- YOU MUST REGISTER HERE AND WITH SNOW TOUR'S MONICA VOLTZ
- Download the complete flyer and registration form:
January 31 – February 11, 2020
$2320 per person, sharing DOUBLE room
plus airport taxes of approx. $135
Single supplement $325 ($128/Alpe d’Huez + $197/Lyon) - Deduct $650 (airfare and fuel surcharge) from package price for LAND ONLY
Please join Jerry Fitts and friends on a new winter ski and snowboard adventure!
Dubbed the “Island in the Sun” for its annual 300 days of sunshine and some of the most breathtaking views in the Alps, Alpe d’Huez (www.alpedhuez.com) is the fifth-largest ski resort in France with 155 miles of runs and 67 lifts for all abilities. This high-altitude playground sits at 6100 feet, and the mostly south-facing slopes guarantee snow from early December until late April. The Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine interconnected ski area covers five resorts and is organized with the easiest slopes on the bottom. There are more than 60 beginner/intermediate runs along with some of the best advanced terrain in the Alps. The famous Sarenne – Europe’s longest black run - stretches from the summit of Pic Blanc (10925 ft) down through the Sarenne gorges for 10 miles of thrills and an altitude drop of over 6000 feet! The most daring skiers can venture through the Tunnel, a 650-foot-long cave carved out of stone about halfway down the mountain, to tackle France’s steepest mogul field that boasts an imposing 70° pitch! Nearby La Grave (www.la-grave.com), a legendary entirely off-piste ski resort, can be included on the Alpe d’Huez lift pass. There, the 6000-foot descent is unmarked and non-patrolled allowing experienced skiers and riders to create their own route through vast glacial escapes and steep chutes, at their own risk, a world away from the marked trails, ropes, and signs of a typical ski resort.
Part of the European ski experience is of course the après-ski! La Folie Douce (www.lafoliedouce.com) in Alpe d’Huez is France’s most popular outdoor après-ski bar. Every afternoon, throngs of skiers still in their ski boots get carried away by the stunning views, lively DJs and enthusiastic crowds. While Alpe d’Huez is virtually unknown to American skiers, the town is renowned throughout the world, not only for its first-class skiing but also as a summer resort hosting huge events such as "Le Tour de France." The village center is full of bars, restaurants, and shops as well as an outdoor skating rink and heated swimming pool. Paragliding lessons and scenic helicopter rides are available from the nearby Altiport.
Our home is the ski-in/ski-out 3-star Hotel Castillan (www.castillan.fr) located near the center of the village. Julien and Stephanie Castillan are third-generation owners who take great care to ensure all guests have a memorable stay. The chalet-style hotel features cozy bedrooms, lounge, bar, restaurant with panoramic views, and spa.
We’ll end with three nights in Lyon (www.lyon-france.com), staying at the well-located 4-star Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache (https://www.accorhotels.com/fr/hotel-1292-hotel-mercure-lyon-centre-chateau-perrache/index.shtml). This historical city is older than Paris and filled with gourmet restaurants, chic shops, world-class museums, and more.
Package Includes:
- Round-trip Economy Class air on Delta/KLM between Seattle and Lyon
- Private motor coach transfers throughout tour
- 7 nights lodging in Alpe d’Huez at 3-star Hotel le Castillan, IN01FEB OUT08FEB
- 3 nights lodging in Lyon at 4-star Hotel Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache, IN08FEB OUT11FEB
- Buffet breakfast and three-course dinner daily in Alpe d’Huez
- Buffet breakfast daily in Lyon
- Bus driver tips throughout tour
- All local taxes in Alpe d’Huez and Lyon
- Current fuel surcharge ($300 – subject to change)
Lift tickets are NOT included. 6-day Adult Alpe d’Huez Grande Domaine pass costs approx. $310.
For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.snojoke.org or contact:
Jerry Fitts (jerryfitts@gmail.com, 206-226-0767) or
Monica Voltz, Snow Tours (monicavoltz@yahoo.com, 509-936-0157 or 800-222-1170, ext 221)
IMPORTANT TOUR DETAILS AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS
READ THIS FIRST!!
Credit card payment is available – advertised price reflects cash discount. Club/Vendor(s) Cancellation Policies apply. Trip insurance is strongly advised. Insurance should be purchased within 14 days of first deposit for full benefits. IMPORTANT! Airline fuel surcharge and taxes are subject to change and the exchange rate is not guaranteed. Please read complete Terms and Conditions for all details.
DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENTS
A $500 per person deposit is required to request a space on this tour. A second deposit of $400 is due to Snow Tours no later than November 15, 2019. Final payment is due no later than December 16, 2019. Your space may be cancelled if final payment is not received on time. Trip insurance is strongly recommended. See Trip Protection Insurance section below.
PRICING – IMPORTANT!
Package prices are based on Economy Class airfare on Delta/KLM and a minimum group size of 20 participants. Should the group size fall between 15 and 19 people, the package price will increase by $115 per person. Package prices are subject to change due to fuel surcharges, airport tax increases, currency fluctuation, general tariff increases, or for any reason beyond the control of the tour operator. Tour is priced on current exchange rates. Tour price includes reasonable charges for administration and planning of tour. All prices reflect a discount for cash/check payment. Visa/MasterCard/American Express rates are 4% higher than cash discount rates.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Add $325 for a STANDARD SINGLE ROOM in both Alpe d’Huez and Lyon ($128/Alpe d’Huez + $197/Lyon). A limited number of single rooms are available.
LAND ONLY
Deduct $650 (airfare credit including $300 fuel surcharge) from the package price. The air taxes of $135 will also be deducted from your invoice. Total airfare cost ($650/airfare and fuel surcharge plus $135/taxes) is $785. You are welcome to make your own air arrangements or use frequent flyer miles. It is your responsibility to coordinate your flight times with the rest of the group, so that you can join the transfers to and from the hotels. There are no refunds for unused transfers. If you miss a transfer, you will be responsible for your own transportation and costs.
SKI WEEK ONLY (no Lyon)
If you are unable to stay three nights in Lyon, it is possible to shorten your stay to include the ski week and just one night in Lyon, flying back to the U.S. on Sunday, February 9. It is not possible to get from the ski resort to the airport in time for flights back to the West Coast on Saturday, February 8. Therefore, you will travel with the group back to Lyon but only spend one night at the hotel there. Deduct $91 from the package price for this option. Your shortened package includes a private taxi transfer from the Lyon hotel to the Lyon Airport on departure. You will be considered a deviation from the main group, and separate return air must be requested for you. In order to avoid a deviation fee, you must notify Snow Tours no later than October 11, 2019. It is expected that your airfare price will not change, but there is a chance that it will increase or decrease slightly due to your return date change.
S’NO JOKE MEMBERSHIP
If you are not a member of S’no Joke Ski Club, you are welcome to join this tour for a temporary membership fee of $40 per person. Ask for membership details.
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION – IMPORTANT!
Package price was calculated based on an exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar (USD) and the Euro (EUR). The rate used for calculations was USD $1.15 = Euro 1.00. This exchange rate is not guaranteed and final package price may change if the USD strengthens or weakens.
AIRLINE FUEL SURCHARGES AND TAXES – IMPORTANT!
The package price includes a fuel surcharge imposed by the airlines of $300 per person. Air taxes are NOT included in the airfare and are quoted separately. They are currently $135 per person. Fuel surcharges and taxes are subject to change until tickets are issued approximately one month before departure. Your final invoice will reflect the current fuel surcharge and taxes.
AIR ITINERARY
Group space in Economy Class is being held for your group as follows:
31JAN DL142 Depart Seattle 1:17 p.m. Arrive Amsterdam 8:15 a.m. (+1)
01FEB KL1415 Depart Amsterdam 11:50 a.m. Arrive Lyon 1:25 p.m.
11FEB KL1412 Depart Lyon 7:00 a.m. Arrive Amsterdam 8:50 a.m.
11FEB DL143 Depart Amsterdam 9:50 a.m. Arrive Seattle 11:22 a.m.
Flight numbers and times are subject to change. You will be advised if the airline makes any changes to this itinerary.
DEVIATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
Prior to October 11, 2019, an unlimited number of passengers may deviate from the group itinerary on either the outbound or the return at the applicable fare with no deviation fee charged by the airline. From October 11, 2019, a maximum of 30% of the group may deviate on the outbound or return at the applicable fare, plus a $50 per person non-refundable deviation fee charged by the airline. The percentage of passengers who may deviate is based on the total number of seats held by the group. The individual traveler’s credit card is the only acceptable form of payment for the deviation fee and is required at the time the deviation is booked. In addition to the airline deviation fee, Snow Tours will charge a $25 per person non-refundable deviation fee. The fee will be added to the individual’s invoice and can be paid when final payment is due.
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
Cancellations must be received in writing. This policy takes into consideration the policies of the club, the airlines and hotels. Prior to October 11, 2019, forfeit $100 per person ($50 to trip account/$50 to Snow Tours). From October 12 to December 16, forfeit $500 per person ($50 to club/$50 to Snow Tours/$100 to airline/$300 to hotel). From December 17 to arrival, forfeit 100% of trip costs ($50 to trip account/rest to Snow Tours for trip arrangements. Trip cancellation and accident insurance is strongly recommended.
PASSPORTS, NAME ON PASSPORT, PASSPORT VALIDITY, AND VISAS - IMPORTANT
The name on your air ticket must be EXACTLY as it is on your passport. You are responsible for providing the correct information to Snow Tours no later than December 17, 2019. A fee of $200 per name change will apply, once tickets are issued. U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with a valid passport. A valid passport means that its date of expiration is SIX MONTHS OR MORE past the return date of the trip. Visas are not required. Non-citizens should consult their consulate.
TSA PRECHECK KNOWN TRAVELER NUMBER
If you are a Nexus, PreCheck, Global Entry, or Sentri card holder, please provide your 9-digit Known Traveler card number on the registration form when you sign up, and Snow Tours will submit it to the airline. The Known Traveler number is the 9-digit Pass ID number from a Nexus, Global Entry, PreCheck, or SENTRI card. For information or to apply for a card, go to: https://www.dhs.gov/comparison-chart.
TRIP PROTECTION INSURANCE
Trawick International’s trip insurance products are strongly recommended. Visit www.snowtourswest.com, scroll to the bottom, and click on “Complete Details” for coverage details and to purchase a policy. The “Safe Travels Vacationer” option is comprehensive insurance that includes the following benefits: full reimbursement of all non-refundable invoiced expenses if trip is cancelled for an approved medical reason; $25,000 emergency accident and sickness medical expense; $500,000 emergency medical evacuation and repatriation; $1000 baggage loss; $200 baggage delay (after 24 hours); $500 missed connection (3 hours or more); $1000 trip delay (5 hours or more/$200 per day); and more. Optional upgrades are available. All baggage is carried at passenger’s own risk. All claims must be filed directly with the insurance company. If traveler purchases insurance within 15 days of making initial deposit (based on the date on deposit check or the date of the credit card transaction), the pre-existing conditions exclusion is waived. The premium amount is based on trip cost and age of the traveler. Conditions and exclusions apply. The insurance company reserves the right to change or increase prices at any time. By law, Snow Tours is not allowed to collect payment for trip insurance. For more information about the insurance product, call Trawick International at 888-301-9289.
BAGGAGE – IMPORTANT!
Please consult www.delta.com for complete, up-to-date baggage information. Currently, international travelers in Economy Class are allowed to check one piece of luggage free of charge. It must weigh 50 pounds or less. Ski or snowboard equipment – (one set of skis or one snowboard, one set of boots, poles, and helmet in maximum two bags weighing 50 pounds or less in total) may be checked for a fee of $100 from the U.S. and the equivalent in Euro (approx. $100) from Europe. Baggage rules are subject to change at any time. Snow Tours is not responsible for changes to airline baggage policies.
SEAT ASSIGNMENTS
You may submit specific seat requests to Snow Tours (aisle/window/seatmate preference). These seat requests will be given to the airline’s group department. The fulfillment of requests is not guaranteed by the airlines or Snow Tours.
MILEAGE CREDIT
Submit your Delta Airlines SkyMiles number on your registration form, and Snow Tours will give this information to the airline. Delta Airlines and its partners reserve the right to adjust their policies for mileage accrual at any time. In general, the lower the fare, the less miles that are earned. Snow Tours cannot know in advance the number of miles that will be earned for the group itinerary, nor is Snow Tours responsible for the actual mileage points received by group participants. It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to retain ticket copies and boarding card receipts for all flights, in case proof of travel is required upon return to receive mileage credit. If participants submit their frequent flyer numbers to Snow Tours prior to departure, Snow Tours will submit the number to the airline. Passengers must reconfirm that their frequent flyer number is in their reservation record at check-in.
LIFT PASSES – IMPORTANT!
Lift passes are NOT included in package prices. A 6-day ADULT Alpe d’Huez lift pass costs Euro 272 (approx. $313). A 6-day SENIOR pass (ages 65 – 71) costs Euro 232 (approx. $267). A 6-day GRAND SENIOR pass (over 72) costs Euro 86 (approx. $99). A 6-day Alpe d’Huez + La Grave pass is also available (5 days Alpe d’Huez and 1 day La Grave) for Euro 272 (approx. $313) for all ages (no senior discounts). Transportation between Alpe d’Huez and La Grave is NOT included in the price of the lift pass. See La Grave section below for more information. Passes of shorter duration are available. Passes must be used on consecutive days. Prices are from the 2018/19 season. New rates are not yet available.
LA GRAVE
La Grave-La Meige ski area has recently partnered with Alpe d’Huez to enable skiers staying in Alpe d’Huez the opportunity to ski or ride at La Grave one day out of a six-day pass. Transportation to La Grave is not included with the pass. There is no public bus service or train service between Alpe d’Huez and La Grave. However, taxi service is available. A one-way van taxi ride costs approximately Euro 110 (about $125). While this would be expensive for one or two people to share, a group of friends could share the cost to make it more reasonable. The entire ski area is served by one cable car that takes 30 minutes to make the 6,000 ascent. Skiing at La Grave is at your own risk, and you should carry proper off-piste equipment in case of an accident (shovel, avalanche transceiver, etc.). Hiring a local guide is strongly recommended to experience the most that this magnificent area has to offer and to stay as safe as possible. Further information is available upon request.
SKI AND SNOWBOARD RENTAL INFORMATION
There are several rental shops in Alpe d’Huez. Arrangements are being made at a shop near the hotel, and complete information will be provided at a later date.
INTERNET ACCESSIBILITY AT HOTELS
Both hotels offer free WIFI to hotel guests.
TOUR ESCORT
Tour is escorted but not necessarily on all flights. Your escort’s primary concern is the welfare of the group. He or she will assist in tour-related and individual problems, but not at the expense of group needs.
NOT INCLUDED
Lift passes, beverages at meals, meals not specified, porterage of bags at airport and hotels, tips to hotel staff and airport taxes of approximately $135.
TIPPING
If you have received good service, it is customary to tip ski guides, wait staff and chambermaids at the end of your stay. Your tour escort will discuss details. Tips for bus drivers are already included in your package price.
RESPONSIBILITY
Snow Tours the operator and/or their agent, and/or the tour escorts’ responsibility is limited. They act only as agent for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motor coach, private car, boat of aircraft or any other conveyances and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be caused either by reason or defect in any vehicle or through the acts or default of any company or persons engaged in conveying the passenger or carrying out the arrangements of the tour. The tour operator accepts no responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or other causes. The right is reserved to decide to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour, to make substitutions or change, or withdraw the tour in the interest of the passenger as circumstances warrant it. All rates are based on tariffs and currency exchange in effect at the time that the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment thereafter. Airline fuel surcharges and taxes are subject to change at the sole discretion of the airline and are only guaranteed upon ticket issuance. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk. Insurance is recommended. The issuance of tickets and vouchers will be deemed to be consent to the above conditions. Tour operator will not grant refund for the unused portion of the tour. Amenities listed for hotels are based on information supplied by the properties. Snow Tours cannot guarantee that all facilities will be available and operating. WST #600173050. Printed 05/19/19.
I WANT TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD IN ALPE’HUEZ AND VISIT LYON, FRANCE
with JERRY FITTS and the S’NO JOKE SKI CLUB – January 31 – February 11, 2020
_______________________________________________________ __________________________ ____________________
1st participant name (all names as SHOWN ON PASSPORT) Frequent flyer # (Delta) Date of birth
_______________________________________________________ __________________________ ____________________
2nd participant name (all names as SHOWN ON PASSPORT) Frequent flyer # (Delta) Date of birth
DOUBLE CHECK that the name you have submitted matches your passport exactly.
Once tickets are issued, a $200 name change fee will apply.
YES, my passport meets validity requirements for this trip: ___________________________________________________________
Initials of participants
A valid passport means that its date of expiration is SIX MONTHS OR MORE past the return date of the trip.
TSA Pre-Check Known Traveler Number (if you have one)____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________ __________________________ ______ ___________________
Mailing address City State Zip Code
_____________________________ ____________________________ ______________________________________________
Home phone Cell/Work phone E-mail
S’no Joke Ski Club member: YES____ NO____ ($40 will be added to your invoice for temporary club membership)
Sharing room with____________________________________ or I prefer a single room_____
Enclosed is a check for my/our $500 per person deposit for ____ persons = $ _______.
Or charge payment to my credit card and add 4%. VISA____ MasterCard____ American Express____
Account number________________________________________________ Expires______________ Security code_____________
Signature__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make checks payable to: SNOW TOURS
Mail to: Snow Tours Attn: Monica Voltz, PO BOX 1316, Chewelah, WA 99109
or Fax to: 201-348-0545