Snow Sports Teacher

Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions from teachers organising Snow Sport tours, just like you. Simply choose your program type below to browse through our FAQs.

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Snow Sports Teacher

Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions from teachers organising Snow Sport tours, just like you. Simply choose your program type below to browse through our FAQs.

Request Info

General

Can students apply or receive frequent flyer miles for the trip?

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.

Do I need travel insurance?

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.

Do we need waterproof clothing?

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.

Is there a minimum group size?

To be eligible for group airfares and other special group prices, we need a minimum of 10 passengers. Ideally group sizes would be 15 and above to make a trip cost effective. In most cases, provisions are made for complimentary travel for accompanying teachers.

What do we need to bring to the snow?

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

What help is available to organisers?

We make it simple and fun to start planning a group tour by providing personalised service from start to finish, guiding you through the planning, promotion and implementation. We also have teacher resources and promotional material available.

What if students have special dietary requirements?

The safety of participants is our top priority, and we understand there may be students with allergies and intolerances. With your deposit letter, you will receive a dietary requirements form to fill in and send back to our office. We will do our best to cater to each child’s specific needs, and if we are unable to accommodate your request for any reason we will advise you as early as possible.

What if there’s no snow when we arrive?

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.

What if we can’t get enough students to commit and we need to cancel?

WorldStrides is here to help you achieve maximum numbers, and we have designed a recipe that helps with your tour success. Our Recipe for Success is a three-step program that will help with the tour promotion and parent information sessions. In most cases, a drop in numbers will necessitate an increase in price. WorldStrides will make every attempt to minimise this cost.

Domestic Terms & Conditions: If a tour is cancelled, a minimum administration charge of $20 per student will be required. Cancellations within 30 days before travel may incur additional fees. A cancellation charge of the full amount may be required if cancellation occurs 14 days prior to departure. We suggest passengers take out travel insurance cover to avoid disappointment.

International Terms & Conditions: Should group numbers change from the initial size, a re-cost will be required. Any changes after the deposit and itinerary confirmation will incur a fee of $100 per change. A cancellation charge of the full amount may be required if cancellation occurs 14 days prior to departure. Cancelled bookings may incur supplier fees of up to 100% of the cost of the booking regardless of whether travel has commenced. We suggest passengers take out travel insurance cover to avoid disappointment.

What if we can’t pay by the due dates?

Please advise your Program Coordinator of any anticipated delays as soon as possible. They will work with you to find a solution, which may include a part payment or extension. Late fees will be payable if we are not advised of delays in advance. We will always do our best to help, but in some cases extensions are not possible because we are bound by our suppliers’ terms and conditions.

What sun protection is required for the snow?

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.

When is the deposit due?

In your deposit letter, we will give you a checklist of due dates and amounts. These vary depending on the destination, activities, accommodation and airline requirements. Airfare payments are normally due 45-65 days prior to departure, depending on the airline. An initial despot is required to confirm your booking. Your Tour Coordinator will send you an invoice in advance and notify you of the due date. Final payment is required 65 days prior to departure.

When is the peak period for snow programs?

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.

When will it snow?

Weather is of course unpredictable and we recommend checking online weather forecasts for long-range and short-range forecasts.

Contact us

Phone

We can be reached via telephone at our toll-free number: 1800 331 050. For your local office, please visit the Contact Us page.

Email

We’re available via email at info@worldstrides.com.au