Terms and conditions of booking

Please read these Booking Terms and Conditions carefully before making a booking.

By making a booking through the Peak Academy Snowsports website, you agree to be bound by these Booking Terms and Conditions.

In these Booking Conditions, references to “you” and “your” include the person making the booking and all participants included in the booking. References to “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Peak Academy Snowsports, registered in Italy.

Peak Academy Snowsports operates as an online booking platform / marketplace connecting clients with independent certified ski instructors. Peak Academy Snowsports is not a traditional ski school and does not employ the instructors listed on the platform.

1. Payment and Lesson Bookings

1.1 All lessons must be booked and paid for before the start of the lesson.

1.2 Payment must be made only through the official payment methods provided on the Peak Academy Snowsports website or booking system.

1.3 A booking is confirmed only when full payment has been received and a booking confirmation has been sent by email, SMS, WhatsApp or another written communication method.

1.4 Peak Academy Snowsports accepts no responsibility for payments made directly to instructors or through unofficial channels.

1.5 Any payment made directly to an instructor outside the Peak Academy Snowsports booking system is strictly outside our responsibility and protection.

1.6 Prices shown on the website are for ski instruction only, unless expressly stated otherwise.

1.7 Lift passes, equipment rental, transport, accommodation, insurance, food, drinks and any other external costs are not included.

2. Nature of the Service

2.1 Peak Academy Snowsports acts as an intermediary platform connecting clients with independent instructors.

2.2 All instructors operate as independent, self-employed professionals.

2.3 The ski instruction service is delivered directly by the instructor.

2.4 Peak Academy Snowsports does not employ instructors and is not responsible for the direct execution of the lesson.

2.5 Each instructor is responsible for holding the required qualifications, authorisations, professional insurance and legal ability to work in the relevant country or ski area.

2.6 Peak Academy Snowsports may collect payment on behalf of the instructor and may deduct a platform/service fee.

3. Booking Details and Client Responsibility

3.1 It is your responsibility to correctly select:

• lesson type
• date
• time
• duration
• meeting point
• number of participants
• ski level
• age of participants
• any relevant health or safety information

3.2 You must check your booking confirmation carefully.

3.3 If any information is incorrect, you must contact us immediately.

3.4 Peak Academy Snowsports and/or the instructor cannot be held responsible if you book the wrong lesson, wrong date, wrong time, wrong meeting point, wrong level or wrong lesson type.

3.5 If you arrive for a different product or service than the one booked, the instructor may only provide the service originally booked.

3.6 Any time lost because of incorrect booking details, wrong equipment, late arrival or wrong meeting point will be deducted from the lesson time and will not be refunded.

4. Meeting Point and Punctuality

4.1 You are responsible for arriving at the correct meeting point at the correct time.

4.2 Meeting point details will be provided in the booking confirmation.

4.3 The instructor will wait a maximum of 30 minutes from the scheduled start time unless otherwise agreed.

4.4 The lesson will always finish at the scheduled end time, even if you arrive late.

4.5 No refund, extension or compensation will be provided for late arrival.

4.6 If you fail to attend the lesson, the lesson will be considered used and no refund will be due.

5. Safety and Behaviour

5.1 All participants must behave safely and responsibly at all times.

5.2 You must follow the instructor’s safety instructions.

5.3 The instructor has full authority to modify, stop, refuse or cancel participation in a lesson where safety may be compromised.

5.4 The instructor may exclude any participant without refund if the participant:

• behaves dangerously
• ignores safety instructions
• is aggressive or abusive
• appears under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• endangers themselves, the instructor or others
• has provided false or misleading information about level, age, health or ability

5.5 The instructor’s decision on safety is final.

6. Health, Fitness and Medical Conditions

6.1 You must inform Peak Academy Snowsports and/or the instructor before the lesson of any medical condition, injury, disability, medication, pregnancy, allergy, fear, limitation or other matter that may affect participation.

6.2 By booking, you confirm that all participants are physically fit and able to take part in skiing or snow sports activities.

6.3 Peak Academy Snowsports and the instructor are not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused by failure to disclose relevant health or fitness information.

7. Insurance

7.1 You are strongly advised to have suitable insurance covering:

• skiing and snow sports
• personal accident
• third-party liability
• medical expenses
• mountain rescue
• cancellation
• equipment loss, theft or damage
• unused lift passes

7.2 Peak Academy Snowsports does not provide insurance.

7.3 If you book a freeride, off-piste or avalanche awareness session, your insurance must specifically cover off-piste skiing with a qualified instructor.

7.4 Accidents can happen in the mountain environment and may require immediate payment or insurance cover.

8. Adults Lessons

8.1 Adults lessons may be booked according to level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.

8.2 It is your responsibility to select the correct level.

8.3 If the selected level is incorrect, the instructor may adapt the lesson for safety reasons.

8.4 No refund will be given if the lesson content changes because the selected level was incorrect.

9. Kids Lessons

9.1 Kids lessons may be booked according to level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.

9.2 Children must normally be at least 5 years old unless otherwise agreed before booking.

9.3 Parents or guardians must provide accurate information about age, ski level, previous experience, confidence and any relevant medical or behavioural information.

9.4 Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring children have the correct clothing, equipment, lift pass, snacks and any required medication.

9.5 The instructor may refuse or stop the lesson if a child is not suitably equipped, is too tired, distressed, unsafe, or unable to continue.

9.6 No refund will be given where a lesson is stopped or adapted for the child’s safety or wellbeing.

10. Group / Family Lessons

10.1 Group / Family Lessons are private lessons for families or groups booking together.

10.2 Group / Family Lessons may include mixed ages and mixed abilities.

10.3 Clients must provide details in booking notes:

• number of participants
• ages
• ski levels
• previous experience
• goals and expectations
• special needs or relevant information

10.4 The instructor will adapt the lesson to the group.

10.5 The lesson will progress at the safest and most appropriate pace for the whole group.

10.6 Progress for all participants is not guaranteed in mixed-level lessons.

10.7 Incorrect or missing information may result in modification or refusal of the lesson without refund.

10.8 Maximum group size is 6 people unless otherwise agreed.

11. Freeride Lessons and Avalanche Safety

11.1 Freeride lessons involve off-piste skiing and increased risks.

11.2 Participants must be competent skiers with suitable equipment.

11.3 Required equipment may include skis, helmet, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and backpack.

11.4 Avalanche training may be included but does not eliminate risk.

11.5 The instructor may modify or cancel off-piste elements for safety.

11.6 Conditions may affect access to freeride terrain.

11.7 No refund is given for safety-related adaptations.

12. Instructor Allocation

12.1 Peak Academy Snowsports may allocate an available independent instructor according to date, time, location, level, language, availability and suitability.

12.2 We may change the instructor before the lesson if necessary.

12.3 A change of instructor does not entitle you to a refund, provided that a suitable qualified instructor is supplied.

13. If We Change or Cancel Your Booking

13.1 We reserve the right to change instructor, meeting point, time or lesson structure where reasonably necessary.

13.2 If we cancel a lesson, we will try in this order:

• Rescheduling
• Alternative lesson or instructor
• Credit voucher
• Refund

13.3 We are not liable for external costs such as travel, accommodation, equipment rental, lift passes, transport or insurance.

13.4 Lessons may be adapted due to weather, lift closure, snow conditions, piste closure, avalanche danger or other circumstances beyond our control.

13.5 Safety-related adaptation does not automatically entitle you to a refund.

14. If You Change Your Booking

14.1 Changes to booking details must be requested as soon as possible.

14.2 We will try to accommodate changes but cannot guarantee availability.

14.3 Changes may not be possible during peak periods.

14.4 An administration fee may apply.

14.5 Any price difference must be paid before the lesson.

15. Cancellation by You

15.1 Refunds are calculated as follows:

• More than 8 weeks before lesson: 100% refund
• 3 to 8 weeks before lesson: 75% refund
• 2 to 3 weeks before lesson: 50% refund
• Less than 2 weeks before lesson: no refund

15.2 Refunds may be subject to payment processing and administration fees.

15.3 Administration fee is the greater of:

• 3.8% of refund value
• €25

15.4 No refund is given for:

• late arrival
• no-show
• illness or injury
• wrong meeting point
• wrong equipment
• wrong lesson type
• unused lesson time
• unused lift pass
• lack of insurance
• personal change of plans
• travel disruption outside our control

15.5 Cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

16. Right of Withdrawal

16.1 Lessons are leisure services scheduled for specific dates.

16.2 Where allowed by law, the right of withdrawal does not apply to dated bookings.

16.3 By booking, you acknowledge cancellation rules are governed by these terms.

17. Transferability of Lessons

17.1 Lessons may not be resold.

17.2 Transfers to another participant must be approved in writing before the lesson.

17.3 Replacement participants must meet lesson requirements.

17.4 Transfers may be refused if unsuitable.

17.5 The original booker remains responsible for the booking.

18. Equipment, Lift Passes and Clothing

18.1 Participants must have appropriate equipment, clothing and lift pass before the lesson.

18.2 Equipment and lift passes are not included unless stated.

18.3 Incorrect equipment may result in delay, modification or refusal of the lesson.

18.4 Time lost due to equipment issues is not refundable.

19. Weather, Snow Conditions and Lift Closures

19.1 Mountain conditions may change quickly.

19.2 Lessons take place in most weather conditions.

19.3 Weather or resort conditions do not automatically entitle you to a refund.

19.4 Lessons may be adapted for safety.

19.5 If no safe alternative is possible, we will attempt rescheduling or other solutions.

20. Photography and Videography

20.1 Instructors may use photo or video for teaching purposes.

20.2 Media may be used for feedback and technical analysis.

20.3 Marketing use requires consent where appropriate.

20.4 You must notify us in writing if you do not want to be recorded.

20.5 Recording instructors or participants without consent is not allowed.

21. Complaints

21.1 Issues should be raised during the lesson where possible.

21.2 If unresolved, contact us as soon as possible after the lesson.

21.3 Complaints must include:

• booking reference
• date and time
• meeting point
• instructor name
• description of issue
• supporting evidence (if available)

21.4 Late complaints may be harder to investigate.

22. Fraud Prevention

22.1 Bookings are only valid if made through official channels.

22.2 Suspicious or fraudulent bookings may be cancelled.

22.3 We are not responsible for unauthorised third-party bookings.

23. Limitation of Liability

23.1 Skiing and mountain activities involve inherent risks.

23.2 We are not liable for actions of independent instructors except where legally required.

23.3 We are not responsible for events outside our control, including:

• weather and snow conditions
• lift or piste closures
• avalanche danger
• resort restrictions
• accidents or injuries
• illness or delays
• transport disruption

23.4 We are not liable for indirect losses, including profit, opportunity, travel or accommodation costs.

23.5 Nothing excludes liability where it cannot legally be excluded.

24. Data Collection and Communication

24.1 We collect data necessary to process bookings and provide services.

24.2 This may include:

• name
• email address
• phone number
• participant details
• ages
• ski levels
• booking details
• health or safety information (if provided)

24.3 We may contact you via email, SMS, WhatsApp or phone.

24.4 Booking information may be shared with instructors where necessary.

24.5 See our Privacy Policy for more information.

25. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

25.1 These terms are governed by the laws of Italy.

25.2 Disputes are subject to Italian courts.

25.3 Consumer protection laws may also apply where relevant.

26. Contact Details

For booking enquiries:

Peak Academy Snowsports
Email: peakacademysnowsports@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +39 344 579 4122