Some do's and don'ts prior to your departure and whilst on trip
We’re all about making your trip unforgettable; carving up the pistes, dancing in your ski boots, and creating memories that last. To keep the good times rolling, there are a few essential safety guidelines to follow. These will help ensure that you, your fellow passengers, and everyone else on holiday stay happy, healthy, and safe throughout your trip.
Our very easy guidelines to remember:
Dress for the conditions - temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains, especially in the evenings. Always wear a jacket, wear layers and keep warm.
Stay together & look out for each other - Check in with your friends, support one another, and never walk home alone.
Party responsibly - look after your drinks, don't leave drinks unattended, don’t accept drinks from strangers, drink responsibly and keep an eye on your friends.
Organise the group - Set up a WhatsApp group for your room to help safeguard keys and stay in touch. Always have charge when heading out for the day or night.
Stay hydrated - you need to drink more water than usual at altitude
Be aware of altitude - it can affect how your body responds, particularly when drinking alcohol. Pace yourself and know your limits.
Respect the slopes - wear a helmet, follow piste etiquette, control your speed, and ski within your ability.
Know when to rest - holidays can be intense; listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
The emergency services number is 112.
Ski responsibly
Check the weather in the morning
Wear a helmet and wrist protectors (if applicable)
Wear sunglasses or goggles
Wear sunscreen even in cloudy conditions
Always ski on designated open slopes only
Tell others where you are going if skiing alone
Always ski/snowboard with some cash or a debit/credit card; you never know when you'll need some emergency money.
Always take your phone, a portable charger, some form of ID, and your insurance details with you; you'll need them if you have an accident.
Be prepared, be correctly equipped, and always be insured.
If someone has an accident on the slopes you can alert Piste Security at the top or bottom of any chair lift.
Never ski off-piste on your own
Never ski out of the ski area without a guide
Never adjust your equipment rental yourselves - always return to the shop for adjustments
Don't swap skis with your friends
Follow the ski code
The 10 FIS Rules of the Slope:
Respect Others: Don't endanger or prejudice other skiers/boarders.
Control Speed: Adapt speed to conditions, ability, and traffic.
Choose Route: The skier ahead has priority; choose paths to avoid them.
Overtake Safely: Leave ample space when passing.
Entering/Starting: Look uphill and downhill before merging or starting.
Stopping: Stop at the edge, not in narrow spots or blind areas; move clear after a fall.
Climbing/Walking: Keep to the side of the piste.
Respect Signs: Obey all trail markings and signs.
Assistance: Help at accidents.
Identification: Exchange names/addresses if involved in or witness an accident.
Travel Insurance
Winter sports travel insurance is essential for any ski or snowboard holiday due to the increased risks and high costs associated with mountain environments. Specialised medical coverage is particularly important, as the likelihood of injury, such as broken limbs or ligament tears, is significantly higher while skiing or snowboarding.
Medical treatment in these cases can be extremely expensive. Mountain rescues alone can cost thousands, and subsequent treatment in private hospitals abroad can be complex and costly.
EHIC and GHIC
When you travel to an EU country you should have either:
a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Your EHIC will remain valid until its expiry date, once expired the GHIC will take over.
An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, we strongly recommend you have both a health insurance card and travel insurance, as there are limitations to the EHIC/GHIC.
When travelling in the EU and beyond, it is important you check that your travel insurance covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions, as well as the activities you plan to do on you holiday. If you have an annual policy, make sure you check the Terms and Conditions and contact your insurance provider if you’re not sure.
Behaviour
You’re not alone in resort; please show respect for residents and other people trying to enjoy their holiday.
During your holiday should your behaviour be deemed unacceptable by either the NUCO team or our suppliers, we reserve the right to action our warning procedure which can include, verbal and written warnings, fines, requirement of an additional deposit and holiday termination.
NUCO Holiday Rules
There are a few rules (not many) that you have to follow while on your NUCO holiday. If you follow these rules,you will avoid any unnecessary hassle, and can get on with having fun!
You're not alone in resort; show respect for local residents and other people trying to enjoy their holiday.
It is illegal in France to make noise after 10pm (in your residence & on the streets).
It is illegal to drink in communal areas including residences and on the streets.
Antisocial behavior and public nudity is not acceptable.
Respect and listen to NUCO reps, if we ask you to do something or be quiet, please listen – it's for your own good.
Always ski/snowboard with some cash or a debit/credit card; you never know when you'll need some emergency money.
Always take your phone, a portable charger, some form of ID, and your insurance details with you; you'll need them if you have an accident.
Be prepared, be correctly equipped, and always be insured.
If someone has an accident on the slopes you can alert Piste Security at the top or bottom of any chair lift.
Make sure you tell your friends where you are or where you're going at all times.
Never ride off piste on your own, only go with a qualified guide and always have the correct off piste equipment such as transceiver, shovel and probe.
Remember that alcohol can affect you more quickly at altitude and can dangerously limit your awareness of danger and cold.
Wrap up warm and always wear a jacket. Many bars and clubs will refuse you entry if you do not have appropriate clothing on.
Make sure you know your way back to your apartment before you leave for your night out and never walk home alone.