Coronavirus and your ski holiday
We had over 10,000 customers due to travel when most European ski resorts closed in March 2020, all of these customers were booked through Tour Operators such as: Inghams, Ski Total, Crystal Ski, Neilson, Club Med etc. It’s fair to say that the closing of resorts was one of the biggest challenges the ski industry has ever faced, coupled with the UK lock down shortly after and we were all very quickly in uncharted territory.
As we look forward to the Winter 20/21 season there are a number of questions on peoples minds: How ski lifts will run, how will catered chalets operate and what the ‘new normal’ will look like? We’re making it our priority to understand from all of our partners what this ‘could’ look like and to be able to answer your questions when you’re booking your ski holiday. We’re optimistic about the coming season and are looking forward to getting back on the slopes ourselves. We’ll update this page as we get more information from partners and resorts.
We attended a webinar in July by a group of French ski resorts and airports and wrote about it in our blog here
Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions and also some points you may find useful. We deal with over 60 different suppliers and Tour Operators in different countries so this information is based on a ‘most likely case scenario’. There will be scenarios that we haven't covered below or as they haven't happened yet it’s hard to give advice on - if we don't cover your question below - Call us on 020 3811 7729
Peace of Mind
We're offering a range of holiday options for the Winter 20/21 season, on top of the thousands of package holidays on offer we have more self catering chalets and self drive options than ever before. We have hotels and apartments you can cancel 24 hours before departure and package holidays offering ‘in safe hands’ promises, plus free changes on select holidays departing up to certain dates.
If you aren't sure about flying, self drive represents a good option along with booking a private / sole occupancy self catered / catered chalet to give you extra peace of mind. If you’re booking ski hire and lift passes you have the option to cancel for free if your holiday doesn't go ahead.
You can find a range of flexible holiday options here
Before you travel - Changes in FCO advice and Quarantine
Firstly, it's really important to have valid travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, there are policies that will cover you for things relating to Covid-19 out there. We work in partnership with Just Travel Cover who are travel insurance specialists. They can provide travel insurance for a range of Winter Sports Activities for travellers of all ages and will consider all medical conditions. If you would like to give them a call on 0800 294 2972 or visit their site quoting IgluSki10 to claim your 10% discount.
If you have booked a flight inclusive package and the FCO advises against travel to that country or destination it is likely that your holiday operator will have to cancel/change your trip, in this case we will contact you to advise what your options are in the specific case, one of these options will be a refund.
If you have booked an accommodation only holiday and the FCO advice changes, we’ll contact you to advise you what your accommodation providers position is and if changes or cancellations are an option.
Some package Tour Operators are offering a promise that they will not run your holiday if you have to quarantine on your return, in this case they will ask us to contact you with options. Where Tour Operators do not offer this promise, if you are advised to quarantine on return the Tour Operator’s normal cancellation policies will most likely apply. This means that if you don't want to travel any cancellation/changes will be deemed as one you are making and fees therefore apply.
Whilst on holiday - Changes in FCO advice and Quarantine
When it comes to the change of FCO advice whilst on holiday there are a few potential scenarios. If you are on a package holiday it is likely that your holiday operator will allow you to continue your holiday as planned or decide to repatriate you and all other customers in that destination. Until the specific scenario arises this is difficult for Tour Operators to have a clear policy on.
Whilst on holiday - What will it be like in resort
Ski lifts are treated as public transport and as such face coverings must be worn at all times. Ski schools and public indoor spaces will require you to wear a facemask at all times. When stopping for lunch, it will be table service only. Check out the helpful infographic below from French Mountains for more insights into the new normal in resort.
All flight inclusive packages are protected through the ATOL scheme and this information along with your ATOL certificate will be on your booking confirmation. Iglu Ski is also an ABTA member - membership number J0332. If you have an accommodation only booking you should take the appropriate insurance policy to protect you in case of supplier failure.
Why book with Iglu ski for Winter 20/21 and beyond
- We are an industry-leading ski travel agent and have been trading for over 20 years
- Exclusive prices and discounts - we have access to holidays and prices that most other travel agents don't. We also have a price match policy which means we won't be beaten on price
- Huge range of holiday types - we pride ourselves on having 100,000’s of holidays on offer from flight inclusive packages to self catering chalets and short breaks
- Refer a friend - we have a great policy to help you and your friends save money on your ski holidays (more info here)
- Online booking - we have tens of thousands of holidays that are bookable online 24/7
- First hand experience - our team prides itself on years of experience working in ski resorts and selling holidays. Between us we have over 100 seasons experience
- Our promise - We will keep you informed as quickly as we can about your upcoming holiday and anything that may impact it.
ABTA and GOV UK: Latest advice, statements and policies
For country-specific advice, please see the UK Government’s information here.Ski Operators' Coronavirus Policies and Updates
We are working closely with our suppliers, who are continually assessing the situation to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the latest advice from the relevant authorities. For more information from individual ski operators, please follow the links for more information on their Covid policies:
Inghams
Ski Total
Esprit
Santa's Lapland
Crystal Ski
Skiworld
Mountain Heaven