If you're in charge of organising top quality school ski trips, there are a few things that you should consider during the planning stages in order to ensure that your students enjoy the best possible holiday.
Tapping into the expertise of professionals in the sector, here are some top tips to make your break for the slopes go without a hitch: Plan Well in Advance: Planning is a golden rule for organising any school excursion, and it's particularly important when it comes to school ski trips, where there is a finite season available.
Early planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip, putting you in a position to avoid many of the pitfalls that might crop up - or at least providing you with enough time to deal with problems.
Industry insiders and experienced teachers suggest that it's best to plan school ski trips at least 15 months ahead.
Choose the Right Place: This is, naturally, a vital ingredient for a successful trip.
There are so many potential destinations that it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice on offer.
For students from the EU, there is far less red-tape when it comes to considering destinations in Europe - the Alps and the Pyrenees are particularly easy to reach.
One of the most important considerations for teachers is the ability level of those going on the trip.
It can be difficult with mixed-ability groups, but there are a range of different resorts to suit beginners, intermediate and experienced skiers.
It's also important to bear in mind the size of the resort, and what other distractions are available for when your group is off the slopes.
Get Permission Early: It's important to make sure that you gain permission for your trip at the earliest opportunity.
There are several places that you may need to get permission, including Head Teachers, School Governors and Local Authorities.
Approvals and agreements should be reached before you book your school ski trip or lay down a deposit, to make sure that no unforeseen occurrences can jeopordise your plans.
Make Sure you're Protected: You're going to be handing over a lot of other people's money to the company you take on to run your school trip, so make sure you do the research and check-up on the background.
Most companies will offer testimonials, and there is a range of accreditation to look out for as an indicator of reliability.
The ABTA licence and membership of the School Travel Forum will demonstrate your operator's financial health and the existence of a reliable safety management system, so they are both important to look out for.