Terms & Conditions

These Booking Terms & Conditions ("Terms") apply to bookings made with Snow Frontier Pty Ltd (ABN 93 701 468 779) trading as SKI CHINA ("SKI CHINA", "we", "us" or "our").

By confirming a booking or making a payment in connection with a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to these Terms.

1. Our Services

SKI CHINA provides travel planning, booking and related services, with a particular focus on ski and travel arrangements in China.

Depending on your booking, we may arrange accommodation, ski passes, ski lessons, ski rental, activities, tours, domestic flights within China, rail travel, private transfers, shuttle services, private vehicles and other travel services.

Some travel services are provided by independent third-party suppliers, including hotels, ski resorts, ski schools, airlines, railway operators, transport operators, guides, local operators and other service providers ("Suppliers"). Where a Supplier provides a service, its own terms and conditions may also apply to that component of your booking.

Your quotation or booking confirmation will identify the principal services included in your booking.

2. Quotations

Unless otherwise stated, a quotation is based on availability, pricing, exchange rates and Supplier information available at the time it is issued.

A quotation does not guarantee availability until the relevant services have been confirmed.

The validity period of a quotation will be stated on the quotation. If no validity period is stated, you should contact us before making payment to confirm that the quoted services and prices remain available.

We may correct genuine errors in a quotation before a booking is confirmed. If a material error is identified after payment, we will contact you promptly and provide appropriate options having regard to the circumstances and applicable law.

3. Booking Process and Final Confirmation

Payment of the required deposit authorises SKI CHINA to commence arranging the travel services set out in your accepted quotation or trip proposal.

Receipt of the deposit does not mean that all accommodation, transport, ski services, activities or other Supplier arrangements have been finally confirmed. Individual components remain subject to Supplier availability and confirmation.

Following receipt of the deposit, SKI CHINA will proceed with relevant reservations, coordination and other arrangements as they become available for booking. Where a quoted service is unavailable, we will make reasonable efforts to offer a suitable alternative and will advise you of any material change to the proposed itinerary or price before committing you to a materially different arrangement. SKI CHINA will issue a final booking confirmation and/or final itinerary once the principal arrangements for your trip have been confirmed. Where a particular component cannot ultimately be confirmed, we will work with you to arrange a reasonable alternative or provide an appropriate adjustment or refund for the affected component, having regard to amounts committed to Suppliers and your rights under applicable law.

4. Prices and Inclusions

Prices are stated in the currency shown in your quotation or invoice. Your quotation will specify what is included in your booking.

Unless expressly included, international flights to and from China, visas, travel insurance, meals, personal expenses and other incidental costs are not included.

Travel prices may depend on Supplier pricing, foreign exchange rates, taxes, government charges and other external costs.

Once a booking has been confirmed, we will not increase the price merely because our own margin or costs have changed. However, where an identifiable tax, government charge, Supplier charge or other external cost applicable to your booking changes after confirmation, we may pass on that change where permitted by law and where the possibility of that change was reasonably disclosed.

We will explain any material additional charge before requiring payment.

5. Payment Terms

To proceed with a booking, you are required to pay a deposit equal to 20% of the total trip price. Payment of the deposit authorises SKI CHINA to commence arranging the services set out in your accepted quotation or trip proposal. Individual services remain subject to Supplier availability and confirmation.

The remaining 80% balance is due no later than 60 days before the scheduled departure date.

If the balance is not paid by the due date, SKI CHINA may, after making reasonable attempts to contact you, treat the booking as cancelled by you, subject to the cancellation terms below.

6. Cancellation by the Client

All cancellation requests must be submitted to SKI CHINA in writing. The applicable cancellation terms are based on the date SKI CHINA receives the written cancellation request.

6.1 60 Days or More Before Departure

If you cancel 60 days or more before departure, the 20% deposit is generally non-refundable, subject to applicable law. Any unpaid balance is not required. Any amount paid above the deposit will be refunded, less any unrecoverable Supplier costs or third-party charges already incurred.

The deposit reflects itinerary design, consultation, coordination, reservation management and work completed to prepare and progress the trip arrangements.

6.2 30-59 Days Before Departure

If you cancel 30-59 days before departure, SKI CHINA may retain up to 50% of the total trip price, including unrecoverable Supplier costs and reasonable costs incurred in connection with the booking.

Where non-refundable Supplier commitments attributable to the booking exceed this amount, you may also be responsible for those additional amounts where the commitments were disclosed or reasonably necessary to fulfil the booking.

If Supplier refunds or credits are recovered, SKI CHINA may pass the recoverable amount to you after deducting reasonable costs.

6.3 7-29 Days Before Departure

If you cancel 7-29 days before departure, refunds are subject to Supplier terms, unrecoverable costs and work already completed.

SKI CHINA may retain up to 70% of the total trip price, including unrecoverable Supplier costs and reasonable costs incurred in connection with the booking, where late cancellation causes substantial operational, Supplier or coordination costs.

Where non-refundable Supplier commitments attributable to the booking exceed this amount, you may also be responsible for those additional amounts where the commitments were disclosed or reasonably necessary to fulfil the booking.

Any Supplier refund actually recovered may be passed to you after deducting reasonable costs.

6.4 Within 7 Days, No-Show, or After the Trip Has Commenced

If you cancel within 7 days before departure, do not attend, or choose not to use confirmed services after the trip has commenced, no refund will normally be available for unused services.

SKI CHINA will not be responsible for costs arising from your late arrival, missed transport, personal circumstances, change of mind or decision not to participate, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Where SKI CHINA is able to recover refunds or credits from Suppliers, SKI CHINA may pass the recoverable amount to you after deducting reasonable service, administrative, payment processing and unrecoverable costs.

7. Non-Refundable Items

Certain items may be non-refundable once arranged, issued, confirmed or paid to a Supplier. These may include itinerary design and planning work; the booking deposit; visa or travel document processing fees; travel insurance premiums; issued air tickets, train tickets or other transport tickets; ski passes, ski lessons, ski rental or activity tickets once issued; hotel deposits or Supplier charges that cannot be recovered; guide, vehicle, event, restaurant or special arrangement fees; and payment processing fees and bank charges.

Any non-refundable amount remains subject to applicable law.

8. Supplier Refunds

Supplier cancellation rules may vary. Where Suppliers provide a refund or credit to SKI CHINA, SKI CHINA will make reasonable efforts to pass the recoverable amount to you after deducting reasonable costs, including planning work, administration, payment processing fees and unrecoverable Supplier charges.

9. Changes Requested by the Client

SKI CHINA understands that travel plans may change and will make reasonable efforts to assist with amendments to confirmed bookings.

All amendment requests must be submitted in writing and are subject to availability, Supplier confirmation, seasonal conditions and any additional costs.

One round of minor amendments is included after payment of the deposit. One round means one consolidated written request containing reasonable minor changes submitted at the same time.

Further amendments may incur a service fee, depending on the nature and timing of the requested change, in addition to any Supplier charges, fare differences, cancellation fees or unrecoverable costs.

10. Amendment Categories

10.1 Minor Amendments

Minor amendments are changes that do not materially affect the itinerary structure, travel dates, destination, hotel arrangements, transport, guide arrangements, Supplier bookings or total trip pricing.

Examples include correcting guest names, passport details or contact details before the relevant Supplier booking or ticket has been issued; updating dietary requirements or allergy information; updating bedding preferences; minor timing adjustments on the same day; restaurant preference changes; small refinements to activity order; simple updates to guest information; and adding extra travellers where the confirmed itinerary structure does not materially change.

After the included amendment round, further minor amendments may incur a service fee of AUD 100 per request, plus any applicable Supplier charges.

10.2 Moderate Amendments

Moderate amendments are changes that require Supplier re-confirmation, revised pricing or changes to confirmed services, but do not require a full itinerary redesign.

Examples include changing hotels or room types; adding or removing rooms; changing ski passes, ski lessons, rental equipment or activity arrangements; changing transfer times or vehicle arrangements; changing guide arrangements; replacing activities on selected days; changing a flight or train arrival time that affects transfers or daily plans; cancelling one confirmed service and replacing it with another; or requests requiring SKI CHINA to re-confirm multiple Suppliers.

Moderate amendments may incur a service fee of AUD 250 per request, plus any Supplier costs or fare differences.

10.3 Major Amendments

Major amendments are changes that substantially alter the confirmed trip and require significant re-planning, re-quoting or re-confirmation of core arrangements.

Examples include changing travel dates; changing trip duration; changing destination cities or ski resorts; changing the city sequence or route; changing the accommodation standard or trip style; changing the group structure in a way that materially changes pricing or operations; extensive changes during peak periods such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, school holidays or major event periods; requesting multiple new itinerary options after the trip has been confirmed; or changes that effectively require the original itinerary to be rebuilt.

Major amendments may incur a service fee from AUD 500, depending on the scale and complexity of the work required, plus applicable Supplier costs and fare differences.

If the requested change substantially alters the confirmed trip, SKI CHINA may treat it as a cancellation of the original arrangements and provide a new quotation for the revised trip.

11. Adding Additional Travellers

SKI CHINA welcomes requests to add additional travellers to a confirmed booking, subject to availability and Supplier confirmation.

No SKI CHINA amendment fee will be charged solely for adding additional travellers.

You will be responsible for the additional traveller's trip cost, Supplier charges, fare differences, taxes and any applicable payment processing fees.

If adding travellers requires changes to confirmed arrangements, such as additional rooms, changed room types, larger or additional vehicles, different guide arrangements, revised activities or Supplier re-confirmation, SKI CHINA will advise you of any additional trip costs before proceeding.

If adding travellers substantially changes the nature, structure or pricing of the trip, SKI CHINA may provide a revised quotation for the updated group.

12. Urgent or In-Trip Changes

Changes requested within 7 days before departure or during the trip may not always be possible.

Where SKI CHINA assists with urgent or in-trip changes, you are responsible for any additional Supplier charges, fare differences, unused services, cancellation fees, urgent booking costs and reasonable coordination or service fees.

Urgent or in-trip amendments may incur a service fee from AUD 200 per request, depending on the complexity and urgency of the change.

13. Unused Services

No refund will normally be provided for unused services where you choose not to participate, arrive late, miss a service, change plans during the trip or are unable to use a service for reasons outside SKI CHINA's reasonable control.

Where SKI CHINA is able to recover a refund or credit from the relevant Supplier, SKI CHINA may pass the recoverable amount to you after deducting reasonable costs.

Nothing in this section limits any rights or remedies available under applicable law.

14. Supplier Changes and Cancellations

Travel arrangements may occasionally be changed or cancelled by a Supplier because of weather, operational requirements, safety concerns, availability, government action or other circumstances.

If a Supplier materially changes or cancels a booked service, we will use reasonable efforts to notify you promptly and assist with the options reasonably available in the circumstances.

Depending on the circumstances, those options may include an alternative service, credit or refund offered by the relevant Supplier.

Where SKI CHINA is acting as an intermediary for a Supplier service, the remedy available for that component may depend on the Supplier's terms and the remedy provided by the Supplier, subject always to any rights you have under applicable law.

15. Third-Party Suppliers

Suppliers providing accommodation, ski services, transportation, activities and other travel services are generally responsible for delivering their respective services.

Supplier terms may include rules concerning cancellation, amendments, check-in, ticketing, equipment, age restrictions, safety, resort operations and other matters.

We will make relevant Supplier terms available to you where they are provided to us and are material to your booking.

SKI CHINA is not responsible for acts or omissions of an independent Supplier to the extent that the matter is outside SKI CHINA's reasonable control, except to the extent that responsibility cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

16. International Flights

International flights to and from China are not included in your booking unless expressly stated in your quotation or booking confirmation.

SKI CHINA does not ordinarily include or proactively arrange international flights as part of its travel services. However, at your request, we may assist you in arranging international flights through a third-party ticketing agent or other travel service provider.

Where international flights are arranged through a third party, the applicable airline, ticketing agent and fare conditions will apply, including any ticketing, amendment, cancellation and refund rules.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, you are responsible for ensuring that your international flight schedule is compatible with your SKI CHINA itinerary and for providing us with accurate and up-to-date arrival and departure details.

If an international flight delay, cancellation or schedule change affects services arranged by SKI CHINA, please contact us as soon as reasonably possible. We will make reasonable efforts to assist with necessary changes to your China travel arrangements, but additional Supplier charges, fare differences or amendment costs may apply.

17. Travel and Transportation Within China

Where included in your quotation or booking confirmation, SKI CHINA may arrange transportation within China as part of your itinerary. This may include domestic flights, high-speed rail or other train services, private transfers, shuttle services, private vehicles and other forms of transportation.

These services may be provided by airlines, railway operators, vehicle operators, local transport providers or other third-party Suppliers. Relevant Supplier terms, ticket conditions and operational rules may apply.

You are responsible for providing accurate traveller information required for ticketing and reservations, including names and identification or passport details where required.

Once a domestic flight, rail ticket or other transport service has been issued or confirmed, amendment, cancellation and refund rights may be subject to the applicable Supplier's fare or booking rules. Any Supplier amendment charges, fare differences or non-refundable amounts will be taken into account in addition to any applicable SKI CHINA amendment or cancellation terms, without double recovery.

Transport schedules and operating arrangements may change for reasons outside SKI CHINA's reasonable control. If a material change affects an itinerary arranged by SKI CHINA, we will make reasonable efforts to assist with alternative arrangements and coordinate affected components of the itinerary.

Where a delay or cancellation of one service affects another service arranged by SKI CHINA, we will make reasonable efforts to assist with consequential changes. Additional costs may apply depending on the circumstances and the terms of the relevant Suppliers.

18. Snow, Weather and Resort Operations

Ski travel is dependent on weather and natural conditions. SKI CHINA does not guarantee snowfall or snow quality, weather conditions, the amount of skiable terrain, lift or trail availability, the operation of particular ski lifts, facilities or activities, or particular skiing conditions during your trip.

Ski resorts may change operating hours, close lifts or terrain, restrict activities or alter operations for weather, snow, safety, maintenance or operational reasons.

Where a service is materially affected, any refund, replacement or credit will depend on the circumstances, the applicable Supplier terms and your rights under applicable law.

19. Skiing and Other Activities

Skiing, snowboarding and other snow, mountain and outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including risk of injury.

You are responsible for choosing activities and terrain appropriate to your experience, ability and circumstances, following safety instructions and complying with applicable resort and Supplier rules.

You should disclose relevant requirements to us where they affect services you ask us to arrange.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts liability where it would be unlawful to do so.

20. Passports, Visas and Entry Requirements

You are responsible for ensuring that you and all travellers included in your booking meet applicable passport, visa, immigration, health, customs and entry requirements.

SKI CHINA may provide general information about travel requirements as a convenience, but requirements may change and individual circumstances differ.

Unless we expressly agree in writing to provide a specific service, information provided by SKI CHINA about visa or entry requirements is general information only and is not immigration or legal advice.

You should verify current requirements with the relevant government or official authority before travel.

SKI CHINA is not responsible for loss arising solely because a traveller does not hold required travel documents or does not satisfy applicable entry requirements, except to the extent caused by our breach of applicable law or a service we expressly agreed to provide.

21. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that all travellers obtain comprehensive travel insurance appropriate to their trip as soon as reasonably practicable after booking.

For a ski or snow holiday, you should consider whether your policy adequately covers skiing, snowboarding and other activities you intend to undertake, together with medical treatment, evacuation, cancellation, interruption, delays, lost or damaged baggage and other relevant risks.

It is your responsibility to determine whether a particular insurance policy is suitable for you.

22. Health, Fitness and Special Requirements

You are responsible for considering whether you are physically capable of participating in the activities included in your trip.

If you have accessibility, mobility, dietary or other requirements relevant to your travel arrangements, please tell us before booking so that we can determine whether reasonable arrangements can be requested from the relevant Suppliers.

SKI CHINA cannot guarantee that all destinations or Suppliers will be able to accommodate every request.

23. Your Booking Information and Special Requests

You must provide accurate and complete information reasonably required to make your booking. This may include travellers' names as shown on their passports, dates of birth, contact information and other information required by Suppliers.

You must review quotations, invoices, confirmations and travel documents promptly and tell us as soon as possible if information appears incorrect.

Additional costs caused by incorrect information supplied by you may be payable by you where those costs are reasonably incurred and were not caused by SKI CHINA.

We are happy to pass reasonable special requests to Suppliers, including requests concerning room configuration, dietary requirements, accessibility or preferred instructors. A request is not guaranteed unless we or the relevant Supplier expressly confirm it.

24. Events Beyond Reasonable Control

Circumstances outside the reasonable control of SKI CHINA or a Supplier may affect travel arrangements. These may include severe weather, natural disasters, closure of ski areas, transport disruption, government action, border restrictions, civil disturbance, public health events or similar circumstances.

Where such an event occurs, we will use reasonable efforts to assist you and to seek available alternatives, credits or refunds from affected Suppliers.

Your rights and any refund, credit or alternative arrangement will depend on the circumstances, applicable Supplier terms and applicable law.

This section does not exclude or limit any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

25. Our Responsibility

SKI CHINA will provide its services with due care and skill and in accordance with applicable law.

To the extent permitted by law, SKI CHINA is not responsible for loss caused solely by your own act or omission; an independent third party over whom SKI CHINA has no reasonable control; circumstances outside our reasonable control; or a risk inherent in an activity that has not resulted from a failure by SKI CHINA to comply with its legal obligations.

Where liability can lawfully be limited, SKI CHINA's liability will be limited only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right or remedy under the Australian Consumer Law or any other law that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.

26. Australian Consumer Law

Our services come with rights and guarantees that may apply under the Australian Consumer Law.

These Terms operate subject to those rights. If there is an inconsistency between these Terms and a right or remedy that cannot legally be excluded or limited, that mandatory right or remedy will prevail.

27. Personal Information and Privacy

We collect and use personal information where reasonably necessary to respond to enquiries, arrange bookings, process payments, communicate with you and Suppliers, and provide our services.

To arrange international travel, it may be necessary to provide relevant personal information to Suppliers and service providers located outside Australia, including in China.

We will handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws. Our current Privacy Policy is available on the SKI CHINA website.

28. Communications

You agree that we may communicate with you electronically in connection with your enquiry or booking, including by email and other contact methods you provide or use to communicate with us.

You are responsible for ensuring that the contact details provided to us remain current and for checking communications relating to your booking.

29. Complaints and Problems During Travel

If you experience a problem with a service during your trip, please notify the relevant Supplier and SKI CHINA as soon as reasonably possible. Early notification may allow the issue to be addressed while you are travelling.

If the matter is not resolved, you may submit a complaint to SKI CHINA in writing with relevant supporting information. We will review complaints reasonably and in good faith.

Nothing in this section limits any right you have to pursue a remedy under applicable law.

30. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time.

The Terms applicable to your booking will generally be the version provided or made available to you when your booking was confirmed, unless you agree to a later variation, a change is required by law, or the change does not materially disadvantage you.

We will retain records of previous versions where reasonably necessary.

31. General

If any provision of these Terms is invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to operate to the extent permitted by law.

A failure or delay by either party to exercise a right does not necessarily waive that right.

These Terms, together with your quotation, booking confirmation, invoice and any Supplier terms expressly incorporated into your booking, form the contractual framework applying to your booking.

If there is an inconsistency between these Terms and a specific written term in your quotation or booking confirmation, the specific written term will prevail to the extent of that inconsistency, subject to applicable law.

32. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.

The parties submit to the jurisdiction of the courts and tribunals of New South Wales and any courts competent to hear appeals from them, subject to any applicable law that provides otherwise.

33. Contact

Snow Frontier Pty Ltd

Trading as SKI CHINA

ABN 93 701 468 779

Website: www.skichina.com.au

Email: info@skichina.com.au