Georgia Ski Trips: Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Georgia Ski Trips! We're excited to help you plan your adventure. These Terms & Conditions (T&Cs) are a straightforward guide to what you can expect from us when you book a trip. Please take a moment to read them carefully, as your agreement is essential for us to proceed with any bookings.

If anything is unclear, or you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your Georgia Ski Trips consultant or email us directly at hello@georgiaskitrips.co.za. Understanding these terms will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable booking process. Understanding these terms will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable booking process.

Your Travel, Your Responsibility

Epidemics and Pandemics

When you choose to travel with GEORGIA SKI TRIPS (Pty) Ltd (2025/826493/07) ("We, Us, "Georgia Ski Trips"), you acknowledge that this is a personal decision. You are responsible for informing yourself about current travel recommendations, restrictions, and any health risks, including those related to epidemics or pandemics.

Georgia Ski Trips does not take responsibility for, and will not be liable for, any unsafe conditions or health hazards you may encounter, including illnesses. We will, however, do our best to provide you with the latest travel information regarding regulations, conditions, and supplier terms available at the time of your booking. Please understand that this information comes from third-party sources and can change without notice.

Travel insurance is mandatory. Comprehensive travel insurance (including medical, evacuation from mountain resorts, personal liability, and trip cancellation/interruption) is a condition of booking. We may request proof of cover before issuing final documents.

Important Note on Travel Insurance: Most insurance policies have specific clauses that exclude coverage for epidemics and pandemics, especially when travel warnings are in place. We strongly advise you to consult with an insurance broker if you have any questions about the appropriateness of a travel insurance policy for your specific needs. Georgia Ski Trips is not liable if you choose not to purchase insurance, nor are we responsible for any denied claims by your travel insurer related to COVID-19 or any other claim under your policy.

Risk warning. Winter sports and mountain travel carry inherent risks (weather, terrain, altitude, transport conditions). You accept these risks and agree to follow safety guidance. Nothing in these T&Cs excludes liability where such exclusion would be unlawful.

Georgia Ski Trips, its employees, and agents are not liable for any loss (financial or otherwise), damage, illness, harm, trauma, death, delay, denial of onward travel, or costs (including quarantine costs) you may incur during or after your trip. This applies whether these issues arise directly or indirectly from the risks and dangers associated with traveling during an epidemic, pandemic, or natural disaster, regardless of whether Georgia Ski Trips informed you of such risks at the time of booking except to the extent caused by our own negligent act or omission. Nothing in these T&Cs limits or excludes liability for gross negligence, wilful misconduct, or death/personal injury where such limitation or exclusion would be unlawful.

We are also not responsible for the actions or inactions of our travel suppliers, including their failure to stick to schedules, provide services, offer refunds, or honor future trip credits, as these services are performed by independent providers we do not own or control.

By booking with us, you are aware of the risks and dangers associated with travel during a pandemic (such as COVID-19). You expressly assume all of these risks and dangers and hereby release, discharge, and hold Georgia Ski Trips, its employees, officers, directors, associated and affiliated companies, and sub-contractors harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of action, suits, damages, claims, and demands of any nature that you may now have or that may arise out of or in connection with such risks and dangers, subject to the carve-outs above.

About These Terms & Conditions

Consumer Protection Act (CPA) Notice

We want to make sure you're fully informed. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) requires us to highlight certain aspects and risks, which we've done by bolding key clauses. The CPA also requires us to clarify any misunderstandings you might have.

Application of Terms

All inquiries, advice, quotes, bookings, and services provided by Georgia Ski Trips are subject to these T&Cs.

Your Agreement and Authority

When you request a quote, make a booking, or receive services from us, you are considered to have read, understood, and accepted these T&Cs. You also confirm that you have the authority to do so on behalf of anyone else included in your booking (collectively referred to as "the Client"). By replying “ACCEPT” to a quote or paying the deposit, you accept the T&Cs version referenced in your quote.

Third-Party Service Providers

Agent/Principal. Georgia Ski Trips acts as an agent for various travel industry principals, such as airlines, hotels, and car rental companies ("the Principals"). While we facilitate your bookings, we accept no liability for any loss, damage, injury, illness, harm, or death that you may suffer due to any action, omission, or failure on the part of the Principals to fulfill their obligations. We do not arrange or sell flights; you are responsible for your own flights.

Allocation of risk. While we coordinate your ground arrangements and you pay Georgia Ski Trips (who then settles with suppliers), the performance of on-the-ground services remains the responsibility of the relevant Principal/Supplier. We are not responsible for their acts/omissions, except where required by law or to the extent caused by our own negligence.

The contract for services (often the ticket or voucher issued by the Principal) will be directly between you and the Principal. Any recourse you may have will be solely against the Principal. We will provide you with the identity and terms and conditions (or access to them) of all relevant Principals for your booking. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these Principal's terms and conditions.

Specific Travel Services

Air Tickets

We do not arrange or sell flights. You are responsible for booking flights and ensuring flight times align with your ground arrangements. Flight delays/cancellations may affect your ground services and may be treated as no-shows or late cancellations under these T&Cs.

Be aware that if your flight itinerary includes more than one flight or ticket, you generally cannot use these out of sequence or skip a segment (e.g., opting for a train instead). Doing so may void the entire balance of your journey. "No-shows" can also result in your ticket being voided and/or cancellation fees. The Air T&Cs will be the sole contract between you and the airline; your recourse will be solely against them. Your rights regarding overbooking are governed by the CPA.

Loyalty programs are subject to strict rules. It is your sole responsibility to be aware of these rules and to retain boarding passes and other relevant documentation.

Booking Your Trip

Booking Process, Deposit, and Reservation

When you make an inquiry about a trip, tour, or mode of travel (the "Proposed Travel Arrangements"), Georgia Ski Trips will provide you with an estimate. Once you confirm in writing that the estimate is correct and accept these T&Cs by initialing or ticking the relevant boxes, we will prepare a final quotation (the "Quotation").

To confirm your reservation with the Principals (the "Booking"), a 25% deposit of the total estimated value of the Proposed Travel Arrangements (the "Price") as specified in the Quotation is required. Georgia Ski Trips will not confirm any reservation without receiving the deposit.

Once your Booking is complete, you will receive a Booking Confirmation Form with the final details of your trip. You must sign and return this form to us.

Destination Selection

You acknowledge that you have chosen your itinerary and destination(s) based on information from brochures and/or the internet. Georgia Ski Trips cannot guarantee that the itinerary and/or destinations will entirely match the descriptions in brochures or online.

Payment and Payment Terms

The remaining balance of the Price is due no later than eight weeks prior to departure (or by the date specified in your Quotation or Booking Confirmation Form). If final payment is not received on time, your travel documents may be delayed and require courier service at your expense, or Georgia Ski Trips may cancel your Booking. Late payment can also result in the cancellation of your reservation.

Accommodation & Equipment Damage Deposit

In addition to the Price, a refundable Accommodation & Equipment Damage Deposit (the "Damage Deposit") equivalent to 10% of the total Price is required. This Damage Deposit is payable with your final balance, due no later than eight weeks prior to departure.You acknowledge and agree that you are 100% personally and financially liable for any and all damage, loss, or theft of rented ski/snowboard equipment ("Equipment"), and for any damage caused by you or any member of your party to the provided accommodation ("Accommodation"). The Damage Deposit will be used first to cover any such costs for repair or replacement. You agree that if these costs exceed the amount of the Damage Deposit, you are liable for the remaining balance and will pay this to Georgia Ski Trips or the relevant Principal/Supplier immediately upon request. Subject to a satisfactory inspection of the accommodation and equipment by the Principals/Suppliers, this Damage Deposit, or any portion thereof remaining, will be refunded to you within 14 days of your return.

You agree to pay Georgia Ski Trips interest at a rate of 5% above the prime rate charged by Georgia Ski Trips' bank on any payment made after the due date. Credit card payments are subject to the terms and conditions specified in Georgia Ski Trips' credit card authorization form.

Prices

Prices are quoted at the prevailing daily exchange rate. Until Georgia Ski Trips has received full payment of the Price, we reserve the right to charge you for any currency fluctuations, and you agree to pay for these on demand. It is your responsibility to check the final price before making your full and final payment. Once full payment is received, the Price is guaranteed (subject to statutory increases like VAT).

If your booking is for a group and the group size changes from what was required for the original Booking, Georgia Ski Trips may re-cost the Price and apply a surcharge. If you refuse to accept and pay such a surcharge, the Principal may cancel your Booking and retain any payment made (Georgia Ski Trips will also be entitled to retain any service fees charged).

Please Note: Foreign credit cards and Diners credit cards will not be accepted. Refer to our Payment and Currency Fluctuations Terms and Conditions for more details. In the event of a manifest error (obvious pricing mistake), we may cancel and refund or re-quote before performance begins.

Responsibility, Limitation of Liability, and Indemnity

The Proposed Travel Arrangements are made with the understanding that Georgia Ski Trips, its employees, and agents are not responsible for, and are exempt from, all liability for any loss (financial or otherwise), damage, accident, injury, illness, harm, trauma, death, delay, inconvenience, or additional expense incurred by you (which includes your heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, whether on the tour or not), or to your luggage or other property, arising from services performed by independent suppliers (e.g., transport, instruction, equipment rental, third-party accommodation), except to the extent caused by our own negligent act or omission. To the extent permitted by law, our aggregate liability for our own booking/administrative errors in relation to an individual Booking is limited to the direct, proven costs reasonably incurred to correct the error, capped at the total fees paid to Georgia Ski Trips for that Booking, and excludes indirect or consequential loss (including loss of enjoyment or profit). Nothing in these T&Cs excludes or limits liability for gross negligence, wilful misconduct, or death/personal injury where such exclusion would be unlawful.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Georgia Ski Trips, its employees, and agents for losses arising from your breach of these T&Cs, unlawful conduct, or failure to follow reasonable safety instructions.

Insurance

Insurance is mandatory. All Clients must take out adequate insurance cover. This should include coverage for cancellation due to illness, accident, or injury, personal accident and personal liability, and loss of or damage to baggage and sports equipment (this is not an exhaustive list). Georgia Ski Trips will not be responsible or liable if you fail to take adequate insurance cover.

We are not obligated to arrange insurance for you unless you provide detailed written instructions. Any insurance arranged by Georgia Ski Trips based on your instructions will be subject to the exceptions and conditions imposed by the insurance company or underwriters. We are not obliged to obtain separate cover for any risks excluded by the policy. If the insurers dispute their liability for any reason, your recourse will be directly with the insurers.

Once insurance is confirmed and paid for, you will receive a policy document. This is a complex document that you must read BEFORE you travel so you can address any queries with the insurer before your departure.

Please be aware that various credit card companies offer limited levels of travel insurance, which Georgia Ski Trips does not consider sufficient cover for international travel. Kindly check with your respective credit card companies for specific details of their coverage.

Essential Travel Information

Travel Documents

Documents such as vouchers and itineraries are only prepared and released upon receipt of full payment of the Price. Upon receiving your travel documents, PLEASE CHECK that ALL the details are correct.

Passports, Visas, and Health

It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all passports and visas are current, valid, obtained on time, and will be valid for six months after your return to your home country. You are also responsible for ensuring that any required vaccinations, inoculations, or prophylactic measures (e.g., for malaria) have been obtained. Please check the requirements with Georgia Ski Trips before traveling.

While Georgia Ski Trips will endeavor to assist you, this assistance is at our discretion, and you acknowledge that we are not assuming any obligation or liability. You indemnify Georgia Ski Trips against any consequences of non-compliance.

It is your duty to familiarize yourself with the inherent dangers and the mental and/or physical condition required for the Proposed Travel Arrangements.

For travel from South Africa to another country, you are typically required to have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport (excluding the front and back cover) for visa issuance. However, always inquire with the consulate or embassy of the countries you plan to visit for specific requirements. If there is insufficient space, entry may be denied, and you could be detained. Please ensure your passport is renewed well in advance.

You must ensure that the details provided to Georgia Ski Trips exactly match the details in your passport for international travel and ID documents for local travel. As a guideline, passports should be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return to South Africa. Non-South African passport holders may also need re-entry documentation; it is entirely your duty to ensure this is in order before departure.

Late Booking and Amendment Fees

A late booking fee of $50.00 (or equivalent in Rand) per booking may apply for bookings received within 4 working days prior to the departure date. For bookings received 2 working days or less before departure, a fee of $70.00 (or equivalent in Rand) per booking may be charged. These fees cover communication expenses.

An amendment fee of $50.00 (or equivalent in Rand) per booking may be levied for any changes to your confirmed itinerary. These fees do not apply where changes are caused by a supplier or a force majeure event.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If you cancel your Booking, Georgia Ski Trips has the right to charge a cancellation fee for damages incurred. The maximum cancellation fees are as follows:

• 8 weeks or less before departure: 100% of the total amount.
• More than 8 weeks before departure: 25% of the total amount.

Georgia Ski Trips reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure, in which case your entire payment will be refunded to you without any further obligation on our part, subject to Force Majeure. Failure to present for timed services may be treated as a 100% cancellation (no-show).

Supplier recoveries. Where we are able to recover any amount from suppliers (cash refund or credit), we will pass that recovery to you less a recovery fee of up to five percent (5%) of the amount recovered to cover our processing and third-party charges.

Unscheduled Extensions

In the unlikely event of unscheduled extensions to your itinerary due to flight rescheduling, flight delays, bad weather, strikes, or any other cause beyond the control of Georgia Ski Trips, its agents, or the Principal, it is understood that expenses related to these unscheduled extensions (e.g., hotel accommodation) will be for your account.

Ski Rental Equipment

When Georgia Ski Trips provides rental equipment, this consists of skis and poles or a snowboard, ski or snowboard boots, and a helmet (“Equipment”). The level of the skis or snowboard will be suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers known as "All Mountain". Upgrades for advanced/expert-level equipment may be available for a surcharge and must be requested at the time of booking. Guests will need to provide proof of identification to collect equipment. There will be no refund for days not used. Equipment must be returned before the close of business on the last day of rental. Guests will be charged the supplier rate for any gear not returned on time. Any problems (e.g., broken gear, wrong size) must be reported immediately ("on the spot") to the local shop in Gudauri. In the case of damages or loss, you are 100% liable for the cost of repair or its current value. These costs will be recovered from your Accommodation & Equipment Damage Deposit as detailed in these T&Cs. You will be liable for any costs exceeding the deposit amount.

Itinerary Variations and Transfers

While we make every effort to stick to the final itinerary, Georgia Ski Trips reserves the right to make changes for your convenience. For example, weather conditions may necessitate an alteration in the itinerary, and this does not constitute a reason for a refund. It is your responsibility to check each amendment to the itinerary and to sign the final version.

Breakaways

If you choose to break away from the itinerary, it is understood that such breakaways will be for your account.

General Conditions

Law and Jurisdiction

The relationship between you and Georgia Ski Trips will be governed by South African law and the jurisdiction of South African courts. Georgia Ski Trips may institute legal proceedings arising from or connected to this contract in any Magistrates Court with jurisdiction, even if the amount in question exceeds the limits of such jurisdiction.

Conduct

You agree to always comply with the requirements and instructions of Georgia Ski Trips or others regarding your conduct. You will not in any way hinder any other passenger or person on the tour, mode of conveyance, or at any accommodation, entertainment, or dining venue. You indemnify and hold harmless Georgia Ski Trips against any damages suffered or costs incurred by us or any third party as a result of a breach of this clause. Suppliers or we may refuse participation where safety is at risk or house rules are breached; related costs are for your account.

Special Requests

If you have special requests, please specify them to Georgia Ski Trips in your inquiry or when responding to our estimate. While we will do our best to accommodate such requests, we do not guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Amendments

No amendment, cancellation, or waiver of any term or right referred to herein will be valid or binding unless it is in writing and signed by both you and a duly authorized representative of Georgia Ski Trips.

Refunds

Refunds from Principals will be subject to their individual decisions and rules. Where we recover funds or credits from suppliers, we will pass them to you less the recovery fee stated above.

Force Majeure

Georgia Ski Trips has the right to cancel any contract if its fulfillment is rendered impossible, impeded, or frustrated by strikes, lock-outs, civil commotion, war, acts of God, force majeure, lack of materials, operation of law or regulations, or orders made by any statutory or other duly constituted authorities, or any other cause beyond our control. If legal or physical impossibility prevents delivery of services (e.g., border closures, resort closure, official transport stoppage, severe weather preventing access), we will first pursue credits/refunds from suppliers. Any amounts recovered will be passed to you less the recovery fee above. If a supplier issues a credit only, we will issue you a corresponding credit.

Force Majeure includes renovations that may be carried out at your resort. While Georgia Ski Trips will do its best to provide current information in that regard and the resort will try to minimize inconvenience, the fact that renovations are occurring does not constitute grounds for any claim against Georgia Ski Trips unless service quality is materially impaired and a supplier concession is secured.

Georgia Ski Trips will use its best endeavors to recover from third parties any monies that may have been paid to them on your behalf. Any monies recovered by Georgia Ski Trips will be reimbursed to you, minus a recovery fee of up to 5% of the amount recovered.

Foreign Exchange Regulation Compliance

This is your exclusive duty. This applies especially when you instruct Georgia Ski Trips to make and pay for travel arrangements via the Internet.

Internet Bookings

If you request or instruct Georgia Ski Trips to make bookings via the internet, you irrevocably authorize Georgia Ski Trips to:

• Make any selections for the Proposed Travel Arrangements.
• Make payments.
• Accept booking conditions on your behalf.

Driver's License

Even if you have an international driver's license, please take your national driver's license with you.

Confidentiality

Subject to statutory constraints or compliance with a court order, Georgia Ski Trips undertakes to deal with all your personal information on a strictly confidential basis.

Confirmation of Travel Arrangements

All onward travel arrangements (local and international, and domestic connecting flights upon return to South Africa) must be reconfirmed by you 72 hours prior to departure.

Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these T&Cs will be handled as follows:

• Amicable Resolution: The parties will meet within 5 working days of the dispute arising to attempt to resolve the matter amicably.
• Mediation: If an amicable resolution is not reached within 5 days of their meeting, they will attempt mediation. An independent third-party mediator will be mutually agreed upon, or, failing agreement, appointed by the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) within 5 days. The mediation must take place within a further 5 days.
• Arbitration: If mediation fails, the dispute must be referred to arbitration in Johannesburg within two days of the failure to resolve the dispute via mediation. This referral must be in writing and conducted according to AFSA rules in force at that time, which are incorporated into this clause by reference. The tribunal will consist of one arbitrator appointed under AFSA Rules. The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding and will provide the sole and exclusive remedies for the parties. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The commencement of arbitration proceedings will not affect the continued performance of obligations related to the subject matter. All arbitration proceedings will be in English.
• Urgent Applications: Notwithstanding the above, either party may bring an urgent application to any court with jurisdiction if circumstances warrant such an application.

Domicilium et Executandi

The parties elect their respective domicilium et executandi (address for service of legal documents) as reflected in the Booking.

Entire Contract

These T&Cs constitute the entire terms of the relationship between the parties. There are no other terms, conditions, warranties, representations, guarantees, promises, undertakings, or inducements of any nature whatsoever (whether verbal, written, or electronic) regulating the relationship, and you acknowledge that you have not relied on any matter or thing stated on behalf of Georgia Ski Trips or otherwise that is not included herein.

Important Notes on Pricing

• Prices quoted are purely indicative and based on an average. An actual price will be quoted based on availability, room type, nightly rate, and current exchange rate for your requested travel dates at the time of inquiry.
• Prices are correct at the time of loading onto the website and are subject to change without notice.
• Prices quoted are valid for travel between the dates specified per package reference code only.
• Advance purchase, peak/high season surcharges, block-out periods, and minimum stay conditions may apply.
• Prices quoted are per person sharing (pps) unless otherwise specified.
• All prices quoted are subject to airfare increases (if specified), availability, currency fluctuations, and an increase in price without prior notice.
• All levies and taxes, including airport taxes, fuel levies, and surcharges, if specified, are an estimate based on current pricing and exchange rates and are subject to change without prior notice. The exact costs will be confirmed at the time of booking.
• Georgia Ski Trips' standard terms and conditions & online booking terms and conditions apply.
• Errors & Omissions Excepted (E&OE). Obvious pricing mistakes (manifest errors) may be corrected by cancelling and refunding or re-quoting before performance begins.

Georgia Ski Trips — Customer Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

(This waiver is in addition to our Terms & Conditions. Capitalised terms have the meaning given in the T&Cs.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. BY ACCEPTING, YOU AGREE TO IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITIES.

1) Acknowledgement of Risks (Drawn to Your Attention)

I understand that winter sports and mountain travel involve inherent risks, including but not limited to: variable weather, snow and ice, avalanches, terrain hazards, altitude, slips/falls, lift operations, collisions with objects or other persons, equipment failure or mis-fit, road conditions during mountain transfers, and delays or disruptions. I confirm I have been advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance (medical, evacuation from mountain areas, personal liability, trip cancellation/interruption).

2) Role of Georgia Ski Trips (Agent/Principal)

I acknowledge that Georgia Ski Trips acts as an agent that arranges and coordinates services delivered by independent providers (transport, guides/instructors, equipment rental, accommodation owned/operated by third parties). I understand these services are performed by independent providers that Georgia Ski Trips does not own or control. I confirm I will comply with all safety instructions and rules issued by such providers.

3) Assumption of Risk

I voluntarily accept and assume all risks associated with my participation in the activities and travel arrangements, including the risk of injury, illness, property loss, or death, except to the extent caused by the negligent act or omission of Georgia Ski Trips.

4) Release & Indemnity (Drawn to Your Attention)

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Georgia Ski Trips, its employees and agents from any liability for loss, damage, injury, illness, delay, or expense arising from the acts/omissions in the delivery of services by independent providers, except to the extent caused by Georgia Ski Trips' own negligence.

I agree to indemnify Georgia Ski Trips against third-party claims and costs (including reasonable legal costs) resulting from my breach of the Waiver or T&Cs, my unsafe conduct, or damage I cause.

Nothing in this Waiver limits liability for gross negligence, wilful misconduct, or death/personal injury where such limitation would be unlawful.

5) Medical Fitness & Emergency Care

I confirm I am medically fit for winter sports or have disclosed relevant conditions. I authorise reasonable first aid and emergency medical treatment, including evacuation if necessary, and accept responsibility for related costs not covered by my insurance.

6) Equipment, Accommodation & Damage Deposit

I acknowledge and agree that I am 100% personally and financially liable for any and all damage, loss, or theft of rented ski/snowboard equipment ("Equipment"), and for any damage caused by me or any member of my party to the provided accommodation ("Accommodation"). I am responsible for the proper care and safe use of all Equipment and the Accommodation. I acknowledge that the 10% Accommodation & Equipment Damage Deposit, as detailed in the main Terms & Conditions, will be used to cover such costs. I further agree that if these costs exceed the amount of the Deposit, I remain liable for the remaining balance and will pay this to Georgia Ski Trips or the relevant supplier immediately upon request.

7) Flights & Timing

I understand Georgia Ski Trips does not book flights. I am responsible for arranging flights and ensuring timing aligns with ground services. I acknowledge that flight delays/cancellations can constitute a no-show/late cancellation under the T&Cs, with related charges.

8) Personal Conduct & Safety Rules

I will follow all reasonable safety instructions, use appropriate gear (including helmets where recommended/required), and not participate while impaired. Providers or Georgia Ski Trips may deny participation where safety or house rules are at risk; related costs are for my account.

9) Governing Law, Disputes & Severability

This Waiver is governed by South African law and forms part of my contract with Georgia Ski Trips (see T&Cs for dispute resolution). If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains enforceable.