being peak season. In Japan, Europe, Canada and the United States, the peak season runs from December until February.
Weather is of course unpredictable and we recommend checking online weather forecasts for long-range and short-range forecasts.
