LEGAL NOTICES & GENERAL CONDITIONS

Here you will find all the information regarding our general terms and conditions. To learn more about ESS Protect, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

1. Purpose

Unless otherwise explicitly agreed, these general terms and conditions apply to all commercial relationships or transactions between the Swiss Ski and Snowboard School Les Crosets-Champoussin (hereinafter: ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin) and its clients. The company operates a snow sports school, which is the core of its business activities. This mainly includes services such as the teaching of skills and knowledge in the field of snow sports, without any specific guarantee of success, as well as supervision and guidance during snow sports activities. Special requests are only considered if they are based on a written agreement with ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin. Any additional costs are to be borne by the client.
Enrolling in the services of ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin implies acceptance of these terms and conditions.
This document is freely available on our website and at our points of sale. Only the complete French version of this document is legally binding.

2. Prices

The prices of ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin are displayed in our offices, on our website, in booking confirmations, and in various communication materials.
The indicated prices only include the teaching services provided by ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin instructors and exclude all other services (insurance, ski lift passes, accommodation, equipment, transport, and meals unless stated).
The indicated prices are in Swiss francs (CHF). If payment is made in Euros, the exchange rate of the day will be applied.
Claims for compensation or indemnity due to errors in illustrations, prices, or texts are strictly excluded.

3. Payment

Lessons are charged upon booking. You can make the payment through the following means:

• Cash
• Credit card: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro
• Bank transfer
• Via our online booking system

4. Cancellation Policy

Any reservation can be canceled or modified free of charge up to 8 days before the start of the lesson.
For any changes or cancellations within the week prior to the lesson, but no later than 48 hours before the lesson, the client must pay twenty percent of the initial payment for administrative fees.
For any changes or cancellations within 48 hours before the lesson, the client must pay 100% of the total amount.
It is recommended to take out cancellation insurance, “Cours Protect,” available when purchasing ski lessons.
In the event of the client’s absence at the start of the lesson and/or interruption during the service, no refund will be issued.
Lessons take place in all weather conditions. Weather conditions are not a valid reason for cancellation or postponement as long as the activity is ensured by ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin. No refunds, rescheduling, or compensation will be granted.
Once booked, lessons cannot be rescheduled.
Any lesson started and/or any group lesson commenced will generally be charged in full.
After the contract is concluded, and even during the activity, ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin reserves the right to modify, cancel, or interrupt the program or certain services when natural and/or weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances (force majeure, official/administrative measures, safety risks, or other risks) require it. For lesson hours that are canceled for these reasons, the client is entitled to a refund. The client must request the refund within 7 days by phone at +41 (0)24 479 14 01 or by writing an email to: info@ess-lescrosets-champoussin.ch. Twenty percent of the initial payment will be deducted to cover operating costs.

5. Client Responsibility for Activity Changes

It is the client’s responsibility to provide ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin with accurate information regarding their identity, abilities, and level so that ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin can advise them and enroll them in appropriate services. ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin is not liable if, due to inaccurate information, a client is unable to participate in the activity.
No refund is granted for late arrivals, illness, presumed bad weather, or partial lift closures. Instructors will wait no more than thirty minutes after the scheduled start time at the meeting point.
If the client arrives late, the lesson will continue until the scheduled end time. Lost time will not be compensated.
The client is responsible for their own equipment, which must be adjusted by qualified personnel in suitable facilities. Inability to continue the lesson due to faulty equipment will not entitle the client to a replacement, postponement, or refund.
No refund is granted if the lesson is interrupted due to the client’s inadequate physical condition or inappropriate winter sports equipment.

6. Group Lessons

The minimum number of participants is 6 people. When groups do not meet this minimum, ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin reserves the right to merge groups, shorten lessons, cancel lessons at the last minute, or offer a substitute service at an additional cost. These changes do not entitle the participant to a refund or compensation.
Children are assigned to groups based on parental information and previous training (Swiss Snow League booklet). ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin is not liable for incorrect assignments and reserves the right to reassign children if necessary. Group placement depends on assessments conducted on the slopes by our instructors.
Group lessons last 3 hours and include travel and waiting times at ski lifts. Instructors are not required to wait for latecomers at the start of group lessons.
Group lessons are generally taught in French and/or English.
The number of participants in group lessons is limited to 8-10 students per class, though this limit may be exceeded in the following cases:

• Enrollment in a class that does not match the ski level indicated;
• Faster or slower progression of certain participants;
• Injured or sick instructor necessitating the merging of students into another class.
  ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin reserves the right to change instructors for organizational reasons.
  Swiss Snow League test medals are included in the price of week-long group or private lessons (minimum 8 hours). For shorter durations, medals can be purchased at the ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin office.

7. Liability

ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin declines all responsibility for accidents occurring during lessons, races, hikes, outings, exams, and competitions.
ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin is not liable for errors, damages, or other misconduct by the client. Any costs for rescue, repair, or emergency services will be borne by the responsible party.
Clients must arrange their own insurance. We recommend purchasing cancellation insurance and coverage for repatriation.
Instructors cannot guarantee absolute safety against potential mountain hazards. Clients accept the inherent risks of outdoor activities, which persist despite the instructor’s supervision. Clients agree to follow the instructor’s instructions and guidelines.
ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin is not responsible for individual agreements made between clients and instructors.

8. Private Lessons

Private lessons can start any day, subject to availability.
The instructor will speak the client’s preferred language, subject to availability.
ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin reserves the right to change instructors for organizational reasons.

9. Client Conduct

Clients must follow the instructions of the instructors, ski lift employees, and anyone working for ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin or the ski area management.
Clients must adhere to the FIS and SKUS rules in place and ensure they do not endanger others.
A respectful attitude towards instructors, other participants, and third parties is required.
Clients must wear appropriate clothing for snow sports. Instructors may refuse service to clients whose attire is inadequate or jeopardizes their health.
Helmets are mandatory for children and strongly recommended for adults.
Instructors have the authority to exclude from the lesson any person who does not comply with these rules. Expulsion from the lesson does not entitle the client to a refund for that or subsequent lessons.

10. Image Rights

Clients grant ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin permission to publish, display, or distribute photos and videos taken during lessons.
ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin reserves the right to use photos or videos for marketing purposes. You may revoke your consent to the use and transmission of such data and images at any time by sending a message to info@ess-lescrosets-champoussin.ch. Data necessary for business operations will remain confidential.

11. Final Provisions

The place of execution is the location where ESS Les Crosets-Champoussin centralizes its activities. The place of jurisdiction is Val-d’Illiez, and Swiss law applies.
Val-d’Illiez, September 12, 2024