Customers are reminded that they should check with their own doctor for advice on medical requirements of the host countries.
From 1st September 2005, the E111 travel health insurance document was replaced by the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The old style E111 ceased to be valid from 1st January 2006. Travellers who wish to use this facility must apply for the new EHIC by one of the methods stated in the T7 booklet or on the website www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by calling 0845 606 2030 as you will need to present the EHIC card for reciprocal treatment.
Information about free and reduced-cost emergency care and medical treatment in most EU countries can be found in the leaflet T7 “Health Advice for Travellers”, which is available free from post offices, local Department of Health offices, GPs and libraries, or by calling the Health Literature Line free on 0800 555 777.
However, as this only provides limited cover, we require all our customers to have adequate holiday insurance cover. Therefore, please ensure that you have arranged sufficient alternative insurance. For treatment in any country you will need to produce your passport.
Customers are reminded that they should check with their own doctor for advice on medical requirements of the host countries. From 1st September 2005, The Department of Health produces a helpful leaflet entitled, Health Advice for Travellers (T6) and leaflets are available free from your Doctor, ABTA Travel Agent, larger Post Offices or by telephone FREEPHONE 0800 555777.
High altitude: For customers going to high altitude resorts, it is suggested that, if relevant, you contact your GP as some customers encounter difficulties due to the high altitude of the resort. Please bear in mind that when skiing, biking or walking at altitude you should allow time to acclimatise physically, drink plenty of water, reduce alcohol intake and ensure that appropriate clothing is taken. Your doctor and suitable publications will provide further information in this regard.
Special needs, disabled and elderly customers: We are happy to advise and assist elderly, special needs or disabled customers to choose a holiday. However, some of the properties featured in this brochure may lack even the simplest facilities such as ramps for wheelchairs and lifts etc. Therefore, we must be provided with full written details of any disability or special requirements before booking to ascertain whether the holiday of your choice is suitable.
A comprehensive form is available specifically for this purpose, which you should request when making your booking. Similarly, if you have a medical condition which necessitates special seating requirements on the aircraft or wheelchair assistance at the airport we must have written confirmation from your doctor prior to booking.
Failure to advise us of any such requirements prior to booking may result in the chosen holiday being unsuitable and may cause inconvenience and distress to all customers on that holiday. In that case we reserve the right to terminate your holiday arrangements with us, for which we would not be liable to make alternative arrangements or to make refunds or pay compensation.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit
The Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 (Ceefax) or on the Internet under the address http://www.fco.gov.uk/, or phone 0870 606 0290. Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 020 7307 1907 (calls charged at 50p/minute).
Know Before You Go
We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas.
Before you go overseas, check out the FCO web site at: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.
Ski & snowboard safety
Like any activity in the mountains, skiing and snowboarding can be classified as dangerous sports but the risk to yourself and others is easily minimised by following a few simple guidelines.
Choose your resort carefully: Mixed ability groups, in particular, must remember that skiing should be safe and fun for everyone. Do not encourage fellow skiers to venture onto slopes that are beyond their capabilities. It is also worth noting that because of their steep terrain some of the resorts favoured by experienced skiers may carry an increased risk of avalanche.
Let the experts guide you: A guide including essential information to help you get the most out of your skiing and a copy of the FIS Safe Skiing Code will be sent with your tickets or handed to you on arrival. Please take the time to read this simple common-sense advice, which is provided with your safety, foremost in our minds. Combining this with up-to-date information on arrival will help you to stay safe both on the slopes and in the village.
Avalanche danger: In extreme weather conditions, any resort may be at risk, so never ignore warnings. Signs and flags around part or all of the pistes indicate that avalanche danger is present but do not rely on these alone. Local experts are there to help so ask for advice from the local Ski School or Ski Lift Company on a daily basis. When necessary resort authorities may close some or all of the pistes. Remember this is done to ensure your safety. Never attempt to ski on runs which are closed, or go under a boundary rope into an area not part of the prepared ski area.
Off-piste: If you are able to ski off-piste you must have appropriate insurance and employ the services of a qualified guide. Never ski off-piste during risk of avalanche. For more detailed resort information including recent snow and avalanche records please see Chris Gill/Dave Watts “Where to Ski Guide”. We find it invaluable for accurate and impartial advice. It also lists telephone numbers and websites for tourist offices/avalanche centres throughout the Alps and North America.
Snow conditions: ‘Snowline’ information is provided by the Ski Club of Great Britain and not Crystal Holidays. Therefore, the information provided is not under our direct control and we cannot accept liability for any disappointment which may arise as a result of the information provided.
|
