Previous Holiplay Ski Trips

Apprehensive about your child going skiing...?

If you’re reading this page, you may already be thinking “no way Josay!” But you willl be delighted to know that this is not our first rodeo. In fact since 2013 we have led 4 successful International ski trips to Andorra (twice), Bulgaria and Austria. In addition to this we have led ski residentials at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead and the Snow Zone in Milton Keynes. 

As you know we love to provide opportunities to children who might otherwise not get the chance to participate in a specialist activity. But also, because when done correctly and safely skiing can build a great many skills such as confidence, balance, gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination whilst also being great fun!

We have condensed what we think will be the most commonly asked questions below. But if you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us as holiplay.co.uk.

Holiplay Ski Trip FAQ's

Where will the Holiplay 2024 Ski Trip take place…?

At this stage it’s unconfirmed as the package needs to be secured and booked at the same time. However given the budget and our previous planning experience it is likely to be at one of the listed resorts below:

  • Bjelasnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
  • Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
  • Passo Tonale, Italy 🇮🇹
  • El Tarter, Andorra 🇦🇩

 

Can parents and carers attend?

Unfortunately not, which is consistent with all of our offsite trips and activities. However, we will take and share, with your permission, lots of pics and vids and we’re pretty positive your little one will tell you all about it!

What age group of children are permitted to take part?

This activity will be exclusively for our junior (j-Camp) children aged 8 and above.

Who will be supervising and instructing the children?

Once again Mr Holiplay himself will be facilitating this trip along side up to 2 additional Play Leaders depending on the number of children attending. 

How many Holiplay children will be able to attend the trip in 2024?

There will be a maximum of 12 Holiplay children permitted to attend the trip next year.

What are the adult to child ratios for this activity?

There will be an up to a 1:6 adult to child ratio on the trip however the actual ski lessons will be taught by qualified instructor meaning the adult to child ration will increase.

What risk assessment have been made for this activity?

We have a comprehensive risk assessment for travel to and from East Croydon Station (our departure point) all the way to our resort and for and travel routes to and from our points of interest including ski school and any planned excursions. Once at the activity base operations are taken over by qualified instructors who have risk assessments and public liability insurance for the session they are delivering. We also have an added layer of winter sports insurance to cover medical treatment and or injuries that hopefully will not be sustained. 

How will you manage the risk  of Personal Injury?

The children will wear full ski gear including a helmet, goggles and gloves and will only be permitted to ski on the slope suited to their level of experience – which in this instance is likely to be beginner level green and blue runs. Again our Winter Sports insurance is included as part of the package

Ski Trip Parent / Carer Zoom Briefing – There will be parent carer briefing via Zoom in the autumn term of this year once the places have been booked and the resort confirmed.

Can my child bring his / her mobile phone? – We are very conscious that we live in a digital world, however for us it’s important that children especially get to live in the moment and not through the lens of their digital devices. So in a nutshell – NO! There will however be a staff mobile which we will use to contact parents to let them know that we have arrived, plus we will take pics and videos of the kids using our Holiplay GoPro Camera that we will share with parents and carers and on our socials where permission has been granted.

Falling over – this part and parcel of skiing and is pretty much guaranteed to happen! However please take comfort in the fact that these ski resorts are carefully designed and well supervised and at no point will the children be going off piste or heading for any black runs (the most difficult ski course).

What are the sleeping arrangements? 

Depending on the hotel or chalet that we book the children will sleep in single sex dorms / rooms and will share with up to 3 other children per room depending on the room configuration. Holiplay staff will sleep in neighbouring rooms and there will be a at least 1 male and 1 female staff member on hand at all times to ensure the children are safe and comfortable.

Is ski gear included in the price?

Unfortunately not, however you can get some great deals on Amazon and Sports direct and save up to 80% on ski gear. We advise you to go a few sizes up so it can last your child for a few years to come, if indeed you decide to join us the following year.

Items you will need:

  • Ski trousers

  • Ski Jacket

  • Ski Goggles

  • Ski Goggles Ski Socks (5 pairs)
  • Wellies or waterproof walking boots (1 pair)
  • Swimming Kit
  • Suit Swimming Goggles
  • Back Pack
  • Water Bottle

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What happens if my child has an accident or gets hurt?

There will be a first aider present who will administer First Aid should it be required. In the event of a serious medical emergency the ski instructors will call on the emergency services.

How will you get to and from ski school?

If we are lucky our accommodation will be right on the piste and very near the ski lifts. Failing that it’s usually a short walk or in some cases a shuttle bus service to the ski lifts. 

How long will the children spend there?

Ski school is normally a 3-hour session over 5 days. Each session includes a 20-minute rest break in between. We normally arrive at 9am and by 12.30pm / 1pm class is over. We then have lunch followed by a little down time on the mountain before heading back to base. Downtime in this instance includes making snow angels, building, snowmen and having epic snowball fights, and if they’re lucky having occasional hot chocolate!

What other activities or excursions are on offer?

Outside of skiing, many resorts have lots of other family-friendly attractions and amenities that we can access. Some of which include:

  • Kids Swimming Pool
  • Kids Playground
  • Bowling Alley
  • Ice Skating Rink
  • Arcades

Where possible we will try to get at least one group excursion in. Previously that has included tubing (sledging on a giant rubber ring) and a late night concert & firework display.

What is the instalment plan?

Package Price – £1199 per person

Deposit 1 – £200 – 30th August 2023

Instalment 2 – £200 – 30th September 2023

Instalment 3 – £200 – 30th October 2023

Instalment 4 – £200 – 30th November 2023

Instalment 5 – £200 – 30th December 2023

Instalment 6 – £199 – 30th January 2024

All instalment payments must be made via BACS.

What are the lunch arrangements?

We will be on a Full Board basis meaning the children will get breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Lunch, which we will have whilst out for the day at ski school will consist of a sandwich, a drink, and a sweet or savoury snack e.g. crisps, croissant or chocolate bar.

How do I give my consent for my child to take part?

You need first need to register you interest via the online form below. Places are very limited with only 12 spaces available. Once your form has been received we will send you a full Information Pack and consent form which will need to be digitally signed.

Dear Parent / Carer, Holiplay is delighted to announce the return of our international ski trip in mainland Europe in the Easter Break of 2024. Our travel dates will be Sunday 31st May – Sunday 7th April 2024. Please complete the registration form below providing us with all of the essential information we need. Your child’s place will be reserved with a non-refundable deposit payment of £200 due by Wednesday 30th August 2023. Full confirmation of your child’s place on the trip will be sent via email once you have completed all payment instalments as indicated in your information pack. Thank you for choosing the place kids love to play!

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