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Q How will the new European EES Entry/Exit System affect me? Click to reveal answer

As you may be aware the new European EES Entry/Exit System is scheduled to start on 10th November 2024. It will apply to all non-EU passport holders who wish to stay in the EU Schengen area for any short duration, such as holidays.

In short it means that you will need to be biometric checked in and out of the EU. There is an App on the way to make this easier, but it will not be available until the Spring 2025.

This means that the new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control when arriving in and departing from your destination. It will register all entries and exits to and from the participating European countries, which basically means it will register your movements every time you cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area. Once the new system is live, when you go through passport control on your arrival to, and departure from your destination, as well as providing your passport you will also need to have a photo of your face taken, and your fingerprints scanned.

Please be aware this may lead to delays when arriving to and from EU countries.

ABTA give a useful explanation here >> https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe

For a full overview from the EU, please see this link > https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en

Q How does a ski trip in the USA, Canada or Japan differ from a European one? Click to reveal answer

We know and love Europe but sometimes you just fancy something different. I like to think of it as comparing a beach holiday in Spain to one in Barbados; essentially they're similar but there’s definitely big differences.

North America tends to be a little quieter on the après front than Europe but also quieter on the slopes with wide open bowls and incredible tree skiing along with more snow and lighter snow making for some incredible skiing. And they’re catching up on the après front – it’s just, well, a little different.

Japan is another kettle of fish. The most snow we’ve ever seen for sure. It dwarfs Europe with its snowfall even if the resorts are at sea level. Think the softest snow on the softest pistes and the deepest powder everywhere else. But if you’re going to travel all that way, it’s as much about the culture as the skiing. Super friendly people and some delicious foods to try out and in Niseko the nightlife is pretty good as well.

Q Do the chalets do anything special for Christmas/New Year? Click to reveal answer

We’ll always put on a special menu for Christmas and New Year, we love these days as much you do and it’s not the same without a decent spread. As far as entertainment goes that’s largely down to the resorts and they do it much better than we could. So ask the chalet hosts where’s best to go whether you fancy an all-night party or to find a quiet corner. They’ll know just the spot. Pre-booking is definitely recommended over peak dates though if you want to go out for meals so make sure you mention it to us once you've booked.

Q Do you have ski guides who can show me around a new resort? Click to reveal answer

Ski guides are easy to find if you’re willing to pay for an instructor, some resorts offer scheduled guiding for free, especially in North America. We only have staff where we have flexiski operated chalets (St Anton and Morzine), they can’t guide you but can give you some insider tips.

Q Why do many hotels have fixed dates and durations? Click to reveal answer

The ski industry has been and still is largely dictated by 7 night holidays from Saturday to Saturday which is how most hotels sell their winters and how most of the major ski operators work. We hand pick our hotels to give us the maximum flexibility possible however it isn’t always possible to get the dates you want, it can be especially tricky over peak dates such as New Year’s Eve. We’ll always be able to find you something just maybe not the resorts you were expecting.

Q Which is the best choice between a hotel and a catered chalet? Click to reveal answer

This really depends on what kind of holiday you want. Chalets can be fantastic if you get a group of friends together to take the whole thing and equally if you want to meet some new people or generally just have a laugh. Hotels are a little more formal so if you are honeymooning or love your privacy maybe a hotel is for you, and they’re more likely to have a spa or pool for example. Which is best? That’s up to your preferences. We love both.

Q I have my own ski equipment, how much does airline ski carriage cost? Click to reveal answer

Ski carriage prices varies greatly. Swiss Air for example let you take skis for free, as does Air Canada. Others can be a little more expensive normally around £30 each way for Europe and getting more expensive for long haul destinations where in reality it’s easier to rent (take your boots and rent the newest boards or skis).

Q Why are single travellers asked to pay more for their room? Click to reveal answer

If a single person occupies a double room they will usually be asked to pay extra (a single supplement). Hotels price their rooms as doubles or family rooms and they tend not to reduce the rates if they are occupied by a single person. The costs to the hotel of providing the room - heating, lighting, cleaning etc. are the same regardless of how many people occupy that room. Unless you find a single room of course but these are becoming rarer and rarer.