4.15 Snowsport Visits

Overview

Well planned snowsport visits provide memorable and rewarding experiences, while careful preparation and supervision help ensure that they remain as safe as possible for everyone involved. [cut if needed]

This section applies to downhill skiing and snowboarding on marked pistes. It does not cover off-piste skiing or snowboarding, ski touring, mountaineering or snowshoeing. Contact your Educational Visits Adviser for specific advice.

Snowsport visits often take place overseas and should also follow relevant guidance on overseas visits and residential visits.

Preparation for Participants

Preparation helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

It is good practice for beginners to take pre-course lessons at an artificial slope before travelling. This can improve confidence, fitness, skill and help participants gain greater value from time on the slopes.

You should also:

• Encourage participants to prepare physically for the demands of snowsports
• Ensure all participants have appropriate and properly fitted equipment
• Check equipment regularly throughout the visit

Helmets must be worn by all participants and leaders during snowsport activities (including when tobogganing, tubing and similar). This is often mandatory and may be a legal requirement in some countries.

Participants should also be familiar with safe behaviour on the slopes, including the principles of the Snowsport England Ski Highway Code https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwprQDLlhHE .

Equipment

Issue a kit list. Check the weather forecast each day and ensure all participants have appropriate and properly fitted clothing and equipment. Visually check equipment regularly throughout the visit. Ensure equipment is only adjusted by competent personnel.

Helmets must be worn by all participants and leaders during snowsport activities (including when tobogganing, tubing and similar). This is often mandatory and may be a legal requirement in some countries.

Planning the Visit

Many snowsport visits are organised through specialist tour operators, and careful provider selection is essential.

Key planning considerations include:

• The provider holds a LOtC Quality Badge or has completed a satisfactory Provider Check Form/Statement. Check provider reviews on kaddi.com
• Suitable travel dates and likely weather/snow conditions
• Country-specific considerations such as language, culture and food
• Safe and appropriate travel arrangements
• Resort suitability for the group’s ability and experience
• Snowsports instruction quality
• Availability of other activities
• Accommodation location and supervision requirements
• Contingency plans if weather conditions affect activities

Appropriate insurance, financial arrangements and approvals must be confirmed before committing to the visit.

Leadership and Supervision

Snowsport visits require a high level of leadership competence.

Visit Leaders should have relevant experience and appropriate training, such as Snowsport Visits Training, Snowsport Course Organiser or equivalent experience.

Participants must only ski or snowboard when supervised by:

• An accredited snowsport school, or
• A suitably qualified and approved leader – check requirements with your Educational Visits Adviser

Local laws and resort regulations relating to instruction must always be followed.

Consider how your staff team will supervise multiple groups located at different points across the ski area. Consider injuries to pupils and/or staff members in your staffing arrangement planning.

Supervision arrangements should remain in place throughout the visit, including when participants are not on the slopes. Downtime activities should be carefully planned, as incidents can occur away from the ski area.