General terms and conditions of sale

Swiss Ski School Les Diablerets 

Registration for an activity offered by the Swiss Ski School Les Diablerets (hereinafter “ESS Les Diablerets”) implies acceptance of these General Terms and Conditions of Sale (“Terms”), which are provided before booking.

1. Bookings and confirmation

  • Bookings may be requested via the website, by email, by telephone, or directly from ESS Les Diablerets.
  • Unless specific terms have been agreed in writing, particularly for groups, the booking is confirmed upon receipt of full payment.
  • Until payment has been received, neither the place nor the instructor’s availability is guaranteed, including for last-minute requests.
  • The customer must check the dates, times, meeting points, activities, and levels shown in the confirmation.

2. Prices and items not included

Prices include instruction provided by ESS Les Diablerets instructors. Unless expressly stated in the course description or confirmation, prices do not include:

  • ski lift passes;
  • equipment or equipment hire;
  • meals;
  • personal insurance or the optional course insurance.

3. Payment

Payment is due at the time of booking. The booking is confirmed only upon receipt of payment. If payment has not been received, the course is not guaranteed, including for last-minute bookings. Groups with a written agreement allowing payment by invoice are exempt from this rule.

The payment methods offered by ESS Les Diablerets are online payment, accepted credit or debit cards, bank transfer, cash, TWINT, and valid gift vouchers.

4. Instructors

Instructors have completed the training required for their activities and hold the necessary cantonal authorisations to teach the relevant snow sports.

5. Organisation and conduct of lessons

5.1 Group lessons

Group lessons are organised from a minimum of three registered participants. If there are not enough participants:

  • With two participants, ESS may combine compatible levels where possible. If this is not possible, the lesson is reduced to one hour at the same price.
  • With one participant, the lesson is postponed. If no acceptable alternative date can be offered, Article 9 applies.

ESS may change the allocation of pupils to place them in a group appropriate to their level. Latecomers will not be waited for. Refusal to participate in a lesson that takes place does not entitle the customer to a refund.

Group lessons are taught in French and English, depending on how the groups are organised.

5.2 Participation card and bib

Morning lessons starting at 10:00: the participation card may be collected from the ESS office on the previous day. Otherwise, the participant must arrive at the meeting point from 09:45 to collect their card and bib. Collection on the previous day is recommended to reduce waiting time.

Afternoon-only lessons: the participation card must be collected from the office before the lesson. The participant must arrive at the meeting point five minutes before the lesson starts to collect their bib.

5.3 Ski passes for beginners

For the Blue Prince and Blue King levels, no ski pass is required on the first day in the designated beginner area. A pass for subsequent sessions must be purchased when the instructor indicates that the group will access the ski area. Subject to availability, a day pass may be purchased from the ESS office at the standard price, payable in cash only.

5.4 Private lessons

  • The lesson time is the time confirmed by ESS. If an adjustment becomes necessary, the school will contact the customer to propose a solution compatible with availability.
  • The requested teaching language will be offered subject to the instructors’ skills and availability.
  • The customer must arrive at the meeting point at the agreed time with their equipment and, where required, their ski pass. Equipment hire is not available at the lesson meeting point.
  • If the customer is late, the lesson will not be extended, postponed, or refunded.
  • The allocated instructor is provided for information only and may be changed. Customers may visit the office before the lesson to ask for the instructor’s name.

5.5 General provisions

Lessons take place in all weather conditions when ESS can provide the activity safely. The booked duration includes travel and any waiting time at ski lifts. If ESS cannot provide the lesson, Article 9 applies.

6. Changes requested by the customer

  • More than 48 hours before the first lesson begins: the date or time may be changed without an administration fee, subject to availability.
  • Within the 48 hours before the first lesson or during the stay: an administration fee of CHF 30 is charged for an accepted change, subject to availability.
  • If the customer has purchased the course insurance option, the specific conditions of Article 8 prevail, including the limit of one change or one postponement without an administration fee.

7. Cancellation by the customer without course insurance

Transaction fees actually incurred, where applicable, are non-refundable. Cancellations must be communicated to ESS Les Diablerets.

7.1 Group lessons

  • At least seven days before the first lesson: cancellation without an administration fee, excluding any transaction fees.
  • Less than seven days but more than 48 hours before the first lesson: an administration fee of CHF 30 is deducted, in addition to any transaction fees.
  • 48 hours or less before the first lesson: no refund is provided, except where required by mandatory law or by special agreement with ESS.

7.2 Private lessons

  • More than 72 hours before the first lesson: cancellation without an administration fee, excluding any transaction fees.
  • 72 hours or less, but more than 48 hours before the first lesson: an administration fee of CHF 30 is deducted, in addition to any transaction fees.
  • 48 hours or less before the first lesson: no refund is provided, except where required by mandatory law or by special agreement with ESS.

8. Terms of the optional “course insurance”

This optional cover is offered at the time of booking. Its price is communicated before the order is confirmed and is added to the course price. It cannot be purchased after booking.

8.1 Cancellation and changes

  • More than 48 hours before the first lesson: the customer may cancel without an administration fee. For a refund covered by this option, transaction fees are not deducted.
  • The option entitles the customer to one change or one postponement of the booking without an administration fee, subject to availability. Any further request is governed by the standard terms.
  • At 48 hours or less before the first lesson, a cancellation is covered only in the circumstances set out in Article 8.2, subject to supporting documentation and provided ESS is informed before the relevant lesson begins.

8.2 Events eligible for cover

  • Illness or injury of the participant, confirmed by a medical certificate issued by a healthcare professional; or illness or injury of the participant’s legal representative that effectively prevents the minor from participating, with appropriate supporting documentation.
  • An accident involving, or breakdown of, a private vehicle while travelling to the meeting point, with supporting documentation. Fuel and key-related problems are excluded.
  • Cancellation or a significant delay of public transport preventing the participant from reaching the lesson, upon presentation of confirmation from the transport operator.
  • Complete closure of the ski area preventing ESS from providing the planned activity. The customer’s rights in the event of cancellation by ESS apply regardless of whether this option has been purchased.

8.3 Scope of cover

Only lessons not attended and affected by the covered event may be refunded. The customer must inform ESS before the relevant lesson begins and then provide supporting documents as soon as possible. Lessons already attended are not refunded. No transaction fees are deducted from refunds covered by this option. The price of the option remains non-refundable, subject to mandatory legal provisions.

8.4 Exclusions

Circumstances not expressly listed in Article 8.2 are not covered. In particular, circumstances resulting from an intentional act, intoxication, or the deliberate breach of an official prohibition are excluded, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

8.5 Refund procedure and deadline

Once the complete claim has been approved, the refund will be made within a maximum of 30 days. Where possible, it will be issued using the same payment method used for the booking. If this is not possible, it will be paid to the IBAN provided by the customer. Any bank charges associated with another payment method are payable by the customer, within the limits permitted by law.

9. Cancellation by ESS or inability to provide a lesson

If ESS Les Diablerets cancels a lesson or is unable to provide it, it will first offer a postponement or a voucher. If the customer declines these options, the lessons not provided will be refunded. This provision applies in particular in the event of the complete closure of the ski area preventing the lesson from taking place, without any requirement to purchase course insurance.

The closure of ski lifts or adverse weather conditions does not automatically result in the cancellation of a lesson if ESS can organise the planned activity under suitable and safe conditions.

10. Group bookings based on a quotation

For groups receiving a specific proposal or quotation, the accepted special terms prevail over these Terms for matters expressly covered by that document:

  • Booking: no later than 15 days before the arrival date, subject to availability.
  • Cancellation: free of charge up to seven days before the first lesson begins. The consequences of a later cancellation are those specified in the accepted quotation or confirmation.
  • Payment: by invoice, by the due date stated on it.

11. Liability, safety, and equipment

Snow sports involve inherent risks. Each participant must have suitable equipment and follow the instructor’s safety instructions. ESS recommends having appropriate insurance cover, including accident, third-party liability, and rescue insurance.

The liability of ESS Les Diablerets is determined in accordance with applicable Swiss law. Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude any liability that cannot legally be excluded.

Personal belongings and equipment remain the responsibility of their owner, except where ESS is liable under applicable law.

12. Complaints and applicable law

Any issue must be reported to the ESS Les Diablerets office so that an amicable solution can be sought as a priority. These Terms are governed by Swiss law. Subject to any mandatory places of jurisdiction provided by law, the place of jurisdiction is Vevey.

13. Data protection

Personal data provided during booking is processed by ESS Les Diablerets for the purposes of managing registrations, organising lessons, invoicing, and communicating with customers.

The data is processed in accordance with applicable Swiss data protection law.

Where necessary for the provision of services, certain data may be shared with partners involved in organising the activities, such as payment service providers or insurers.

Medical information voluntarily provided by participants or their legal representatives is used exclusively to ensure participants’ safety during activities.

Advice for parents

  • Prepare your child for the lesson and present the activity positively.
  • Provide warm clothing, gloves, ski goggles, sun protection, and suitable equipment. Helmets are mandatory for participants under 18 and strongly recommended for adults.
  • Make sure ESS has a telephone number on which you can be reached during lessons.
  • Observe the stated drop-off and collection times.
  • Before the lesson, report any medical information or special needs relevant to your child’s safety.
  • Allow the instructor to supervise the group. Each child progresses at their own pace, with enjoyment and confidence taking priority.