Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions that we get asked throughout the year. If your question still isn’t answered then please just lift the phone and call us on 01350 728869 or pop a little email over to sales@skiamericaonline.co.uk as we will be able to help you

Who is Ski America Online?

Ski America Online is an independent ski agency that is fully bonded with the Travel Trust Association. It has a sister company Ski Europe Online www.skieuropeonline.co.uk Sammi Nisbet owns and manages the business and has over 14 years experience in the industry under her belt. Our objective is to listen to what our clients are looking for in a ski or snowboarding holiday and provide suitable options for them to book. We will also provide impartial and unbiased advice ensuring that they have the best options possible to book the perfect ski holiday. We have access to hundreds of ski holidays throughout the North America. This then saves you the time and effort of searching through the internet as we will do the searching for you. We can also tailor make your perfect ski holiday.

How do I make a booking?

Once you have found the property of your choice please either lift the phone and call us to book or click on the enquiry button on the property page.  We will then get back to you as soon as we can. To book we will need the relevant deposit, everyone’s names as per passports, dates of birth and your contact details. Balances are due 11 weeks before travel.

How do I pay?

Deposits are usually about £150 per person or 15% of the holiday price. Deposits are taken up until 11 weeks before departure and after this time we would require full payment. Payment can be made by writing a cheque made payable to Ski Europe Trust Account or we can take credit and debit cards. Credit cards carry a charge of 2% and there is no charge for debit cards. We do not accept American Express. If you pay by cheque we will need a credit card to hold the booking until the cheque clears.

How are you bonded?

Ski America Online is an independent travel agency that is fully bonded with the Travel Trust Association. TTA number U6644. We only work with operators that offer financial protection where they are bonded with ABTA and ATOL. This means that in the unlikely event of their failure, your money us safe as it is being held in a trust account. This third party will assist you to reclaim your payments or repatriate you if you are already abroad. Where the TTA member acts as an organizer, as defined in the Package Travel Regulations, then the money received is held in the trust account until the return date has passed.

When will I receive my tickets?

Most of the airlines are ticketless now so you will receive an itinerary with your pre-departure information that you present at check in with your passport. This is usually sent out 2 weeks before departure.

I need to change a name on a booking?

If you need to make any changes or cancellations to a booking we will require notice of this in writing from you. The appropriate admin fees from the tour operator or airline will then apply. Please see their terms and conditions that you will have received at the time of your booking.

I need to cancel a booking?

If you need to cancel a booking we will need this in writing from you and the relevant cancellation fees from the tour operator will apply.

Can I book ski hire in advance?

Yes, please see the link to the left of our website with Ski Set.

Can I book lift passes and lessons in advance?

Most tour operators will be able to pre book lift passes and lessons in advance so please call for the current prices.

How much is ski carriage?

This varies between airlines but ski carriage is usually included in your baggage allowance on flights to North America.

What is my baggage allowance?

The baggage allowance is usually between 20Kg and 32Kg depending on the airline. Please check your pre departure information. Boot bags are usually included within this allowance

When is check in?

Check in is at least 2 hours before your flight is due to depart. Please allow plenty of time to get through security.

 What is APIS?

All airlines now have to adhere to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). This requires the collection of specific information from every passenger travelling to the USA and Canada. This information is required for the purposes of ensuring aviation safety and security. Travellers must supply Advance Passenger Information prior to check in or they will be unable to travel. It is important that this information is accurate so that you do not have any delay when you pass through immigration on arrival. In order to ease the airport check-in process for you, we ask that you provide us with the following information for each passenger: Names (as shown on passport), Gender, Date of Birth, Country of Residence, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiry Date, Passport Country of Issue. You can either complete the forms that will be sent to you in the post or send a photocopy of each persons passport details. We will then add the informaiton to each individual flight booking on your behalf. By providing this information well in advance you will be able to take advantage of the on-line or self-service check in facilities (where available).

What is ESTA? (Electronic System for Travel Authority)

 The USA has tightened visa restrictions to allow it to screen all short term visitors from Western Europe. Visitors to the US who do not require a visa will need to register with the US government online at least 72 hours before travel. The ESTA is mandatory for all visa free travel. Full information will be sent to you with your confirmation invoice.

Passport Requirements

British citizens need a full 10 year, machine readable passport that should have a minimum of 3 months validity from the date of arrival in the USA or Canada. Children must have their own passport. If you need a new passport then call the passport agency on 0870 521 0410 or www.passport.gov.uk

Do I Need a Visa?

British citizens do not need a visa to enter the USA or Canada providing your stay is no longer than 90 days duration. For entry to the USA, you will be issued with the appropriate visa waiver forms, either at check in or on the aircraft. For full details of requirements and restrictions check www.usembassy.org.uk It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the entry requirements. If you are not a British citizen then contact the your Embassy Visa Department and they will advise you on immigration issues.